How Much Water Should Babies Drink?

After your baby is born, you want to do everything for them in the best and most correct way. Especially if you are a first-time mother, you may have many questions in your mind. One of these is the question: "How much water should babies drink?"

To help you with this, we have compiled some information that also includes the answer to the question: "Is water given to a breastfed baby?"

You must know that breast milk is a complete and perfect food source for babies. If you have enough milk and your baby is gaining the weight they need, you do not need to give them additional water until they are 6 months old. Because this can lead to the baby feeling full and reduce their intake of breast milk. This means that they will not get enough of the nutrients necessary for their growth and development. The milk they get from you will meet all of the baby's needs, including water, during the first 6 months.

This situation also applies to babies who are fed formula during the same period. Properly prepared formulas will also meet the baby's water needs. What you need to pay attention to is not to change the dilution ratio of the formula. Formulas prepared with less water than recommended can harm the baby.

On the other hand, regardless of their age, if the baby has a special condition or illness, your doctor may advise you to give them water. In this case, you should not hesitate to give water along with breast milk. For example, if the baby has diarrhea or is vomiting, it may be necessary to give water to compensate for fluid loss.

As for the answer to the question: "How much water should babies over 6 months drink?"; the amount of water to be given during this period varies depending on the baby's height, weight, urine output, how much breast milk they are receiving, and whether they are experiencing constipation. As the baby grows older, their intake of solid food increases, which leads to a greater need for fluids. During this period, water should be given not before meals, but in sips during or after meals. You should offer water to your baby after each meal. If they are constipated, it may be necessary to increase their water intake.

A 1-year-old baby weighs approximately 10 kilograms and their daily water requirement is 800 - 1000 ml. It is recommended to give a baby aged 6 - 12 months who is just starting to drink water about 300 - 400 ml of water per day.

To determine whether your baby is getting enough water, you can calculate based on their body surface area. There are tools available online where you can find the body surface area. You enter the baby's height and weight, and it gives you the result. By multiplying this value by 1500, you can learn approximately how much water they should drink daily. The result you find is an average value. If the weather is extremely hot or if the child has an illness that causes fluid loss, the amount of water they need to take increases.

Another criterion that indicates whether the baby's water needs are being met is whether they are urinating enough.

If the Baby is Not Drinking Water

Your baby may not accept every offer of water you make. In this case, do not force them, but always make this offer at regular intervals.

To remind and encourage your crawling baby to drink water, place different water bottles in the places where they roam and play.