Can You Give a Newborn Water?
As a new parent, there are many questions that can arise in regards to caring for your newborn. One commonly asked question is whether or not you can give your newborn water. While it may seem like a simple question, the answer is not as straightforward as you may think. In this article, we’ll explore the advice of health experts and why it’s important to understand why newborns should not be given water.
Health Experts Advise Against Giving Water to Newborns
According to health experts, newborns should not be given water. This advice is based on potential harm that giving water to newborns can cause. While water is essential for human life, newborns have different hydration needs than adults or older children.
One potential harm that giving water to newborns can cause is that it can displace breastmilk or formula. This can lead to malnourishment in your baby, which can lead to serious health problems and developmental delays. Additionally, giving water to newborns can also cause a dangerous condition called water intoxication. This is when the baby’s electrolyte levels become imbalanced, which can lead to seizures, brain damage, and even death.
Health experts such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advise against giving water to newborns. The AAP recommends that newborns be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, or formula-fed if breastfeeding is not possible.
Understanding Why Newborns Should Not Be Given Water
So why exactly should newborns not be given water? It all comes down to what happens in the baby’s body. Newborns have tiny stomachs and require frequent feedings in order to get the nutrients and hydration they need. Breastmilk or formula contains the right balance of nutrients, as well as the appropriate amount of water, for a newborn.
When a newborn is given water, it can fill up their small stomach, which can then lead to less breastmilk or formula intake. A newborn’s kidneys are also not mature enough to process excess water, which can lead to water intoxication as previously mentioned.
Comparing water to breastmilk or formula, there is no benefit to giving water. Breastmilk and formula provide all the hydration that a newborn needs. Studies and research have shown that exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding is best for newborns.
Alternatives to Giving Water to Newborns
If you are concerned about your newborn’s hydration, there are alternatives to giving water. Breastfeeding on demand is the best way to ensure your newborn is getting the hydration and nutrients they need. Offering more frequent feeds can also help ensure your baby is getting enough fluids. Other ways to keep your baby comfortable include using a cool damp cloth on their forehead, neck, and underarms.
The Importance of Breastfeeding for Newborns
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for newborns by health experts. Breastmilk provides all the nutrients and hydration that your newborn needs in the first six months of life. Breastmilk also contains antibodies and other immune factors that can help fight off infections and illnesses.
Not only does breastfeeding provide optimal nutrition and hydration for your newborn, it also has other benefits such as bonding with your baby and lower risk for certain health problems. Breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk of certain cancers in both the mother and baby, as well as lower the risk for obesity in the baby.
Comparing Water to Breastmilk for Newborns
When it comes to comparing water to breastmilk for newborns, there’s no contest. Breastmilk contains all the necessary nutrients and hydration that a newborn needs. Water, on the other hand, has no nutritional value and can lead to harmful consequences as previously mentioned.
Breastmilk contains the perfect balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that newborns need for optimal growth and development. Additionally, the composition of breastmilk changes over time to meet the changing needs of your growing baby.
Debunking Myths About Giving Water to Newborns
There are a couple of myths that still persist regarding giving water to newborns. One is that giving water can help relieve constipation. However, studies have shown that this is not the case. In fact, giving water to a newborn can make constipation worse.
Another myth is that water can quench a baby’s thirst. However, as previously mentioned, breastmilk or formula provides all the necessary hydration that a newborn needs. Your newborn should not be thirsty if they are breastfeeding or drinking formula on demand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, health experts strongly advise against giving water to newborns. The potential harm that it can cause far outweighs any perceived benefits. Breastfeeding on demand or formula feeding is the best way to ensure that your newborn is getting the hydration and nutrition that they need. If you have concerns about your newborn’s hydration, speak with your healthcare provider.
It’s important for parents to follow expert advice when it comes to caring for their newborns. Breastmilk or formula is the best choice for your baby’s nutrition and hydration needs. By understanding why water should not be given to newborns, you can help ensure the health and wellbeing of your little one.
