Is it possible to give water to a baby? Should I give my baby water when breastfeeding?

Classmates

The baby receives the required amount of fluid through the foremilk. Therefore, the child does not need additional drinks. Hindmilk is the milk produced at the end of a feeding. It is thicker and whiter because it contains 3-4 times more fat than foremilk. This milk provides a significant portion of caloric saturation, since fat is the main source of energy during breastfeeding.

Another thing is the kids who are on artificial feeding. They require additional fluid almost from birth, since the formula is quite different from breast milk and without supplementation the baby may suffer from constipation. Therefore, formula-fed children require additional fluid per day at least as much as one feeding - that is, 100-150 ml.

When and how much?

With the introduction of complementary foods to breastfed children from about six months of age (and to bottle-fed infants from the very beginning of feeding), we offer additional liquid.

Usually about 100-200 ml of liquid per day is required, depending on the amount and density of complementary foods. But this rule is not strict for all children without exception.

In addition, additional fluid administration is required if the microclimate of the nursery is not ideal - for example, the air in the room is too hot and dry. Due to this, fluid loss through breathing and evaporation from the skin increases, which means dry skin and mucous membranes may occur.

To make the child feel more comfortable, maintain the room temperature at about 20-22 degrees with a relative humidity of about 60% and give the child additional drinks from a spoon of 30-50 ml. In hot weather, there is no point in introducing additional fluid to the baby; he receives it through breast milk. Just apply it to your chest more often in the summer. But artificial drinkers should increase the volume of liquid on hot days.

Sometimes babies drink water greedily, even if it is not hot outside, but the child feels well and has a normal temperature. There is no need to worry about this - there are children who simply drink a lot, they are often called “water drinkers”, and there are children who drink very little - these are metabolic features.

You should be wary if a child wakes up to drink several times during the night, this may be due to impaired nasal breathing (dry mouth), or this is a symptom of intoxication or diabetes: it is worth getting examined by a doctor.

What should I give my baby?

Until about six months, an artificial baby should not be given any liquid other than water. Moreover, this must be done when the baby is not hungry, otherwise the water will kill the appetite due to stretching the walls of the stomach.

You can drink carefully filtered and boiled drinking water. However, it should be remembered that boiled water also has an expiration date - 2-4 hours. After this, it loses its properties. For children, special children's water is produced in bottles of different capacities - from 0.5 to 5 liters.

This is water of the highest quality, it is used for diluting dry mixtures and drinking. Such water is allowed to be given to children from birth and there is no need to boil it. Just monitor the integrity of the packaging and shelf life. From the age of one year, a child can be given tableware to drink. mineral waters, but only without gases.

If there is a deficiency of microelements in your area, you can use iodized or fluoridated water. After six months, you can offer compotes from fresh apples and pears or dried fruits - dried apricots, raisins. After a year, you can add fresh or frozen berries and juices to compotes.

But up to three years, it is advisable to prepare compotes without sugar. It is acceptable to use industrially produced teas. However, when choosing such tea, remember the individual sensitivity of the baby. If he is allergic, postpone introduction to herbs until after a year.

After a year, the child can be given regular tea - black or green. For children, it should not be strong - otherwise the excess caffeine it contains can excite the child. Tea is offered to children in the first half of the day - for breakfast or after it, as a snack.

Is it possible to give juicy juice to a baby to drink?

The recommendation that existed in past years to introduce juice into a child’s diet from the age of three months has long shown its inconsistency and even harmfulness - children who start drinking juice early often suffer from digestive problems. Today, doctors advise delaying introduction to juices until 9-12 months.

The fact is that juice is a concentrated product, it contains a lot fruit acids, which irritate the walls of the stomach and intestines. For older children, it is recommended to dilute the juice with water in a ratio of 1:3 or 1:2. The norm of juice for a child up to one year is no more than 50 ml, for a child from one to 2 years old - no more than 100-150 ml, from two years old you can give 200-250 ml of juice per day. Children's juices should not contain sugar, dyes or preservatives.

Many juices have a fairly pronounced effect on a child’s digestion: they strengthen or weaken. Therefore, choose juices based on the child’s characteristics.

And one more thing: juices are given as a separate product, and not as a component of breakfast or lunch. They are poorly compatible with other foods. It is useful to drink juice on an empty stomach in the morning, an hour and a half before breakfast or lunch, to activate digestion processes.

Is it possible to give milk drinks to a baby?

As with juice, attitudes towards cow's (and goat's) milk have been revised in recent decades. It has been proven to have a negative effect on the digestion of infants, as well as the ability to cause anemia and allergic manifestations. Therefore, in pure form It is not recommended to give milk for drinking to babies under one year of age.

It is allowed to get acquainted with fermented milk drinks somewhat earlier: kefir and biolact - at 9 months, with natural drinking yogurt without additives - at 10 months. Fermented milk products with various additives - yoghurts, frugurts and sweet fermented milk drinks - appear on the menu after a year.

All these products must be marked “allowed for feeding children” early age“, only such dairy products have undergone additional quality control of raw materials; the level of fat and protein, as well as additives, is clearly regulated in them, and the preparation process is strictly controlled.

Children under three years old can drink no more than 200 ml of milk, 200 ml of kefir and no more than 100-150 ml of yogurt per day. Excessive use kefir can lead to the development of anemia, and excess milk threatens allergies and too much stress on the kidneys.

