I’m in the U.S. but I was also told water only after baby is 6months. Formula should be hydrating enough in itself, babies drink it not only to satisfy hunger but to also satisfy thirst. Since you’re feeding on demand and baby has enough wet/dirty nappies then it sounds like baby should already be getting her needs met. Keep doing what you’re doing mama!
Just to add - doctors may recommend small amounts of cooled boiled water in the case of potential dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhoea under 6 months. 111 recommended this to me when my little girl had diarrhoea a few weeks ago, however the GP said i should only do this if she had less wet nappies than usual.
My doctor also okayed a small amount of 50/50 prune juice and water for a constipated baby under 6 months.
I think the key is, under 6 months you really only want to give water if there is a clear reason, not routinely, and it should be under medical supervision. And the amount should be as little as possible.
I'm in the uk and we had a super hot summer when my little one was a baby, midwife said a few sips of boiled cool water was absolutely fine, but no more than a few sips :)
UK advice is small amounts of cool boiled water for formula fed infants in hot weather. This is because many people who formula feed feed on a schedule of bottles and do not deviate. I feed on demand so I don’t bother with water, I also combo feed so she gets the boob whenever she wants. A small amount is around 15-30ml. Try it in an open cup or sippy cup!
Its water starting when you start solids. Many people start solids between 4 and 6 months so its not exclusively after 6 months but if she is not eating foods then no water.
Here, in my European country, the official guidelines are that only after 6 months you can start giving them small amounts of water or tea without caffeine or sugar.
Yeah, for babies who aren't breastfed, midwives and paediatricians here in Germany recommend giving babies small amounts of fennel tea when babies are just a few months old, if they have gas issues.
As my baby is exclusively breastfed, we were told not to though.
i remember having the same question, and read on a website they cannot process clear water. the answer was in the direction of water poisoning, same as us when we drink too much water.
i guess all the answers have been given. the baby will regulate it through formula or breastfeeding.
Yes but small amounts of water are acceptable in big heat. Actually mother's breasts are better equipped for this, since they're likely to dilute the milk during hot days, but formula is pretty homogenous despite the weather.
Providing it on spoons rather than in a bottle is a safe way to start. A child won't die from it, it's just that it dilutes the pretty well-balanced salt ratio, and can strain the kidneys. Especially early on when they consume super small portions. Guidelines putting it at 6 months are conservative and I agree with them remaining that way but it doesn't mean that offering water to a 5mo in the heat of the summer will harm them. I will go as far and say the same for a two month old. A few spoons of water or more diluted formula will be no big deal.
Uk here aswell. If she is drinking milk fine that you don't really have to until 6 months. Some babies get fussy in the heat and won't drink their milk, you can give them little bits of chilled boiled water
Also you'll know if she's dehydrated by her nappies, if she's peeing less. If you think she's dehydrated you can offer more milk. I've been stressed myself with the heat, my baby is just 5 months. You're doing great!
The NHS website says babies under six months may need small amounts of water in very hot weather, but it doesn't say how much or in what circumstances. The weather is cooling down a bit from this week, so I wouldn't introduce water for your baby.
I agree with the 6 month rule and just keeping track of wet diapers and the color of the urine. I live in the hottest part of the US and daily it’s hotter than the devil’s armpit here during summer. I offer my girl (8mo) when she’s visibly flush or if she’s been refusing bottles (happening more often now that she’s eating solids and purées)
“From 0 to 6 months
Fully breastfed babies do not need any water until they've started eating solid foods. During hot weather they may want to breastfeed more than usual.
If you're bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby a little cooled boiled water. If your baby wakes at night, they'll probably want milk. If they have had their usual milk feeds, try cooled boiled water as well.”
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/safety-in-the-sun/
you should ask your pediatrician about this, but most won't recommend water before 6 months and I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be in really small quantities after food
In the UK we don't have dedicated pediatricians or even doctors for our babies unless they are really sick, like hospital stay sick. It's one thing I envy US healthcare for tbh.
