Can you give a baby water in hot weather?

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In summer, as temperatures rise, many parents wonder if their infant needs extra water. The common wisdom is that "babies need to drink" to avoid dehydration. However, experts from the WHO, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Polish Pediatric Society agree: infants under 6 months of age should not be given water, even on hot days. We explain why.

Why babies under 6 months old don't need water

A baby who is exclusively breastfed receives everything they need from their mother's milk, including adequate water. Breast milk is approximately 88% water, and its composition adapts to weather conditions. Similarly, formula prepared according to recommendations contains the appropriate amount of fluids.

Risks of giving water before 6 months

Giving water to a small infant can be dangerous. In such a young child, the kidneys are not fully mature and cannot cope with excess fluids. There is a risk of water intoxication, which can dilute electrolytes in the blood and lead to serious health consequences, including seizures.

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Water and breastfeeding and bottle feeding

Giving water may make the baby less willing to breastfeed or bottle-feed, resulting in less nutritious food. For newborns and infants, each meal not only provides hydration but also provides calories and nutrients essential for development.

Did you know that...?

... breast milk may become more watery on hot days - this is a natural reaction of the mother's body, which adapts the composition of the food to the baby's needs.

How to prevent dehydration in summer

Instead of water, you should breastfeed your baby more often or give formula in smaller portions, but more frequently. In hot weather, it's also important to avoid overheating – walk in the shade, wear light cotton clothing, and maintain an optimal temperature at home (around 21–24°C).

When can you start giving your baby water?

Water should only be introduced after the baby is 6 months old, along with the introduction of a balanced diet. It is best to give it in small amounts between meals, in a cup or bottle, but the primary source of fluids should still be breast milk or formula. The best way to hydrate your baby is through breastfeeding. Remember that in the case ofbreastfeeding problems, it is worth seeking help from a midwife or lactation clinic.

What water is best for a baby?

The safest option is spring water or low-mineral water intended for infants (check the label). Tap water should only be given if it has been tested and found safe. Boiled and cooled water is recommended for infants in their first year of life.

The impact of water intake on infants up to 6 months of age

A study (Journal of Human Lactation, 2013) showed that exclusively breastfed infants do not need additional water even in hot weather, and providing it may reduce the amount of milk they drink.

Source:https://journals.sagepub.com/home/jhl
Water intoxication in infants – a case review

An analysis (Pediatrics, 2009) describes cases of infants whose excess water led to hyponatremia (low sodium levels), resulting in seizures.

Source:https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics
The role of breast milk in maintaining hydration

A study (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010) confirmed that breast milk provides adequate amounts of water in all climatic conditions.

Source:https://www.nature.com/ejcn

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Until six months of age, a baby doesn't need any fluids other than breast milk or formula – even in the hottest weather. Consciously following these recommendations protects your little one from dehydration and the dangerous effects of excess fluid intake. After six months, water can be gradually introduced, but always in reasonable quantities.

Czy niemowlę poniżej 6. miesiąca życia może pić wodę w upały?

Nie. Zarówno WHO, jak i pediatrzy zalecają, aby do 6. miesiąca życia podawać dziecku wyłącznie mleko matki lub modyfikowane. Nawet w czasie upałów mleko w pełni zaspokaja zapotrzebowanie na płyny.

Dlaczego woda może być szkodliwa dla małego niemowlęcia?

Podanie wody może obciążyć niedojrzałe nerki dziecka i doprowadzić do tzw. zatrucia wodnego, które zaburza gospodarkę elektrolitową organizmu.

Jak rozpoznać odwodnienie u niemowlęcia?

Objawy odwodnienia to m.in.: rzadkie oddawanie moczu, sucha buzia, zapadnięte ciemiączko, senność lub rozdrażnienie. W razie podejrzenia odwodnienia należy natychmiast skonsultować się z lekarzem.

Jak nawadniać niemowlę w gorące dni bez podawania wody?

Najlepiej częściej przystawiać dziecko do piersi lub podawać mleko modyfikowane w mniejszych porcjach, ale częściej niż zwykle.

Kiedy można zacząć podawać wodę dziecku?

Wodę wprowadzamy dopiero po ukończeniu 6. miesiąca życia, wraz z rozpoczęciem rozszerzania diety.

Jaka woda jest najlepsza dla niemowląt?

Najlepiej wybierać wodę źródlaną lub niskozmineralizowaną przeznaczoną dla niemowląt. Wodę z kranu można podawać tylko wtedy, gdy jest przebadana i bezpieczna.

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