• Offer your child drinks during the day between meals, especially juices.
• Offer your child to drink from special sippy cups, cups or spoons.
• Do not give your child sugary drinks - they make you even more thirsty.
• Drinks should be warm or at room temperature, but children over two years old can be offered cooler drinks (18-20 degrees).
• Do not give a child under three years of age carbonated, sweet drinks or drinks containing preservatives and dyes, they can cause pancreatitis.
  

When it comes to the use of medications for children, parents must be very careful. This is especially true for babies in the first year of life, to whom the medicine is prescribed for the first time. What rules must be followed when treating a baby?

It must be remembered that the undesirable (and sometimes even toxic) effects of drugs are enhanced by their incorrect use, non-compliance with dosages and frequency of administration. Therefore, of course, only a doctor can choose a drug, taking into account its need, the age of the baby and the tolerability of the drug. It is important for parents to strictly follow all the doctor’s instructions. In addition, it is not easy (and it is simply impossible for children in the first months of life) to force them to open their mouth and drink medicine. We will tell you in this article how to properly administer a medication prescribed by a doctor. First let's try to formulate some general rules rules that must be observed when giving medicine baby.

Important Rules

Rule one and main: Medicine should only be prescribed to a young child by a doctor. This rule is indisputable and obvious, but, unfortunately, it is not always followed. Any drug, even the most seemingly harmless vitamin, may cause unwanted side effects (the so-called " side effects", for example, allergies) and toxic reactions - for example, when the permissible dose is exceeded. In addition, some medications can “mask” the disease.

Rule two: Before giving your child medicine, carefully read what is written on the label and leaflet. Read the label on the drug itself, pay attention to its expiration date, appearance, as well as the combination of this drug with food and other medications, possible adverse reactions and contraindications. It is unacceptable to use drugs that have expired, were stored incorrectly, have signs of spoilage, or have erased or illegible inscriptions.

Rule three: Follow the dose, time, method of administration, frequency and duration of use of the medicine prescribed by your doctor.

• Before the doctor leaves, check whether you understood the dosage regimen correctly: how much, how, when (before, during or after meals), how often and for how long the child should take the medicine.
• Never give medicine “by eye” - measure the prescribed dose using a special measuring spoon, graduated pipette, measuring tube or syringe without a needle; Before giving medicine to your child, check that you have measured the dose accurately. Use only clean measuring cups.
• Taking medications should be regular and occur at the appointed time. If you are afraid that you may accidentally miss the time of your next medication intake (especially for antibiotics), then use various devices (timers, alarm clocks, etc.) that will remind you of this. Be sure to complete the started course of treatment, even if the child feels better.
• If the use of the medicine caused any undesirable reaction in your baby, be sure to inform the doctor about this in order to decide on the possibility of further use of the drug or its replacement.

Rule four: If your baby refuses to take the medicine, use simple techniques:

• The simplest thing is to ask your doctor to choose the most affordable and easy-to-use option for your child. Currently, many drugs for infants are produced in special forms that are convenient for dosage and use (drops, syrups, suspensions), which most often have a pleasant taste and smell, which makes them much easier to take. However, we must keep in mind that some sweeteners and flavorings added to medications can cause an allergic reaction in the baby. Therefore, it is more advisable to use tasteless and odorless drops, which are very convenient to use and rarely cause allergies.
• If the child refuses to accept bitters(this is especially true for babies older than 6 months), try to pour the drug into the cavity between the jaw and cheek, directing it deep into the mouth, since there are many taste buds at the tip of the tongue, and the root of the tongue has an increased gag reflex. The most convenient way to do this is with a measuring syringe (you can use a disposable syringe without a needle).
• It is advisable to give the medicine to the baby together with an assistant (for example, one of the relatives).
• Remember: you cannot forcefully give medicine to a child while he is crying, as he may choke or choke. Also, do not pour medicine into the mouth of a sleeping baby under any circumstances!

Fifth rule: Do not allow anyone to play with medications under any circumstances: it is dangerous. Keep them out of the reach of children. And now - in more detail about in different ways taking medications.

Taking medications by mouth

Taking medications by mouth is the most common way to administer medications at home. Most medications for infants are available in liquid form (solutions, syrups, emulsions, suspensions) with measuring instruments (spoons, beakers, pipettes, syringes, etc.). Before use, the medicine in liquid form must be shaken thoroughly.

Features of the procedure. When taking the medicine, a baby up to 6 months is held in the same way as when feeding, so that his head is slightly elevated. If the child already knows how to sit, then it is more convenient to sit him on your lap, fixing his legs between his knees and holding his arms. Smile and, with gentle words, lightly touch the cheeks with your fingers (in children under 3 months the search reflex has not yet died out) or gently squeeze the cheeks with your fingers: the baby’s mouth will open and you can direct the medicine directly to its destination. If the baby does not open his mouth and resists, you can try pressing your finger on his chin to move the lower jaw down. If this maneuver fails, you will have to insert the spoon between the teeth or gums (from the side of the cheek) and carefully turn it with its edge - when the child’s mouth opens, the medicinal solution is injected. Under no circumstances should you pinch your baby's nose so that he opens his mouth: the baby can easily choke. After the child has swallowed the medicine, give it boiled water at room temperature.

Use of various dosage forms. For home cooking suspensions(antibiotics are most often produced in this form), it is necessary to add cooled boiled water to the bottle with the powder up to the indicated mark. Before use, be sure to shake the prepared suspension, otherwise the medicine will remain at the bottom of the bottle and the baby will not receive a therapeutic dose.