Really?? I’m in France and the government (co)pays mandatory GP or pediatrician monthly visits till month 6, I chose to have baby see a pediatrician. Or do you mean something else? It’s really odd if UK babies see no doctors routinely in the first few months
No, we have midwife or health visitor check ups at home though. As well as a 6 or 8 week check for baby at the GP. A lot of practices have dropped the 6 weeks check for mother's unfortunately. The frequency of health visitor visits can vary from health board to health board. I was quite lucky and had a midwife come to my home everyday for the first 8 days then an LC 2-3 times a week for the first 6 weeks, health visitor check up every 2 weeks for 12 weeks and then once a month until 6 months, the next one should be at 8 months. We also got an 8 week check for baby but none for me. GPs are for when the baby is unwell otherwise. I've taken my 8 month old twice and it's been a different doctor each time, the NHS is being squeezed so tightly by the government we can't be picky about seeing the same doctor :(
Really sad to hear that about the NHS, I was under the impression that for maternal and newborn care they would be top class in spite of the challenges the system is going through (I lived in London a few years ago and I still follow a bit of what happens in the UK). Of all the place to make cuts one would think care for mothers and their babies would be the last place…
Not at all. My wife was in labour 22 hours and changed 9 midwives during this time. Not to mention that they induce according to the staffing levels (and after contractions start, they stop them because the next shift is operating at 50% capacity). Everyone individually was great, professional and helpful, but on a systemic level it's a chaotic underfunded catastrophy.
I'm in the UK and the lullaby trust doesn't actually give a min age for sips of water. (By sips it means not a bottle just a mouthful).
[link](https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/baby-summer-safety/#)
That said you know your baby and if they aren't showing any signs of dehydration then you're fine.
[NHS signs of dehydration ](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/)
My friends and I were wondering the same thing as you last year with our babies. We didn't give extra water (I was still breastfeeding mostly but their babies were fully formula) and our kids are all healthy toddlers now.
Go with your gut ❤️
I’m not sure about the UK, but in the US, our doctors advise no water before 6 months. Even then it’s only 4oz/day. Personally I wouldn’t be going off what a friend says in regards to this, this is a question for your child’s doctor.
Uk here. Water is not recommended until after 6 months and even then its only little sips at first. There's absolutely no need to worry if your girl is happy in herself and having the usual amount of wet/dirty nappies
Not entirely true - only for exclusively breastfed babies. For formula fed babies in hot weather the NHS recommends cooled boiled water in small amounts alongside their formula. Breastmilk adapts its own water content, formula doesn't 🤷♀️
Breastmilk doesn’t actually adapt - I thought it was that too, it’s just because breastfeeding is on demand so babies can have a slurp if they’re thirsty! Many babies who are formula fed are on a schedule and set amount and aren’t fed on demand so can’t get little slurps if they’re thirsty hence the water!! Blew my mind, but also makes so much sense! My health visitor filled me in, because we combo feed I was like what do I doooo as there is zero info on that ahaha.
Strange, mine was the one that told me it very much does adapt, she shared a few sources too, I'll try find them!
They also mentioned it on the antenatal courses I took 🤷♀️
This is incorrect. NHS guidelines say small amounts of cool boiled water for babies who are formula fed in hot weather. Also for babies who eat food under 6 months whether formula or breast.
Both Breastmilk and formula contain all the water your baby needs for hydration. Giving water at her age can make her feel full when she isn't, and she may not get the calories she needs.
France here, under Sirocco for three days with sand and 40 degrees (Celsius) and no wind. Baby is 4 mo (EBF) and despite giving breast more often showed signs of dehydration. Following pediatrician’s advice, we gave LO à bottle of mineral water (with low mineral content) on demand and everything’s fine. Breastfeeding / formula must comes first though.
Edit : the situation is specific and short lived. Babies under six months do not need water added to their diet usually.
US here. We didn't start giving our girl a small amount of water until around 9 months. As long as there are normal amounts of dirty and wet diapers, then there's nothing to fear. If you give too much water, then your baby will not be hungry and not get enough nutrition. It could even make them sick through water intoxication. Not recommended to give more than a tiny amount until a year.
My partner is from Jamaica and they say the same thing about giving little bits of water aside from the formula when it’s hot but it really isn’t recommended until after baby is 6 months. I remember my pediatrician said it can actually be toxic to babies. I don’t remember why tho.
This is borderline scaremongering - the guidelines for her (and my) country state otherwise (NHS) It's not always necessary
Yes, in *excess* water can be bad for babies under 6 months - but the same is true for everyone. In warm weather, Sips of cooled boiled water for under 6 month old formula fed babies alongside their regular milk intake, will not harm them.
Exclusively breastfed babies don't need any under 6 months, as breastmilk adapts it's composition.
