Newborn babies have small stomachs that can only hold a tiny amount of food, about 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL), which is why they need to eat frequently throughout the day to sustain their growth and development.
The dangers of giving water to infants: Here are the reasons you should never give babies water
Water is unnecessary and does not provide any nutrients:
Giving water to a newborn can be harmful because it fills their stomach with unnecessary substances, which can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients like fats, calories, minerals, and vitamins. It is better to feed newborns with nutrient-rich breast milk or formula to ensure their growth and development.
Water intoxication:
Providing water to a baby can lead to water intoxication. Infant kidneys are not fully developed and cannot process as much water as adult kidneys. Even a small amount of water given to a newborn under six months of age within a short period can result in hyponatremia, a condition that could lead to death or brain swelling.
Excessive water consumption can be fatal for anyone, as it can lead to overhydration, causing the kidneys to become overwhelmed, resulting in a dangerous dilution of the blood and a depletion of essential electrolytes like salt.
If left unchecked, this can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, characterized by dangerously low blood salt levels.
what age can infants consume water?
During the initial six-month period, the infant’s stomach undergoes gradual expansion, achieving a capacity of 2.7 to 5 ounces by the time they reach one month of age, and progressing to hold approximately seven ounces of water by the sixth month.
Around six months, babies can start having small amounts of water, but breast milk or formula should still be their main source of nutrients and hydration. At this stage, most babies will still prefer their milk and may view water as a novelty, but this preference will shift as they grow. By their first birthday, babies can transition to drinking more water, complemented by a balanced diet and cow’s milk.
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