Powders are also diluted in water according to the attached instructions.

A number of drugs are produced in capsules(for example, some biological products). In this case, the capsules must be opened and their contents dissolved in boiled water.

If your baby is prescribed medication for tablet, it must be ground into powder between two spoons and dissolved in a small amount of water. Tablets with the same name can be produced in different dosages (for children of different ages), so when buying them at the pharmacy, ask them to choose the most suitable one (so that there is no need to divide the tablet). If there is such a need, then divide the tablet very precisely with a sharp knife. For a more accurate dosage, you can use a disposable syringe without a needle. For example, a child needs to be given 1/8 of a tablet: draw exactly 8 ml of boiled water into a syringe, release it into a cup, then crush the whole tablet and dissolve it there, then draw only 1 ml of solution into the syringe from a cup and let the baby drink. The solution prepared from crushed tablets can only be used immediately after its preparation - it cannot be stored and is used once; For the next dose of the drug, the solution is prepared again.

Only a doctor can select a drug, taking into account its need.

Important details. If a child burps or spits out the medicine immediately or within 10-15 minutes after taking it, then this drug must be given again in the same dose (with the exception of drugs that can easily be overdosed, for example, cardiac glycosides, hormones: their use in such cases must be discussed with your doctor). If the baby starts vomiting after 30-45 minutes, there is no need to give him the medicine again, since the drug has already been absorbed in the intestines during this time.

Never mix the medicine into the entire one-time volume, or into those foods that the child must eat constantly (porridge, vegetables or meat puree, cottage cheese, etc.): the child may not finish the food (and therefore will not receive the full dose of the medicine), or may even refuse it altogether. The most correct thing is to use boiled water to dilute medications, since other drinks can interact chemically with the components that make up the medicine, which leads to undesirable consequences (a decrease in the therapeutic effect or deterioration in the absorption of the drug). If the child does not have allergies, you can dissolve the medicine in sweetened water or homemade non-concentrated compote. In cases where the medication is prescribed during meals, if possible, try to give it only when the baby has eaten at least half of the usual portion. If the medicine is very bitter, then a child whose diet has already been introduced to fruit purees can “mask” the drug in 1 teaspoon of puree; The tablet must be crushed first. It is not recommended to give a child 3-4 or more medications by mouth at the same time - it is advisable to do this with a break of 10-15 minutes. Medicines that are administered in different ways (for example, a tablet and nasal drops, etc.) and do not cause negative reactions in the baby can be given simultaneously (one after the other without a break).

The effectiveness of some medications that must be given by mouth varies depending on the time of food intake: some medications must be taken on an “empty stomach” (1 hour before a meal or 1-2 hours after a meal) because of their interaction with food rapid therapeutic effect is undesirable or necessary; other drugs, on the contrary, are preferably taken during or immediately after meals due to their strong irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach or small intestine. The doctor warns about this, as well as special instructions in the annotation for the drug.

There are a number of drugs that are produced in a protective acid-resistant shell (for example, Mezim-forte, Pancreatin), it is better not to disturb their integrity, since such a drug with a destroyed shell will lose some of it in the stomach medicinal properties, and the dose will be insufficient. IN in this case You must definitely check the dose with your pediatrician or ask to prescribe a more convenient dosage form (for example, Creon in minimicrospheres - microspheres with a diameter of 1.2-1.7 mm, coated with an acid-resistant shell that can withstand exposure to gastric juice for 45 minutes - 2 hours, depending on the pH of the environment, and are broken down in the alkaline environment of the duodenum, where they are absorbed). You can read in the instructions whether you are allowed to split a tablet, dragee or capsule.

Rectal administration of medications

Sometimes, for a faster onset of the therapeutic effect or in cases where it is impossible to administer medications by mouth (vomiting, child refusal), suppositories or medicinal enemas are used. Administration of drugs through the rectum is called rectal.

Introduction of candles

This method of drug administration is especially convenient for treating children. infancy. Before inserting the candle, it should be warmed at room temperature (candles are stored in the refrigerator). You need to lay the baby on his back, press the baby's knees to his tummy, spread the buttocks with two fingers of one hand and insert the candle into the anus with the pointed end forward with the other hand. The candle should completely “hide” in the anus. After inserting it, close your buttocks and hold them in this position for about 1 minute so that the candle does not slip out.

It is advisable to administer suppositories to the baby after stool. If defecation occurs within the first 5 minutes after insertion of the suppository, then it must be reintroduced. If more time has passed, then the contents of the suppository have had time to be absorbed in the rectum, and this procedure does not need to be repeated.

Administration of enemas

A medicinal enema (an enema with the administration of medication) should be given 15-20 minutes after the baby has stool or after a cleansing enema.

For a cleansing enema (as for a medicinal enema), rubber balloons (bulbs) with a soft tip lubricated with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly are used. The volume of administered fluid for newborns is 25 ml; for children 1-2 months - 30-40 ml; 2-4 months - 60 ml; 6-9 months - 100-150 ml; 9-12 months - 120-180 ml; the temperature of the injected water is 28-30°C. In no case should you give a cleansing enema to a young child with acute abdominal pain: this can worsen the baby’s condition in case of acute surgical pathology (such as acute intestinal obstruction, acute appendicitis, peritonitis, etc.).