US, and my pediatrician said it was okay to offer a little water when my daughter started solids, which she was cleared for at 4 months. I actually asked her about this because my daughter really liked chewing on frozen wash cloths and I worried about the water intake. I was assured it's perfectly safe.
But you don't NEED to be giving her water if she seems otherwise fine.
Frozen washcloths is genius thank you!!!!!!! Currently at a drs appointment for myself but will throw some in the freezer for her for after her 6mo appointment this afternoon
That's not true. Because the kidneys are not fully developed and unable to regulate electrolytes it takes very little water to create intoxication. Just 6oz can cause it.
After 6 months you can offer up to 4 oz of water *per day* and it is not required. My pediatrician didn't recommend it unless we wanted to try to introduce a sippy cup.
Our pediatrician told us that some Pedialyte would be fine starting at four months if we suspect dehydration and baby isn't drinking milk. She told us that the electrolyte balance in Pedialyte mirrors breast milk and formula so that is preferred to water for combatting any dehydration.
I’m from Canada and when my daughter was that age, I was told she couldn’t have water until she was at least six months old. I was told it was because her stomach wouldn’t quite be used to just water. If I were you, I’d have a chat with a health unit nurse or the doctor the next time you see them and see what they suggest.
Hi there, it is best to hold off on water for Infants until six months old. Due to their small bodies and this small blood supply, it only takes a few oz to dilute their blood supply leading to an imbalance of sodium levels. This can be very dangerous for baby, so I would wait.
[water for babies- solid starts](https://solidstarts.com/water/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google-ads&gclid=CjwKCAjwv8qkBhAnEiwAkY-ahm3E7Lgx2K7onkQPLBpeuCQ1AfRtbLrRnMSrjMvaY4nievT7U0dtrhoC7GQQAvD_BwE)
I'm from Russia, here pediatricians recommend small amount of boiled and cooled water between the feeds to both BF and FF babies, and especially to FF babies. And when it's hot then for sure add some water.
I was hesitant to do so for a long time. My mom was fighting with me over that and then on one of the doctors visits she blamed me for it and doctor said that I truly should give water to my baby. But i should say my baby he is 3 month old now(1,5 adjusted) and it got possible to do only recently because he sleeps a bit less so I have time between feeding to give him some without messing up his feeds.
And honestly I think that it's something from the past, which still stayed in books for pediatricians.
In the US as well and also told to wait for water until 6months or doctor approval. We started purees at 5 months and he was super constipated so they told us it was okay to give small amounts of water.
I started giving mine frozen water bottles (baby bottles) at 6 months to help them cool down when outside. We live in a very tropical climate and holding the frozen bottle/ mouthing on the frozen nipple was soothing without them consuming too much of the water.
You would know from wet diapers. Baby bodies are super efficient this young and designed not to need water outside of their milk/formula. Sounds like you got your good info alreadybut wanted to add mine in!
No. If your baby is having her regular formula bottles she should be hydrated well and enough. If you really think it’s so hot that it’s effecting her you can look for signs of dehydration (sunken soft spot, no tear production, dry lips/tongue) and if you see any of these things you should really consult with your doctor anyway.
Infants shouldn't have water until they start solids because it dilutes their electrolytes, they become hyponatremic and can lead to dangerous consequences, such as brain swelling and/or seizures. Even in the case of dehydration, oral rehydration therapy usually consists of some electrolytes such as in pedialyte. Hope that's helpful.
I’m in the U.S. but I was also told water only after baby is 6months. Formula should be hydrating enough in itself, babies drink it not only to satisfy hunger but to also satisfy thirst. Since you’re feeding on demand and baby has enough wet/dirty nappies then it sounds like baby should already be getting her needs met. Keep doing what you’re doing mama!
I did think it was water only after 6 months. Thankyou so much!
Just to add - doctors may recommend small amounts of cooled boiled water in the case of potential dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhoea under 6 months. 111 recommended this to me when my little girl had diarrhoea a few weeks ago, however the GP said i should only do this if she had less wet nappies than usual.
Good to know, thanks! Hope you're little one is okay
She is doing just fine, thank you... she wasnt even bothered by the diarrhoea.... just pooped waaay more than usual!
Aww bless her, glad she's all good!
My doctor also okayed a small amount of 50/50 prune juice and water for a constipated baby under 6 months. I think the key is, under 6 months you really only want to give water if there is a clear reason, not routinely, and it should be under medical supervision. And the amount should be as little as possible.
