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Weaning

Find weaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Weaning forum. Use our child development calendar for more information.

How much water should I give my 6 month old?

12 replies

Ttc321 · 01/07/2018 12:31

Hi, how much water intake should a 6 month old have?
I’m a Ftm and my son has just turned 6 months, I am struggling to find a straight answer on how much water I should give my baby now he is 6 months. I have been giving him around 1-2ounces in this hot weather. Can I give him juice? Advice please.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 01/07/2018 13:30

If he's still taking plenty of milk then they won't need that much water. I just offered water with meals/snacks

FATEdestiny · 01/07/2018 13:50

Can I give him juice?

Sugar free squash is better than too much fruit juice. But yes, giving more interesting fluids than just water is fine.

I have always encouraged a lot of drinking in my children. They don't tend to go looking for a drink, but if you offer very frequently they soon get the idea.

Finding a beaker that works for your child may be key. Mine always preferred beakers with pop-up soft straws to the spout-type beakers. We've never got on with no-spill beakers either- too much suction required from baby.

dementedpixie · 01/07/2018 14:05

I wouldn't give sugar free squash to a baby. Theu dont need fruit juice either. If you give juice then dilute it well

FoxAndBear · 01/07/2018 14:20

Babies done need fruit juice or squash and they don't have a taste for it so why would you give it to them? You're just encouraging them to have a sweet tooth and asking for rotten teeth.

FoxAndBear · 01/07/2018 14:21

Don't*

MarshaBradyo · 01/07/2018 14:22

Just offer with food
Don’t give the squash

littlemisscomper · 01/07/2018 14:31

If you're still breast feeding you don't need to worry too much - breast milk is naturally diluted to give baby enough fluid on hotter days. I would still offer cool boiled water though. I recommend this beaker:

www.amazon.co.uk/Munchkin-Miracle-Degree-Trainer-Blue/dp/B0158YQYWU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?psc=1&s=baby&keywords=munckin+miricle+beaker&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1530451663&sr=1-1-spons

Please, please, please don't give fruit juice or squash (FATE, you do realise 'sugar free' squash contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame right?). There is seriously nothing to be gained by offering sweetened drinks. Water is absolutely fine.

FATEdestiny · 01/07/2018 15:16

NHS Eat Well campaign says sugar free squash is OK for fluids, so there's absolutely nothing controversial about suggesting it (in particular as a recommendation as an alternate to too much fruit juice).

It is not rocket science you realise just water is ideal.

It is also wholly correct that our health service says sugar free squash is fine for children to drink as part of a balanced diet.

dementedpixie · 01/07/2018 15:39

Don't need to boil water to give to a 6 month old, just give out the tap. I don't think nhs says to give sugar free squash to that age of baby either

dementedpixie · 01/07/2018 15:46

From nhs:
Fruit juice and smoothies

Fruit juices, such as orange juice, are a good source of vitamin C. However, theyalso contain natural sugars and acids, which can cause tooth decay.

Babies under six months oldshouldn'tbe givenfruit juices. Diluted fruit juice (one part juice to 10 parts water) can be given to children with their meals after six months. Giving fruit juice with mealtimes(rather than between) helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.

From agefive,it's OK to give your child undiluted fruit juice or smoothies, but stick to no more than one glass (about 150ml) a day served with a meal.

(Squashes, flavoured milk, 'fruit' or 'juice' drinks andfizzy drinks*

These are not suitable for young babies. These drinks contain sugar and can cause tooth decay, even when diluted.

For older babies and toddlers, these drinks can lead to poor appetite,poor weight gain and, in toddlers, diarrhoea. Even drinks that have artificial sweeteners can encourage children to develop a sweet tooth.

Watch out for drinks that say 'fruit' or 'juice'drink on the pack. These probably won't count towards your child's5A DAYand can be high in sugar.

Fizzy drinks are acidic and can damage tooth enamel so they shouldn't be given to babies and toddlers.

Diet or reduced-sugar drinks aren't recommended for babies and toddlers

Tiptopj · 01/07/2018 15:50

Because of the heat I've been giving 2 to 3 oz of "baby squash" throughout the day to my 6 month old as he currently won't drink water and i want him to get some extra fluid. Once the temperature drops a bit l try with the water just at meal times again

dementedpixie · 01/07/2018 16:00

I would dilute the baby juice too

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