Place the child on an oilcloth covered with a diaper on top (the position of the baby when giving an enema is the same as when using candles). Release the air from the water balloon, carefully insert the tip of the bulb completely (2-3 cm) with a rotational movement into the rectum. Slowly squeezing the balloon, gradually introduce water into the intestines. After this, squeeze the baby’s buttocks with your left hand and remove the tip without unclenching the balloon. Hold your buttocks in a closed position for some time (2-3 minutes) so that the water does not immediately pour out of the intestines. After finishing the procedure, the child needs to be washed.

The administration of the drug using an enema is carried out in a similar way, but in a smaller volume (it is indicated by the doctor), the temperature of the injected solution is 37-38 ° C for better absorption. After removing the tip, the child's buttocks should be kept closed for about 10 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed.

Local treatment

Various creams, ointments, powders, mash, water and alcohol solutions, etc. are used externally. They must be applied with clean hands, a gauze swab or cotton swabs.

Compresses

If the doctor has prescribed a compress for the baby, it is done in this way: a medicinal preparation is applied to a gauze swab, and the swab is covered with wax paper or tracing paper on top (plastic films are not used, since an airtight space is created under them and irritation or burns of the baby’s delicate skin may occur). Place a cotton pad on the paper and a gauze napkin on top large size or a piece of fabric. To secure the compress, you can use a bandage or adhesive plaster. The compress area should be kept warm at all times.

Nasal drops

Before administering the medicine, the baby’s nose must be cleared of accumulated mucus and crusts. This is done using a cotton wool pad (a piece of cotton wool twisted into a long strip). If there are dense crusts, the nose should first be rinsed with a saline solution (Aquamaris, Aqualor, Physiomer Marimer, etc.; you can use a regular 0.9% saline solution, purchased at a pharmacy or prepared yourself - 1/2 teaspoon of table salt per glass of boiled water).

Drops (preferably at room temperature) are instilled using a pipette or a special tip with which this drug is produced (nasal sprays are not used for children under 2 years of age - it is possible to use drugs only in drops, since the baby may suffocate). The ointment is first applied to a cotton swab, and then introduced into the nasal passages with rotational movements. The baby should be picked up, holding his arms and head, or placed on his back on the changing table. Without touching the nose with the pipette, the drops are first introduced into one nostril and immediately turn the child’s head towards this half of the nose. Then the same amount of solution is injected into the second nostril. After this, the baby needs to be held in your arms for a while in a lying position.

Ear drops

Before instilling drops into the ear, it is necessary to warm the medicinal solution to a temperature of 37°C by placing the bottle in warm water. Lay the baby on the table or take him in your arms, on his side with the sore ear facing up. If there is pus, very carefully clean the external auditory canal with a cotton swab. With your left hand, pull the auricle slightly downwards by the lobe, drop the drug in and hold the child in this position for several minutes. You can plug your ear with a piece of cotton wool for 5-10 minutes.

Taking medications should be regular and at the appointed time

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Administration of medicinal substances using turunda soaked in them to children under 1 year of age is possible only after training in this technique from an ENT doctor, since in children of this age the external auditory canal is short and wide, which increases the risk of damage to the eardrum.

A compress on the ear is done in the same way as on regular skin; The only peculiarity of this procedure is that a gauze swab with a medicinal preparation adjacent to the skin is cut vertically and placed on the sore ear, and the ear itself is covered with dry cloth. The next layer of compress is wax paper, then a cotton pad (in the case of a warming compress), and on top is a large gauze pad or piece of cloth. It is best to secure the compress with a bandage. A cap is placed over the compress.

Eye drops

Instillation into the eyes should be carried out at a time when the child is not crying. Place the baby on his back on the changing table or pick him up; Be sure to fix the baby's forehead. If there is mucus, pus or crusts on the child’s eyes, they must first be removed (for each eye, use a separate cotton swab or cotton pad soaked in boiled water, the direction of movement is from the outer corner of the eye to the inner). Then you need to slightly pull the lower eyelid and drip the medicine between the lower eyelid and the eyeball. You should not drop the medicine directly onto the eye, because it is very unpleasant and ineffective (the child squints and all the medicine flows out). Try to drop just behind the lower eyelid, where the required amount of the drug will enter the tear reservoir (conjunctival sac), be absorbed and begin to act. Be careful not to let the dropper touch your eye. Use a cotton swab to blot the remaining drops at the inner corner of the eye. If your baby cried after the drops, and there was profuse lacrimation, then this procedure must be repeated.

When applying eye ointment, it is best to use a clean glass spatula, since squeezing the ointment directly from the tube can accidentally injure your baby's eye. The ointment is placed behind the lower eyelid.

Inhalations

Inhalations for young children are carried out using special devices - inhalers or nebulizers (as ultrasonic and compressor inhalers). For children under 1 year of age, steam inhalation without steam is not carried out, since there is a high risk of burning the child. For inhalations, special children's attachments are used (masks, nasal tips, etc.). The child is held in front of the sprayer and simply inhales the sprayed liquid. The baby's cry does not interfere with inhalation, since he continues to breathe the spray medicine through an open mouth. Inhalations can also be carried out while the baby is sleeping.

Remember that the child (especially in the first months of life) subtly senses your mood, and your confidence in the need for the treatment prescribed by the doctor is very important to him. If you have any questions or doubts, be sure to consult your pediatrician. Be attentive, patient, affectionate and careful!

