Remind me, please, when can babies have...

[annettemarie]

a little water, in a bottle or a cup? I got the go ahead to exercise and feel it will really help my heart, but with twins I really do not have the time to pump. Ever. It just won't happen. And even though the gym is literally only 5 minutes away, I don't feel comfortable leaving my husband home with two babies and nothing for them to eat. I'd really rather not do formula. They're four months old today.

[ProtoLawyer]

I've heard water is OK when you start them with solids.

[Twinklefae]

We started DS a little before he started solids, when he was interested but we weren't ready to feed him yet.  So, 5 months. 

I'm sure at 4 months they'd be fine - it's only for a short while every now and then.  Could you get any local b/m donations?  human milk 4 human babies?  We have more donators locally then takers, it seems and most would love to contribute a couple of bottles a couple of times a week.

nak

[annettemarie]

Thanks! I would really hate to beg for breastmilk when there are other babies who could use it, especially when my babies might not even need it! I'll have to think about it some more.

[rachael07]

If they're EBF, I think you're supposed to avoid water because of kidney / salt balance issues. Thus the starting water when they start solids. You've gotta do what you're comfortable with! For me, at 4 months, I'd rather pump, then I'd rather give a bit of (good brand -- like baby's only) formula but I probably wouldn't give solids yet. By 5 months, I'd give some puree, and once I'm giving puree, I feel like a tiny bit of formula isn't so different.

Perhaps since you are going to the gym anyway you could take just 5 minutes out of the gym time to pump? Even having half an ounce each would probably satiate them if they get hungry!

[Nicole730]

I would feel comfortable giving my 4 month old baby 1oz of water/day if they needed it.

[skyewriter]

Its getting to be spring... could you start walking? Its one of the best heart exercises, great to ramp up with, good for your bones, and hey with twins you have weight resistance! Seriously, if it worries you, as it would me, save the gym for later, or bad weather... and remember several short walks(or workouts) spread out through the day are actually better for you than one massive workout! So bite size it if need be, or walk and take breaks to nurse, or hit the gym for micro workouts.. then run home as needed! ...Still, i am a huge proponent of a good old fashioned walk..

[Llyra]

I've been googling around about this, and here's what I've found. The risks of water intoxication (where sodium levels drop too low) is greatest before five weeks old. Before that time, even an ounce or two of extra water is not good. The risk slowly declines as babies get closer to six months. Between 4 and 6 months, the main risk is that too much water will fill baby up, if it's given too often, and therefore interfere with breastfeeding. Based on this, I think I'd feel comfortable offering a few ounces of water, on an occasional basis, if no other good solution presents itself.

[annettemarie]

Thanks everyone!

I do plan on walking, but I went into heart failure after the twins were born and I got the go ahead to add some cardio. I think I would feel comfortable with water on an as-needed basis.