Why you shouldn't give your baby water before 6 months

By Mélodie CapronnierShareSend by e-mail

If you have a baby under 6 months old, you probably already know that he is too young to drink water. This is something that (almost) all new parents are aware of, but often don't know why. To answer this question, The Insider spoke to two specialists: Dr. Deborah Malkoff-Cohen, pediatrician-dietician, and Dr. Natasha Burgert, pediatrician.

Water can prevent baby from feeding properly

Giving water to your infant to hydrate him is useless, he already has everything he needs in the milk he ingests, at the breast or bottle. "All hydration needs are met by breast milk or infant formula even when it's hot and humid in the summer," says Dr. Deborah Malkoff-Cohen. By making him drink water, you risk preventing his good nutrition: "Water is not recommended for babies under 6 months because even small quantities can fill their little belly and interfere with their body's ability to absorb nutrients," explains the dietitian. To sum up, not only does this risk cutting off his appetite, but the little he eats will also be poorly absorbed.

Kidneys in infants are not mature enough

"Before 6 months of age, a baby's kidneys are too immature to properly filter pure water, leaving the baby at risk of water intoxication," says Dr. Natasha Burgert. Water intoxication can affect his growth and development and also make him very sick. When he is older, the problem no longer arises: "When a baby grows, his kidneys are mature. At the age of 6 months, his body is able to consume water without risk".

Be careful not to mix too much water with the milk powder

The Insider warns new parents that putting too much water in a baby milk bottle can prevent proper nutrient absorption. By exceeding the quantity indicated on the box, there is the risk of water intoxication. But that's not all: its electrolyte balance can be disturbed, which risks leading to attacks, indicates the American Academy of Pediatrics. We must also remember that we must choose the water used to prepare a bottle.

Avoid water, even if Baby is sick

The Insider article reminds that, even if your infant under 6 months is sick, you should not give him water or fruit juice to rehydrate him. Dr. Deborah Malkoff-Cohen explains, again, that this may affect her appetite and prevent nutrients from being absorbed properly. Instead, consult your doctor who may, for example, prescribe a rehydration solution.

From when, and how, to give water to Baby?

These recommendations are valid until the age of 6 months. Afterwards, your child is able to drink water. However, the two pediatricians interviewed by The Insider remind that it must be given to him, in small quantities only. "This water is considered a 'little extra' and does not replace the nutritional intake of breast milk or infant milk which he needs during the first year of his life", indicates Natasha Brugert. Her colleague adds: "From 6 to 12 months, water is just training to drink other than from the breast or bottle. The goal is to get your little one used to drinking water. For older children old (9 to 12 months), they can drink up to a few grams a day."