Almira Donetskova,
pediatrician, Ph.D. honey. sciences,
State Scientific Center "Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia",
Moscow

Water is a substance necessary for every living organism. A person can live without water for no more than 3-5 days. This healing liquid promotes the smooth functioning of all organs and is an active participant in all chemical reactions occurring in the body, energizes, cleanses blood vessels and joints, removes harmful substances, normalizes body temperature.

The drinking regime of infants has its own characteristics associated with the method of feeding and the general condition of the body with not yet formed immunity. Therefore, the question of the need and rules for supplementary feeding in infancy worries all parents.

When can you give water to a newborn? Up to 4-6 months, the main food and drink for the baby is mother's milk, which ideally satisfies all his needs.

It is very important to properly organize feeding in the first weeks of life, because milk, rich in nutrients and calories, can fully provide the baby’s body with everything necessary, maintain the balance of microflora, and build immunity.

Since the majority of breast milk is water, a healthy baby who drinks it receives all the liquid it needs in full. In addition, there is no need to dilute the already quite liquid basic nutrition. Therefore, pediatricians do not recommend giving a child water until the age of 4 months, until the stomach is sufficiently strong.

The digestive tract, which is overflowing with fluid and has not yet fully formed, will find it difficult to cope with the increased load. Excess water will not bring any benefit to the body and may have undesirable consequences for the child’s health:

• filling the space intended for milk, and therefore lacking the necessary calories and nutrients;
• difficulty in the functioning of the baby’s immature kidneys and removal from there useful substances supplied with mother's milk;
• an increase in bilirubin in the blood, leading to infant jaundice;
• risk of dysbacteriosis and water intoxication.

If you offer your child water instead of the breast, as many do, for example, at night, then the mother’s lactation may be disrupted and, to avoid this, she will have to spend a lot of time and extra effort to express milk when there is no need for it.

In addition, a child who is accustomed to taking liquid from a nipple can relax and eventually give up the breast: after all, such sucking does not require much effort.

Some parents are misled by the greed with which the baby clings to the offered bottle and drinks all the liquid. This behavior is not explained by thirst, but by developed sucking reflex, which all infants are distinguished by, especially if they are hungry.

On the other hand, a deficiency of water is no less dangerous for a baby than its excess: increased metabolism and increased motor activity require regular fluid replenishment. That is why only a pediatrician can answer whether it is possible to give water to a newborn and how to maintain normal water balance.

How to tell if your baby is getting enough water

Whenever the following signs A dehydrated child needs additional fluids:

• rare urination;
• general lethargy or, conversely, increased anxiety;
• dry and pale skin;
• dry tongue and mucous membranes;
• loss of appetite;
• rich color and pungent odor of urine;
• constipation;
• the greed with which the baby grabs the breast, bottle or cup.

You can determine whether your baby has enough fluid or not using the “wet diaper” method. A healthy baby urinates 20-25 times a day. During the day we counted 12 or more wet diapers - that means everything is fine. Less - you need to add more. The color of your urine can also indicate dehydration. If it’s darker than usual, give it a drink immediately.

When should you give water to a newborn?

Is it possible to give water to a baby under certain circumstances? There are situations in which it is necessary to supplement your child's drinking. The pediatrician prescribes supplementation for a breastfeeding child with any illness or in the case of unfavorable external conditions, which include extreme heat and dry air, that is, in situations where the baby experiences increased sweating, causing dehydration.

Experts have different opinions about at what age you can start supplementing infants in conditions of ill health or heat. Many experts, including Dr. Komarovsky, believe that in such situations the child should receive water already in the first month of life, and according to the WHO, before complementary feeding is introduced, children should not be given water even under unfavorable circumstances.

An alternative to supplementary feeding may be more frequent breastfeeding (at least 1 time per hour during the day and 3 times at night): a large percentage of water in the “foremilk”, which is not saturated with proteins, helps satisfy thirst and maintain the water balance in the body at the desired level.

You can also dissolve medications prescribed by your doctor in milk. In addition, bathe, shower and wipe your baby with water more often. Such measures perfectly help cope with both thirst and overheating. And only if all this is not enough, you should offer the baby some water, but only after consulting a doctor.

To prevent dehydration, it is necessary to create a favorable microclimate in the baby’s room: temperature is about 20℃, and humidity is from 50 to 70%. In hot weather, it is advisable to remove excess clothing and diapers from the child. If the air is excessively dry, you must use humidifiers.

When else should you give water to a newborn while breastfeeding? A child needs supplementation if he/she has:

• Digestive disorders: increased gas formation, constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders.
• High temperature. In such a situation, water will help restore normal fluid balance in the body.
• Hiccups are contractions of the muscles of the larynx or diaphragm. A small amount of water will help cope with this condition.

Is it possible to give water to a newborn with diarrhea? It is necessary to replenish not only fluid losses, but also salt losses, so a special rehydration solution should be given. You can prepare it yourself by adding a small amount of salt, soda and sugar to boiled water.

Is it possible to give water for stomach colic? It is better to use dill water (infusion of dill seeds). It eliminates gas formation.

Should a newborn be given water if he has jaundice? If symptoms of jaundice persist for more than 3 weeks, the child needs, in addition to breast milk, to drink at least 100 ml of water per day.

How to properly give water to a newborn

Now about how to supplement your baby with water. Offer your baby additional drinks between main feedings, but not before them, otherwise he will not eat well and will not gain weight. If a child refuses water, do not insist or force it. If he wants to drink, he will definitely drink. The baby should not be limited in drinking or overloaded with it.

