Did you give your baby water back in the day ?

Question

Just curious how many older mothers out there gave their babies water when they were infants ?

Back in the day when I had my kids, the docs told us to give babies water..water..water !

My kids are healthy and I se alot of other human beings running around..so whats up with that and what changed ?

Answer 1

My daughter is 16. I gave her no water.

The trend towards giving water started when most babies were on home-made formulas.  Those were hard to digest, so doctors strictly limited how much baby could have. If baby was thirsty in between strictly scheduled feeds, water was offered.

It's now known that water is not necessary, and CAN be harmful. Some doctors still recommend it ... just as many other formerly common practices are still done just becuase they were 'routine' for so many years.  (For example, the practice of starting with baby cereal dates from those same generations when babies were fed home-made formula, (which lacked many nutrients) and so were started on solids very early, and needed the iron in the cereal.  Today, breastmilk or commercial formula provides all necessary nutrients, so babies are started on solids later (usually around 6 months) and can be started on any food that baby enjoys.)

Answer 2

I have five kids, and I gave them all water. My doctor never advised me either way, but my common sense kicked in when the weather was really hot (I live in Alabama, so it's almost always hot here), and I would give them an ounce after feeding, if they would take it.

I think as long as parents don't get babies' bellies full of water so that they won't take their formula or milk, it's absolutely fine.

Answer 3

My daughter is 6 months old and I give her water. I started giving her water when it got hot outside.

It is 90 degrees out. I'm not going to fatten her up just to keep her hydrated.

Answer 4

when my son was an infant, yes, i gave him water. my doctor told me it was perfectly fine to give him water. i didnt give it to him straight out of the tap, b/c i dont even drink water straight out of the tap. i sterolized it first, (boiled it) then let it cool, then give it to him. he loved it