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.
