Breastfed Baby wants Water

[sunshine9]

My daughter is 6 1/2 months old and has been eating solids for one month. She loves food! And she loves water. None of this has interfered with breastfeeding, but I have been reading about giving your baby water and the negative effects it can have. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is it a problem to give my baby water?

[Cativari]

I think she should be fine since she's the one showing interest in water. I usually let my little people decide when they start consuming more than bm (at 6 months or older) and how much. But if you're concerned at the amount of water (or other liquids) offer breastmilk instead, have some pumped if she likes to use a cup or just offer straight from the tap. Follow her lead and it should be okay.

[Mrs-Mama]

I start giving my babies water when they start eating solids. I think the "don't give water" advice is meant for younger babies since it could get their electrolytes out of whack or make them feel full and not want to nurse.

[momtokainoa]

I understand that it is okay to give water once solids have been introduced. I give my son water only when he's eating his solid foods. Other then that it's breastmilk. I think once your little one learns that water only comes with food she might stop refusing the breastmilk when you try to breastfeed.

[HoneyTree]

At 6 1/2 months, this seems typical. If she's not filling her little belly with water and then missing a feeding, I'd let her have sips at her request.

[curious&eager]

I read in Super Baby Foods that you are supposed to give LO water after every solids meal. My DS loves stealing from my cup, and I seem to always have one in hand, so after he eats solids, I offer him my cup and let him sip what he wants. At other times, I let him take my cup when he's interested. I can't tell how much he's drinking, but he knows he's getting water from it and he'll drink as much or as little as he wants and it doesn't seem to be getting in the way of breastfeeding. He's the same age, 6.5 months.

[phrogger]

My baby is 7 months and it is pretty much the same thing. He will drink some water after he eats solids, or if it seems like he is just thristy and not hungry. Like if he coughs alittle, I might just give him a small amount of water in a cup and he plays with it more then anything, but I usually don't have time at that moment to try to nurse.

He still nurses a lot, but I have noticed he is nursing all night long still, but not quite as much in the day. I know he is still getting enough breast milk as it seems he is latched on all night long.