Does a bf baby need extra water?

[deethai]

If a baby is exclusively breastfeeding and not being given any other food, I was just wondering if it needs just regular water as well for hydration?

I feel like it's a really stupid question, I don't know anything about these things obviously.

If not, at what stage do you need to give water? Only when you stop to breastfeed, or at the time when it starts to eat other normal foods, too?

I'm sorry I tried to search for this question but I only get results about the mother drinking water and how much etc ..

[alegna]

No. Exclusively breastfed babies do not need water. It is generally a good idea to make water available when you start solids.

-Angela

[the_lissa]

No breastfed babies do not need water and should not have anything besides breastmilk for at least 6 months. I introduced a bit of water when I introduced solids, but some people wait a little longer.

[pantufla]

The short answer is, no. Breastfed babies do not need water.
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/so...aby-water.html

[CherryBomb]

Nope! If they're exclusively breastfed that's all they need.

I gave mine water to practice drinking from sippies around 6-9 months but they werent' really drinking any.

[boobjuice]

no.

[SparklingGemini]

Looks like you got a resounding chorus of NO's!

I'd like to add that giving a baby water too early can not only interfere with breastmilk intake but can cause water toxicity.

When my DD was about 4.5-5 months, I started letting her have sips out of my cup. For fun. Then around 6 months, we gave her a sippy to play with during mealtime. Now, when ever I give her solids(we are taking a BLW approach and VERY slowly)I make sure she has water available. Anytime you add fiber into anyone's diet its a good idea to make sure extra water in available to prevent constipation.

But breastmilk should, without a doubt, be hydrating enough in all circumstances.

[notwonamesalike]

ack...I did not know this! My 9 month old has been on solids and breast milk for 3 months. I have not yet introduced water!

[theatermom]

Originally Posted by notwonamesalike

ack...I did not know this! My 9 month old has been on solids and breast milk for 3 months. I have not yet introduced water!

I don't think it's necessary to introduce water -- if your daughter is doing fine on solids without it, then I wouldn't worry. If she shows signs of constipation or other digestive issues, then you might add water first before trying other remedies. Some babes don't drink water until well into toddlerhood. The main point here, I think, is that it's not remotely necessary until solids are started (when it can be helpful), and can be dangerous before that point.

[the_lissa]

Yeah you don't need to introduce water with solids.

[SparklingGemini]

Right. No water needed.

I guess I should have reworded my post. What I was trying to get across is that its okay to offer in for experimentation and fun AND in the case of constipation BUT in normal circumstance breastmilk offers PLENTY of hydration.

Sorry if I scared anyone!

[ginnyjuice]

My almost 9 month old is obsessed with drinking out of a cup, so I let him try my water sometimes but I don't make a concerted effort to give him water. I don't give him any juice or soda or beer or anything like that, though .

[theatermom]

Originally Posted by ginnyjuice

My almost 9 month old is obsessed with drinking out of a cup, so I let him try my water sometimes but I don't make a concerted effort to give him water. I don't give him any juice or soda or beer or anything like that, though .

Awww, no beer? Poor kiddo!

[greengirl_]

No, your EBF baby does not need extra water.

This was hard for me to really understand until I realized that breastmilk contains a lot of water anyways, as well as fat, nutrients, etc. If you've ever left a bottle of BM in the fridge overnight you'll notice that most of it is water with a layer of cream on top.