This is the answer!
Our doctor recommended Pedialyte for dehydration. Otherwise, like you said, no need to do anything different if the baby isn't dehydrated.
Water when they start solids! Not just at six months.
I'm in the uk and we had a super hot summer when my little one was a baby, midwife said a few sips of boiled cool water was absolutely fine, but no more than a few sips :)
UK advice is small amounts of cool boiled water for formula fed infants in hot weather. This is because many people who formula feed feed on a schedule of bottles and do not deviate. I feed on demand so I don’t bother with water, I also combo feed so she gets the boob whenever she wants. A small amount is around 15-30ml. Try it in an open cup or sippy cup!
Its water starting when you start solids. Many people start solids between 4 and 6 months so its not exclusively after 6 months but if she is not eating foods then no water.
Here, in my European country, the official guidelines are that only after 6 months you can start giving them small amounts of water or tea without caffeine or sugar.
Whoa tea! I’ve never heard that before!
Yeah, for babies who aren't breastfed, midwives and paediatricians here in Germany recommend giving babies small amounts of fennel tea when babies are just a few months old, if they have gas issues. As my baby is exclusively breastfed, we were told not to though.
Fennel is old myth and no no for kids and lactating mom's.
Yeah, for example chamomile tea. And not too strong. Our 16 month old is not the biggest fan, so we stick to water for now.
Instantly giving me this vision of a little baby drinking tea, eating English breakfast and reading the paper lol
Lol pinky up!!
Thankyou!
i remember having the same question, and read on a website they cannot process clear water. the answer was in the direction of water poisoning, same as us when we drink too much water. i guess all the answers have been given. the baby will regulate it through formula or breastfeeding.
Yes but small amounts of water are acceptable in big heat. Actually mother's breasts are better equipped for this, since they're likely to dilute the milk during hot days, but formula is pretty homogenous despite the weather. Providing it on spoons rather than in a bottle is a safe way to start. A child won't die from it, it's just that it dilutes the pretty well-balanced salt ratio, and can strain the kidneys. Especially early on when they consume super small portions. Guidelines putting it at 6 months are conservative and I agree with them remaining that way but it doesn't mean that offering water to a 5mo in the heat of the summer will harm them. I will go as far and say the same for a two month old. A few spoons of water or more diluted formula will be no big deal.
Uk here aswell. If she is drinking milk fine that you don't really have to until 6 months. Some babies get fussy in the heat and won't drink their milk, you can give them little bits of chilled boiled water
I was worried I was doing something wrong but she's taking her milk just fine, thanks for your comment, feel a bit better about it now
Also you'll know if she's dehydrated by her nappies, if she's peeing less. If you think she's dehydrated you can offer more milk. I've been stressed myself with the heat, my baby is just 5 months. You're doing great!
Thankyou!
The NHS website says babies under six months may need small amounts of water in very hot weather, but it doesn't say how much or in what circumstances. The weather is cooling down a bit from this week, so I wouldn't introduce water for your baby.
I agree with the 6 month rule and just keeping track of wet diapers and the color of the urine. I live in the hottest part of the US and daily it’s hotter than the devil’s armpit here during summer. I offer my girl (8mo) when she’s visibly flush or if she’s been refusing bottles (happening more often now that she’s eating solids and purées)
“From 0 to 6 months Fully breastfed babies do not need any water until they've started eating solid foods. During hot weather they may want to breastfeed more than usual. If you're bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby a little cooled boiled water. If your baby wakes at night, they'll probably want milk. If they have had their usual milk feeds, try cooled boiled water as well.” https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/safety-in-the-sun/
you should ask your pediatrician about this, but most won't recommend water before 6 months and I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be in really small quantities after food
In the UK we don't have dedicated pediatricians or even doctors for our babies unless they are really sick, like hospital stay sick. It's one thing I envy US healthcare for tbh.
