Babies Younger than 6 Months Should Not Drink Water in this Heatwave, Pediatricians Warn

The summer heatwave will be hard on everyone, and most people will likely drink loads of water to help cool down. Pediatricians, however, advise parents not to give water to their babies younger than six months no matter how warm it will get outside.

Emily Salter, a child development expert, told The Sun that drinking water is usually introduced to a baby's diet and routine when she's weaning and eating solid food, which is around the seventh month. Younger babies, on the other hand, solely rely on drinking milk as water may easily lead to an imbalance or overload their immature kidneys.

Pediatric dietician Katie Zeratsky said that kids under a year old do not need water because they get a lot of fluid from their milk, whether breastmilk or formula milk. She said that even in a heatwave, the babies get hydrated because of their main food. The expert noted that milk is a better choice because it is packed with essential nutrients that babies need for their growth and energy.

Read Also: Pregnant Women at High Risk of Heatwaves, but Doctors Do Not Give Enough Advice on How to Deal With It

Babies and Hyponatremia

In unavoidable circumstances, when the baby is accidentally given water, Zeratsky said via Buzzfeed that parents should not worry if it's only for one feeding. In some cases, babies could be given a small amount of boiled water that has been cooled down. However, parents must be careful and avoid water intoxication or hyponatremia.

Per the Mayo Clinic, hyponatremia happens when sodium in the blood becomes abnormally low or too diluted. The condition may lead to cell swelling, which can be life-threatening.

Kids below six months also have very tiny stomachs that can fill up with liquid. If they drink water, they might not want milk anymore, which will deprive them of adequate nourishment.

Zeratsky added that parents must "always follow" the mixing instructions of formula milk unless the baby's doctors have directed a change. Formula milk that's either too concentrated or diluted will cause some health issues that should have been avoidable.

On the other hand, breastfeeding moms will need to drink more liquid in this heatwave to allow proper lactation and ensure that their child has enough when she's hungry or thirsty.

Keeping Babies Cooler in the Heatwave

To relieve the baby when the temperature is too hot, parents must ensure that they are dressed in light clothes made of natural fiber. As much as possible, parents should avoid placing waterproof mattress protectors on their beds as this can lead to more sweating in kids. Instead, they can invest in cooling mats, according to Good To Know.

Electric fans should not be directed toward the baby as the air from this appliance is warmer. Instead, use to fan to stimulate air circulation. For homes with air conditioning, keep the temperature below 78°F.

Cooler baths before going to bed will help babies sleep better. If they are warm during the day, wiping a damp flannel on their forehead, arms and legs will allow their body to cool down.

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