There is an opinion that the baby is capricious and does not want to drink regular water because it is tasteless and, therefore, needs to be sweetened. Pediatricians do not approve of this. Firstly, sweet water can make a child's tummy swell. And secondly, from sweets, caries, diabetes and obesity may develop in the future. But if you really want to make your drink more attractive, it is better to use fructose rather than sugar, and in a minimal amount - no more than a teaspoon per 200 ml.

There are several ways to give water to a baby. You can drink from a bottle with an anatomical nipple, from a coffee or teaspoon. Sometimes a syringe or pipette is used. When your baby gets a little older, you can start accustoming him to a cup.

How to feed children after adding complementary foods

At what age should more liquid be introduced into a child’s diet? The need for water arises when the baby begins to eat solid food, at approximately 4-6 months.

With new food, the body receives more calories, which increases the need for additional fluid. Water greatly facilitates the process of digesting the resulting food and prevents constipation.

You should start accustoming your child to water with a small amount, about half a teaspoon, gradually increasing it. You should not give your baby water before eating: this can lead to poor appetite.

The temperature of the liquid is no less important. Too cold water causes the risk of hypothermia in a fragile body, and hot water can lead to a burn of the gastric mucosa. 20℃ is the optimal water temperature.

Allowable amount of water

The normal functioning of the body depends on the amount of additional fluid, so it is important to correctly determine how much water to give the baby. If the baby is dehydrated due to any disease, the amount of water is determined by the pediatrician depending on the condition and weight of the baby.

If there is a shortage of water due to heat or dry air, you can supplement the child’s water based on his needs.

Babies aged 4-6 months should be offered 30-60 ml during the day, since milk already contains the required amount of water, and a child receiving artificial or mixed nutrition should drink approximately 100-200 ml per day. However, such a calculation must be individual character and corrected by a doctor.

If a healthy baby does not want water, there is no need to force or persuade him. Never sweeten water: such liquid does not quench your thirst and is not beneficial.

What water is suitable for infants

The digestive system of a newborn baby is highly sensitive to any change in diet, including the introduction of water. Everything that enters the baby’s body must be of high quality and be absolutely safe. Therefore, it is necessary to determine what kind of water should be given to the newborn. This is how many useful elements water that meets all standards should include in an amount of 1 liter:

• microelements - from 200 mg;
• calcium - up to 60 mg;
• magnesium - from 10 to 35 mg;
• sodium - up to 20 mg;
• potassium - 5-20 mg.

Ordinary boiled tap water does not meet these requirements: it is too hard, contains a certain amount of harmful impurities, and also loses all beneficial properties during the boiling process.

It can only be used with a child filter made of environmentally friendly plastic. Purified water should be stored in glassware or plastic bottle marked "7".

Neither mineral nor carbonated water is suitable for infants to drink. Distilled and deionized water can be given to a child no earlier than 3 years old.

The best option is specially prepared bottled water for babies, containing everything needed in the right proportions, characterized by purity and does not require boiling, is soft and pleasant to the taste. You can buy it in pharmacies, and after opening the bottle it should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a day.

How to give water to a baby with artificial and mixed feeding

Additional fluid becomes necessary for the baby when he begins to consume infant formula, which contains more calories than milk. He especially needs water during hot weather or illness. In such a situation, you should start giving water regardless of age. You need to supplement your baby's food in between feedings. In this case, it is better to use not a bottle with a nipple, but a spoon or sippy cup.

It can be very difficult to guess the needs of a newborn baby. Sometimes his body requires additional water and a special drinking regimen.

Drinking should, first of all, be beneficial to the child and not harm the health, so before introducing a new liquid to the menu, you should definitely consult a pediatrician, who will determine how much water to give to the newborn, based on the age and general condition of the baby.

Video on the topic

Grandmothers and friends of nursing mothers claim that a breastfed baby should be supplemented with water. Only modern women usually follow the recommendations of pediatricians, who do not advise giving additional fluids to children under six months of age. So does a baby need water or can it really do harm? You will find the answers in this article.

For a newborn, mother's milk is not just food, but also the best drink. It not only contains all the nutrients the baby needs, but also contains 87% of it. Breast milk also has important properties necessary to maintain normal digestion of the child, which is different from simple drinking water.

• Pediatricians allow babies under 4 months to be given additional water or formula feeding strictly if there are medical indications. You just can’t do this at will, otherwise there is a risk of harming the baby’s health;
• In the summer heat or during periods of illness with high body temperature, the baby should be breastfed more often. Children from 4 months to six months can already be offered water in a cup, but there is no need to force them to drink it. For this age, a safe dose of water is considered to be no more than 60 ml per day.

Breast milk - food and drink for the newborn

It is so provided by nature that the baby receives breast milk almost immediately after birth. At the same time, the mother’s body constantly adapts to the baby’s needs after childbirth.

Mother's milk changes its composition depending on the age of the child, as well as in different situations. So, if for some reason the baby needs more fluid, he begins to latch onto the breast more often and more often demands to change it.

As a result, a thirsty baby receives more foremilk, which is 88% water. Only it differs from ordinary water in that such a liquid does not wash away crumbs of electrolytes from the body and maintains their optimal balance.

By the way, adults who are dehydrated are also recommended to drink not ordinary water, but a solution of glucose (grape sugar) and mineral salts necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Foremilk has just this composition: it contains lactose (milk sugar) and a whole range of mineral salts. Therefore, it not only eliminates fluid deficiency in the baby’s body, but also replenishes essential electrolytes.