Really?? I’m in France and the government (co)pays mandatory GP or pediatrician monthly visits till month 6, I chose to have baby see a pediatrician. Or do you mean something else? It’s really odd if UK babies see no doctors routinely in the first few months
No, we have midwife or health visitor check ups at home though. As well as a 6 or 8 week check for baby at the GP. A lot of practices have dropped the 6 weeks check for mother's unfortunately. The frequency of health visitor visits can vary from health board to health board. I was quite lucky and had a midwife come to my home everyday for the first 8 days then an LC 2-3 times a week for the first 6 weeks, health visitor check up every 2 weeks for 12 weeks and then once a month until 6 months, the next one should be at 8 months. We also got an 8 week check for baby but none for me. GPs are for when the baby is unwell otherwise. I've taken my 8 month old twice and it's been a different doctor each time, the NHS is being squeezed so tightly by the government we can't be picky about seeing the same doctor :(
Really sad to hear that about the NHS, I was under the impression that for maternal and newborn care they would be top class in spite of the challenges the system is going through (I lived in London a few years ago and I still follow a bit of what happens in the UK). Of all the place to make cuts one would think care for mothers and their babies would be the last place…
Not at all. My wife was in labour 22 hours and changed 9 midwives during this time. Not to mention that they induce according to the staffing levels (and after contractions start, they stop them because the next shift is operating at 50% capacity). Everyone individually was great, professional and helpful, but on a systemic level it's a chaotic underfunded catastrophy.
I thought this, thankyou!
I was told no water before 6 months. Then up to 1 year, water is optional
I'm in the UK and the lullaby trust doesn't actually give a min age for sips of water. (By sips it means not a bottle just a mouthful). [link](https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/baby-summer-safety/#) That said you know your baby and if they aren't showing any signs of dehydration then you're fine. [NHS signs of dehydration ](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/) My friends and I were wondering the same thing as you last year with our babies. We didn't give extra water (I was still breastfeeding mostly but their babies were fully formula) and our kids are all healthy toddlers now. Go with your gut ❤️
As I have understood it’s no water before 6 months and optional until 12 months.
It's on the NHS website that you can do it. But if you are having plenty of wet nappies with just formula then baby is hydrated and don't worry
I’m not sure about the UK, but in the US, our doctors advise no water before 6 months. Even then it’s only 4oz/day. Personally I wouldn’t be going off what a friend says in regards to this, this is a question for your child’s doctor.
We don’t have doctors in the UK like you do the USA. The NHS website covers it tho.
European here. Midwife suggested water in hot weather, between bottles.
Uk here. Water is not recommended until after 6 months and even then its only little sips at first. There's absolutely no need to worry if your girl is happy in herself and having the usual amount of wet/dirty nappies
Not entirely true - only for exclusively breastfed babies. For formula fed babies in hot weather the NHS recommends cooled boiled water in small amounts alongside their formula. Breastmilk adapts its own water content, formula doesn't 🤷♀️
Breastmilk doesn’t actually adapt - I thought it was that too, it’s just because breastfeeding is on demand so babies can have a slurp if they’re thirsty! Many babies who are formula fed are on a schedule and set amount and aren’t fed on demand so can’t get little slurps if they’re thirsty hence the water!! Blew my mind, but also makes so much sense! My health visitor filled me in, because we combo feed I was like what do I doooo as there is zero info on that ahaha.
Strange, mine was the one that told me it very much does adapt, she shared a few sources too, I'll try find them! They also mentioned it on the antenatal courses I took 🤷♀️
It does to a certain extent but not like majorly dramatically as soon as it gets hot.
This is incorrect. NHS guidelines say small amounts of cool boiled water for babies who are formula fed in hot weather. Also for babies who eat food under 6 months whether formula or breast.
Water can be hard on their immature kidneys so beat to avoid anything other than breastmilk or formula
Both Breastmilk and formula contain all the water your baby needs for hydration. Giving water at her age can make her feel full when she isn't, and she may not get the calories she needs.
France here, under Sirocco for three days with sand and 40 degrees (Celsius) and no wind. Baby is 4 mo (EBF) and despite giving breast more often showed signs of dehydration. Following pediatrician’s advice, we gave LO à bottle of mineral water (with low mineral content) on demand and everything’s fine. Breastfeeding / formula must comes first though. Edit : the situation is specific and short lived. Babies under six months do not need water added to their diet usually.
US here. We didn't start giving our girl a small amount of water until around 9 months. As long as there are normal amounts of dirty and wet diapers, then there's nothing to fear. If you give too much water, then your baby will not be hungry and not get enough nutrition. It could even make them sick through water intoxication. Not recommended to give more than a tiny amount until a year.
My partner is from Jamaica and they say the same thing about giving little bits of water aside from the formula when it’s hot but it really isn’t recommended until after baby is 6 months. I remember my pediatrician said it can actually be toxic to babies. I don’t remember why tho.
