Introduction to the drinking water needs of newborns
Newborns\’ drinking needs are different from those of other age groups. It is very important for parents to take care of their newborn babies\’ drinking needs when they are holding them. The following article elaborates on the drinking water needs of newborns from four aspects.
Breastfeeding and water
When newborns are born, their mother\’s body contains enough nutrients to support their growth and development, and breast milk also contains enough water to meet their drinking needs. Therefore, breast milk is the best drink for newborns.
During breastfeeding, it is not necessary to give the newborn additional water without medical guidance. Over-giving of water will affect the effectiveness of breastfeeding. Simply put, if your baby shows signs of thirst or sweating, it is enough to allow your baby to empty his stomach and continue to breastfeed.
Water intake of formula milk
For newborns, store-bought infant formula is a good choice, but for mothers who don\’t have breast milk, formula is a must. Unlike breast milk, babies get most of their fluids from drinking formula.
According to research, babies aged 0 to 6 months need to drink 70 ml (2.4 oz)/kg (2.2 lb) of formula per day. This means that a baby weighing 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) needs 245 ml (8.3 oz) of formula per day. This number is an approximation and each baby\’s needs may vary.
At the same time, the water in formula milk is enough to meet the drinking needs of newborns, so there is no need to give additional water.
Symptoms of dehydration in newborns
Although newborns do not need to drink too much water, if the baby is in a state of excessive dehydration, this will pose a threat to the baby\’s life. So be aware of possible symptoms of dehydration in newborns.
If your baby suddenly urinates in large amounts, has a dry mouth, significantly reduces the frequency of feeding, has sunken eyes, decreases urine output and other symptoms, you should seek help from a doctor to relieve your baby\’s dehydration symptoms.
How to help your baby drink water
Some newborns may not like water or bottles, which can lead to insufficient water intake. Therefore, some measures need to be taken to help babies drink water better.
First, make sure the size of the bottle is appropriate. Babies of different ages need to use different sizes of bottles. At the same time, when the baby drinks milk, let the baby pump freely without forcing it, which will more easily arouse the baby\’s interest. If your baby still can\’t drink, you can help your baby drink by changing the position, changing the shape of your nipple, or choosing a different bottle.
In short, the drinking water needs of newborns vary from person to person, and we need to determine the amount of water they drink based on the baby\’s condition. In addition, if your baby shows symptoms of dehydration, they must be rehydrated as soon as possible. Most importantly, encourage breastfeeding as it is the best way for your newborn to get fluids and nutrients.
