Giving water to newborns

[NotAPollyanna]

I seem to remember this isn't safe. Do any of you know and if so why?

it isn't necessary

they really don't need it, and i suppose if given in large enough quantities could affect the amount of milk they take

IIRC, you don't need to if you are breast feeding. I'm not sure about formula though. It was thought that they could get dehydrated from drinking just milk, this was changed when I had ds though and he's 10 now.

It can fill them up and mean they don't take as much milk as they need to put on weight etc. If you are breastfeeding, it is unnecessary as your milk changes to meet the demand.

However sometimes formula fed babies need water, for example if it is very hot. I would check with your doctor or health visitor (??) though first.

water intoxication in babies is a hazard.

Thanks for these replies. Can you explain a bit more foxytocin. The baby is less than a week and drinking formula if that helps.

a bit here re water intoxication

My MiL and SiL were on my case constantly about giving DS water when he was a newborn. He didn't need it, nor want it (loves it now he's 12 months). It is so unnecessary IMO- isn't breast and formula 80% water anyway??

No need for water unless treal wind problem

I think no need unless it is really hot. In this situation I always used to offer it.

Thanks for that extra information, foxytocin and BoysAreLikeDogs. I was under great pressure to give DS water and tea (ffs) when he was 2.5 months and we were away in a warm place with family. I kept repeating that he would be fine with my breastmilk, and didn't want to fill him up on water so he had no space for milk, but it was a battle to repeat that all the time. I'm glad I did, though!

you are welcome

good lord it's mears !!

Not seen you for aaages

see here

orhere even

A teaspoon of water before a feed does help wind. It also does help if it is very hot and they are dehrydrated.

Yes but I am talking about 3oz of water for a 5-day-old baby. Is that normal? Is that safe?

no I don't think it either normal or safe

I remember giving water to mine on hv advice. I had no idea it was dangerous.

A 5 day old baby should be getting milk not water. What is the rationale behind water?

I don't know the rationale mears as it is not my baby and so not my business but I was a bit taken aback and was wondering if water is perfectly acceptable and I was a bit silly to be so surprised.