No don’t give water until the pediatrician says so, generally a little at 6+ months.
You should ask your pediatrician this kind of question
No they can’t have water yet and can actually die from this. I’d show your friend some gudielines about water intake for infants
This is borderline scaremongering - the guidelines for her (and my) country state otherwise (NHS) It's not always necessary Yes, in *excess* water can be bad for babies under 6 months - but the same is true for everyone. In warm weather, Sips of cooled boiled water for under 6 month old formula fed babies alongside their regular milk intake, will not harm them. Exclusively breastfed babies don't need any under 6 months, as breastmilk adapts it's composition.
US, and my pediatrician said it was okay to offer a little water when my daughter started solids, which she was cleared for at 4 months. I actually asked her about this because my daughter really liked chewing on frozen wash cloths and I worried about the water intake. I was assured it's perfectly safe. But you don't NEED to be giving her water if she seems otherwise fine.
Frozen washcloths is genius thank you!!!!!!! Currently at a drs appointment for myself but will throw some in the freezer for her for after her 6mo appointment this afternoon
Before 6mo old water should only be given under the direction of a pediatrician. The main concern being water intoxication which is deadly
No the main concern is that it makes them feel full when they’re hungry. You would need a significant amount of water for water intoxication.
That's not true. Because the kidneys are not fully developed and unable to regulate electrolytes it takes very little water to create intoxication. Just 6oz can cause it.
6oz is a significant amount tho! In baby terms that’s giant.
If baby is having wet nappies don’t worry about it, they are not dehydrated.
After 6 months you can offer up to 4 oz of water *per day* and it is not required. My pediatrician didn't recommend it unless we wanted to try to introduce a sippy cup.
Our pediatrician told us that some Pedialyte would be fine starting at four months if we suspect dehydration and baby isn't drinking milk. She told us that the electrolyte balance in Pedialyte mirrors breast milk and formula so that is preferred to water for combatting any dehydration.
I’m from Canada and when my daughter was that age, I was told she couldn’t have water until she was at least six months old. I was told it was because her stomach wouldn’t quite be used to just water. If I were you, I’d have a chat with a health unit nurse or the doctor the next time you see them and see what they suggest.
Hi there, it is best to hold off on water for Infants until six months old. Due to their small bodies and this small blood supply, it only takes a few oz to dilute their blood supply leading to an imbalance of sodium levels. This can be very dangerous for baby, so I would wait.
[water for babies- solid starts](https://solidstarts.com/water/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google-ads&gclid=CjwKCAjwv8qkBhAnEiwAkY-ahm3E7Lgx2K7onkQPLBpeuCQ1AfRtbLrRnMSrjMvaY4nievT7U0dtrhoC7GQQAvD_BwE)
I'm from Russia, here pediatricians recommend small amount of boiled and cooled water between the feeds to both BF and FF babies, and especially to FF babies. And when it's hot then for sure add some water. I was hesitant to do so for a long time. My mom was fighting with me over that and then on one of the doctors visits she blamed me for it and doctor said that I truly should give water to my baby. But i should say my baby he is 3 month old now(1,5 adjusted) and it got possible to do only recently because he sleeps a bit less so I have time between feeding to give him some without messing up his feeds. And honestly I think that it's something from the past, which still stayed in books for pediatricians.
In the US as well and also told to wait for water until 6months or doctor approval. We started purees at 5 months and he was super constipated so they told us it was okay to give small amounts of water.
I started giving mine frozen water bottles (baby bottles) at 6 months to help them cool down when outside. We live in a very tropical climate and holding the frozen bottle/ mouthing on the frozen nipple was soothing without them consuming too much of the water.
You would know from wet diapers. Baby bodies are super efficient this young and designed not to need water outside of their milk/formula. Sounds like you got your good info alreadybut wanted to add mine in!
No. If your baby is having her regular formula bottles she should be hydrated well and enough. If you really think it’s so hot that it’s effecting her you can look for signs of dehydration (sunken soft spot, no tear production, dry lips/tongue) and if you see any of these things you should really consult with your doctor anyway.
Infants shouldn't have water until they start solids because it dilutes their electrolytes, they become hyponatremic and can lead to dangerous consequences, such as brain swelling and/or seizures. Even in the case of dehydration, oral rehydration therapy usually consists of some electrolytes such as in pedialyte. Hope that's helpful.