Why should babies not drink water before 6 months of age?

THÙY DƯƠNG (t/H) |

Many parents mistakenly believe that giving newborns more water is good. But this can affect your baby's health.

The natural reaction of many parents when seeing their newborn sweating or feeling thirsty is to think about giving their baby water. However, according to experts, children under 6 months old should not drink water and giving them water incorrectly can lead to a dangerous condition called water poisoning.

Children's kidneys are not developed to process water

According to nurse Brandi Jones, MSN-ED, RN-BC, editor and author at verywell Health, a child healthcare professional in the US, the kidneys of children under 6 months old are not mature enough to filter and remove excess water from the body. When drinking too much water, the young body is likely to experience electrolyte imbalance, specifically sodium, potassium and calcium, which play an important role in regulating heart rate, nerve and muscle function.

Pediatrician Daniel Combs, MD, medical consultant for the article, emphasized: water poisoning is a rare but extremely serious condition that can cause children to feel nauseous, have cramps, swell and even fall into a coma if not intervened promptly.

Only use water when mixing formula and the right dosage

In the first 6 months of life, babies only need to breastfeed or drink formula. If using powdered milk, it is necessary to mix it according to the instructions on the packaging, absolutely do not "add" water to increase the volume of the milk bottle. This action may seem harmless, but it can cause nutritional deficiencies and increase the risk of water poisoning in children.

If families have difficulty buying milk, parents can contact support programs such as WIC (US Special Supplemental Nutrition Program) or medical facilities for advice and access to support sources.

When can children start drinking water?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children can start drinking a small amount of water around 6 months old, which is when they start eating solids and their kidneys are mature enough to process the added fluid.

Start with 12 ounces (3060ml) of water per day, divided into several small pieces. Absolutely do not replace breast milk or formula with water. Use a drinking cup with a soft hop instead of a bottle to help children learn drinking skills.

What to do when children are thirsty in hot weather?

Even in hot weather or when the baby is slightly ill, breast milk or formula is still the best source of water. If your baby shows signs of dehydration ( little rain, dry lips, dark urine), breastfeed more and consult a doctor. Only use rehydration solutions like Pedialyte according to medical instructions.

In short, water is not an essential need for babies under 6 months old. Understanding this principle helps parents avoid serious health risks and protect children in the first months of life, which are very fragile.

THÙY DƯƠNG (t/H)
TIN LIÊN QUAN

Tips on how to drink coconut water to protect kidney health

|

Although coconut water is very good, you need to pay attention when using it, especially for people with kidney disease.

The Ministry of Public Security proposes to impose a fine of up to 100 million VND for beating a newborn

|

The Ministry of Public Security proposes to double the fine in addition to the prison sentence for the crime of exploiting a person under 1 year old in the draft Penal Code (amended).

China breaks 300 hydroelectric dams on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River

|

China has broken 300 dams and suspended many hydropower stations on major river branches in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.

Sa Pa promptly evacuates people from areas at risk of landslides

|

Lao Cai - Sa Pa ward authorities have promptly warned and supported the evacuation of people from areas at risk of landslides.

More than 700 households in Ho Chi Minh City live insecurely in dilapidated apartments after 15 years of use

|

HCMC - After more than 15 years of use, the An Phuc - An Loc apartment building is seriously deteriorating, affecting the lives of more than 700 households.

2.9 holiday tour prices increase slightly, businesses proactively stabilize

|

HCMC - On the occasion of September 2, airfares increased slightly, causing tour prices to increase slightly. Travel businesses proactively plan to keep prices stable and meet tourist needs.

Do not delay the selection of the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway bidding

|

The Deputy Prime Minister directed Dong Nai province to review, inspect and re-evaluate the entire process of selecting the contractor for the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway.

Miss Vietnam Ha Truc Linh: I like Soobin, Jun Pham, I used to hunt for tickets to the show Anh Trai

|

Miss Vietnam 2024 Ha Truc Linh has revealed her love for the show "Call Me by Fire".

Tips on how to drink coconut water to protect kidney health

MINH CHÂU - ĐINH ĐINH (T/H) |

Although coconut water is very good, you need to pay attention when using it, especially for people with kidney disease.

The Ministry of Public Security proposes to impose a fine of up to 100 million VND for beating a newborn

Dương Anh |

The Ministry of Public Security proposes to double the fine in addition to the prison sentence for the crime of exploiting a person under 1 year old in the draft Penal Code (amended).

Mỗi người bị ngộ độc nước có thuốc diệt cỏ ở Điện Biên nhận hỗ trợ 3 triệu đồng

VĂN THÀNH CHƯƠNG |

Điện Biên - Vụ 20 người ngộ độc do nguồn nước có thành phần thuốc diệt cỏ, Nhà máy thủy điện Nậm Khẩu Hu đã hỗ trợ mỗi người dân 3 triệu đồng.