Breastfed 8 month old and water

[Starry4321]

Our 8 month old baby is exclusively breastfed and we have been adding in some baby led weaning type solids for a few months. I am currently sitting here feeling like the worst mum ever as for some reason I didn’t realise he would also need extra water by now. I’ve just been giving him his usual feeds whenever he wants and trying some solids. I’ll be sorting out a sippy cup from today but I am really beating myself up over this that I’ve been dehydrating my child. He has plenty of wet nappies and I breastfeed on demand.

Can anyone offer some gentle words of reassurance to a mum who is feeling very guilty 😢😢😢😢

The cup of water is to get your child used to the cup, not for them drinking a huge amount of water. To start with they will only take a few sips anyway and then probably dribble them out their mouth!

If they're having plenty of wet and dirty nappies and you bf on demand then they won't be dehydrated op! As pp said its just to get them used to it. Food before 1 is just for fun, bf will still be a huge part of their hydration and nutrition at that age so don't panic!

My baby is the same age and we are doing the same as you solids wise and breast feeding. I have been giving water (when I remember to!) but it just dribbles back out of his mouth again, he doesn't seem to realise he's meant to swallow it. I'd be amazed if he gets even a teaspoon of water per day. So there you go, we've both got dehydrated babies!

Please don't worry, baby just needs it to get used to drinking it. He will be getting all he needs from you. You're doing a great job!

Confirming I have been trying him with a sippy cup and so far he’s enjoying banging it off his high chair and pouring water all over himself 😅 we will get there eventually I am sure!

It's definitely a skill that some take time to learn @Starry4321. They'll get there in the end

Your milk contains plenty of water, in fact the exact amount your baby needs.