TOP 4 POST OF 2024 ✨ Exclusively breastfed babies (0-6 months old) do not need additional water. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that babies that are breastfed don’t need additional water, as breast milk is over 80 percent water and provides the fluids your baby needs! Even in the first few days after birth before mom’s milk has “come in”, colostrum is all that is needed to keep the baby well hydrated (assuming baby is nursing effectively). You may notice your infant requiring more nursing sessions if prolonged time is spent in the heat. I highly recommend offering more nursing sessions if you have any concerns with less than optimal fluid intake, or if you see decreased wet diaper output. Again, if you have any concerns about your child being dehydrated, reach out to your pediatrician immediately. Small amounts of water when starting solids at 6 months can be provided with meals. This can help with clearing the mouth if baby overstuffs or with pacing the feeding. No more than 4-8 ounces of water should be provided a day from the age of 6-12 months. Water can be provided in an open cup or straw cup at mealtimes which helps promote oral motor skills. For 6 to 12-month-olds, offering a small amount of plain water (4-8 ounces total per day) in an open, sippy, or strawed cup is recommended.12 This drinking water is not intended to replace any amount of breast milk or infant formula, and practically speaking, it is unlikely that much of this drinking water will be ingested as many infants 6 to 12-months-old are still developing cup-drinking skills. This practice is suggested to help familiarize the infant with plain water Source: Lott M, Callahan E, Welker Duffy E, Story M, Daniels S. Healthy Beverage Consumption in Early Childhood: Recommendations from Key National Health and Nutrition Organizations. Consensus Statement. Durham, NC: Healthy Eating Research, 2019. Available at http://healthyeatingresearch.org.
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