Baby Drinking Too Much Water

by Elaine
(Singapore)

My baby is 8 month old. He is on solid food for 2 meals and 3 feeds of 180ml milk per day. He is enjoying the solid food but as for milk, out of the 3 feeds only 1 feed he is successful to finished the 180ml. He is weighing 7.7kg Chinese.

I've tried various method of milk feeding, but the consumption is still about the same. He loves drinking water and is constantly requesting for water. During his night sleep, he can be drinking up to 500ml per night!

Doctor says he is slightly under weight and is not drinking enough milk. Other then this, he is ok. I just feel that something can be done to help him. I am also very concern at the excessive quantity of water he needs.

Appreciate your sharing.

Regards
Elaine






Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Elaine!

If I were you, I'd focus on the solid foods rather than the formula. If your son has started to enjoy solid foods, no wonder he is at the same time starting to refuse milk. It is not uncommon that babies even start refusing breastfeeding for that reason.

If he is slow on weight gain, try to increase his intake of solid foods, and also try to offer him calorie rich foods. Avocado, for example is a great veggie to mash and offer. You can also mix a tea spoon of oil or butter in each serving.

As for water, I know some babies drink water almost as a substitute for the pacifier. I don't think drinking water can be harmful at his age as long as it is clean and not salty or carbonated. Just make sure you offer him lots of foods and no salt.

I hope this helps!

/Paula

Comments for
Baby Drinking Too Much Water

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Jan 08, 2009
 Paula's response
by: Anonymous

What an informed and helpful and most importantly...non judgemental answer.
Jul 10, 2010
 WRONG ADVICE!!!
by: Anonymous

Although this is a kind answer, it is incorrect for two reasons.

1. Baby's require the majority of their nutrition from formula and breastmilk in their first year. Although increasing solids may increase baby's weight, it would deprive them of essential vitamins and minerals that can't get from food sources alone.

2. Excessive water CAN be harmful to a baby, especially under 9 to 12 mos of age. Too much water can dilute their systems and cause problems with their sodium levels among other things.

Please discuss this concern with your doctor.
Jul 10, 2010
 WRONG ADVICE!!!
by: Anonymous

Although this is a kind answer, it is incorrect for two reasons.

1. Baby's require the majority of their nutrition from formula and breastmilk in their first year. Although increasing solids may increase baby's weight, it would deprive them of essential vitamins and minerals that can't get from food sources alone.

2. Excessive water CAN be harmful to a baby, especially under 9 to 12 mos of age. Too much water can dilute their systems and cause problems with their sodium levels among other things.

Please discuss this concern with your doctor.

Click here to add your own comments





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