Foremilk and fattier hind milk contain many vitamins, enzymes, and bioactive substances that stimulate digestion. small child. When he receives water or tea in addition to mother's milk, the concentrations of all nutrients decrease. Therefore, the baby’s stomach and intestines have reduced protection against bacteria and the consequences of enzyme deficiency.

Thus, a healthy breastfed baby needs only breast milk up to .

Can water heal?

Even doctors have not yet come to a common opinion on whether it is worth giving extra water to children under 4-6 months of age if they have a fever or have caught an intestinal infection. One way or another, you can give your baby extra fluids only as prescribed by your pediatrician.

It is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations about exactly how much liquid to give the baby, at what time and from what container. There is currently no convincing evidence that drinking water from a bottle or cup to infants who are dehydrated and feverish is beneficial.

In severe cases, children are given IVs with special solutions. In other situations, when the baby cannot be attached to the breast, pediatricians recommend using water rather than water to replenish fluid deficiency. It should be given from a spoon or cup.

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Even if you have a newborn, you can feed him breast milk - in very small portions and often, so as not to provoke a reverse reflex. If the doctor decides that the baby needs water, he must indicate this on the prescription sheet and determine the dose that is safe for your child.

For babies under 4-5 weeks old, plain water is fraught with the development of additional complications.

• If you add water to your baby at , this can slow down the removal of bilirubin from his body, as a result of which the disease will only drag on. Bilirubin is excreted much faster when a sufficient volume of breast milk is consumed: it has a laxative effect, so bilirubin is excreted from the baby along with the stool. If such a need arises, then, in addition to breastfeeding, a baby with jaundice can additionally be given expressed breast milk;
• A newborn who receives a lot of regular water fills his stomach and dulls the feeling of hunger, so he sucks less milk from his mother's breast. This is fraught with weight loss, because there are no calories in water, and the child does not receive the required volume of mother’s milk;
• If a baby is given too much food, there is a risk of intoxication, that is, water poisoning. This is accompanied by acute swelling and leads to a life-threatening condition for the baby. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), healthy children who receive breast milk on demand do not need to be supplemented with plain water until six months of age.

Water regime for babies

For a child over 4 months of age, a safe dose of water is considered to be 30-60 ml per day, but only if the baby himself asks for it and drinks from a cup with the help of his parents. If the baby refuses, there is no need to force him to drink - instead, it is better for the mother to offer him the breast more often.

Most babies who are fed only breast milk are happy to drink even complementary foods with it, refusing regular water. This is considered completely normal and not dangerous even for children older than six months - of course, provided that they receive enough mother's milk.

Even in extreme heat, babies who are breastfed on demand are protected from dehydration. It is only very important that the mother herself drinks enough water, does not overheat in the sun and does not wrap the baby up so that he does not sweat.

If the temperature outside the window rises above +25 degrees, the child is in a diaper and clothes with long sleeves overheats, resulting in excessive fluid loss. In this case, you should not give him water - to prevent dehydration, it is better to simply undress the baby and offer him the breast.

Water becomes truly necessary for a child from the moment solid food appears in his diet. Breast milk or water should be offered after each feeding that included complementary foods. In most cases, children who were fed only breast milk drink a more or less significant amount of water only 1-2 months after the start of complementary feeding.

Usually, by the age of 8 months, children are already drinking water with pleasure. Just don’t give it too much, because at this age babies still need a large amount of mother’s milk. From the age of 1, the baby already independently determines the amount of water he needs to quench his thirst. You can offer it to your baby every time he eats solid food.

We also read:

Do I need to give my baby extra water?

Is it necessary to supplement the baby's food? Is it possible to give water to a newborn? Should I give my child water, dill water, decoctions, teas, juices, etc. to drink? At what age should you start feeding your baby?

Question for Dr. Komarovsky: do breastfed children need additional water?

Dr. Komarovsky will explain why WHO does not recommend supplementation with water and in what cases a child should still be given water. The criterion for the need for additional feeding will be the baby’s behavior: if there is no pathological loss of fluid, he will refuse water, preferring his mother’s breast, but if he literally attacks the bottle, it means that he vitally needs water - he is suffering from overheating or is ill.

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Water is the source of life, but should newborns be given water if breastfeeding is established? Let's find out!

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Breast milk- a surprisingly balanced product: it contains the whole complex of substances that a tiny organism needs, and as it grows, the composition of the milk also changes. Thus, there is nothing better or even equivalent to mother's milk.

About 85-90% of breast milk consists of water. When trying to understand whether your baby needs to be given water while breastfeeding, you need to remember that milk can satisfy the baby’s needs for both food and drink.

Whether a baby wants to drink or eat can be determined by the amount of time he spends at the breast. A few minutes is enough for him to quench his thirst. It is generally accepted that the first milk is more liquid, and the “hind milk”, which comes after 10-15 minutes of sucking, is the baby’s food, it is fattier and more nutritious.

It follows that water is practically not needed for a baby, provided that breastfeeding is established and the baby has enough milk. But when is it time to give water to a newborn while breastfeeding?

As soon as the baby is six months old, he begins to be introduced to complementary foods. It is this period that is most suitable for starting to introduce water into his diet. However, this is not a mandatory fact; you need to monitor the child’s behavior, identify signs that he needs fluids - he shows interest in drinking. The maximum permissible dose for this age is 60 ml/day.

The water should be lukewarm

Very often, infants refuse to eat until 9 and 12 months - this is not a sign of abnormality. This just means that it gets all the necessary substances from other foods.

When you don't need to drink

There are situations when water for newborns can harm a baby while breastfeeding, and not help him in any way. WHO does not recommend giving water in the following situations:

• up to 6 months;
• there is no confidence in the quality of water;
• with increased bilirubin in the blood;
• for problems with urination.

If the first point does not pose any special threats, then the next 3 are very dangerous for the baby’s health. Supplementing with water during breastfeeding, as Komarovsky, an experienced pediatrician, says, is necessary only if there are undoubted signs of dehydration. It’s better to follow the rule: ventilate and humidify the room where the child is.

Benefits and possible risks

The following table will help you figure out whether to give water and what kind of water to give to your baby while breastfeeding. And also understand where you can expect a threat or a large supply of useful properties.

Type of water	Useful properties	Possible threats
Boiled water from open sources.	A complex of natural compounds and salts necessary for the human body.	Not all bacteria are killed by boiling. Nitrates and other harmful impurities can come from the soil.
Bottled baby water.	Available in any store or pharmacy. Being tested by the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. Lower doses of mineral content relative to “adult” water.	Allowed to be stored for only a day after opening and in the refrigerator.
Water purified with “children’s” filters	A more economical option compared to bottled. High degree of purification - completely removes chlorine, bacteria, pesticides.	An unscrupulous manufacturer means a low-quality filter.

Risks of supplementation during breastfeeding

Oddly enough, numerous experiments around the world have repeatedly proven that it is mother’s milk that helps the child more easily endure heat, dry climate, illness, and unfavorable living conditions. In addition, there are a number of other risks that the child and mother are exposed to. Here's how water can affect feeding while breastfeeding.

The child will like it

1. The child is not eating enough.

A newborn's stomach is very small, occupying space with water, thereby limiting the mother's milk intake. The nerve centers of the brain that are responsible for satiety cannot distinguish hunger from thirst. It is very dangerous if this “deception” occurs systematically. This results in a decrease in body weight and a deterioration in the general condition of the baby.

2. Breast milk production decreases.

This has been known since ancient times, the more milk is sucked out, the more it comes. But for some reason, Soviet pediatricians advised the mother to pump more often and apply to the breast on a schedule after 4 hours. At the same time, the child was advised to give water in order to replace the necessary moments of attachment to the breast laid down by nature. Naturally, lactation thus subsided by 6-9 months.

3. Breast refusal.

When the question arises whether it is necessary to give water to a baby while breastfeeding, we most often talk about a bottle with a nipple. A newborn is not yet able to distinguish a nipple from a pacifier, and it is easier to suck out liquid from the latter. Thus, he makes a choice not at all in favor of the breast.

4. Violation of water-salt balance.

It has been proven that water can flush out toxic substances from the body. But it is also known that at the same time, calcium and magnesium compounds, which are so necessary for normal life, are able to leave the body. Breast milk can only remove harmful substances. You need to remember this when discussing supplementing your child with water during breastfeeding. If the mother thinks that the child is hot, it is better to wipe him with water and dress him lightly, then ventilate the room and humidify the air. Of course, put your baby to your breast as often as possible.

5. Disturbance of microflora.

Together with the first food, the first bacteria enter the digestive system. The health of the child directly depends on the quality of this microflora. If the balance shifts towards pathogenic bacteria, then dysbiosis develops. Mother's milk maintains the natural balance of microflora and even restores in case of disturbances. Is it necessary to supplement the baby with water when breastfeeding if there is a risk of microflora infection by pathogenic organisms? It's probably better not to.

6. Settlement of infections.

Since you cannot be 100% sure of the quality of water, the risk of infection is very high. There is an opinion that bottled water very often undergoes a degree of purification that is insufficient for a newborn, that very often such water is drawn from the tap and undergoes minimal filtration. In addition, some experts believe that it contains substances that can increase its shelf life. Is it possible to give this water to a child with breastfeeding? Of course, this can cause a very strong blow to the baby’s health. At the same time, the milk of a mother who eats properly helps the child even with poisoning and vomiting.

A newborn's kidneys must work harder if he receives water in addition to milk. The body by nature is not at all adapted to this, hence the possible heavy load on this organ.

7. Increased jaundice.

We choose only high quality

Increased bilirubin in the blood of a newborn leads to the appearance of physiological jaundice, manifested by yellowing of the skin and yellowing of the cornea. Since bilirubin is a fat-soluble substance, it is easily dissolved in milk and practically insoluble in water. Frequent bowel movements, the mode of which is adjusted by breastfeeding, also helps to remove excess bilirubin.

What kind of water should you not give?

Having decided that the child still needs water for the newborn during breastfeeding, special attention It is worth paying attention to its quality.

It must be remembered that when boiled, it becomes “dead”, hence the greater harm to health that can be caused. Water from wells and artesian wells may contain nitrates coming from the soil.
Only chemical and bacteriological analysis can show the presence and quantity of harmful and beneficial substances.

Baby water should not contain silver, and therefore the long-known method of cleaning with a silver spoon is absolutely not suitable. And tap water is the last thing you can offer a child. Even after boiling, it contains chlorine, small particles, and heavy metal compounds, which will certainly accumulate in the body.

The most optimal way would be to purify such water through a complex “children’s” filter. And the most suitable water for a child to drink is one intended for baby food.

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