Newborns  in general  shouldn’t drink water until they are  about   6 months old. Giving it to them can disrupt feeding and even cause serious health problems.Before this time they get all the hydration they need from formula or breastmilk even in very hot weather.

When your baby is 6 months, you may give him sips of water. However you shouldn’t over do this. Doing so may  result in a tummy ache or making the baby too full to eat.

When babies starts eating solids and drinking cow milk after their first birthday, you can let them drink as much  water as they need to.

Why is it not safe to give babies 6 months and younger water ?

Giving it  to babies 6 months and younger will  interfere with the body’s ability  to absorb nutrients from breast milk and formula.

It can also make the baby too full to eat.   In rare cases, the  baby may develop water intoxication. This condition results when the   electrolyte balance to go out of control and causes  tissues to swell  The condition can cause seizures and even  coma.

NOTE

• follow direction carefully when mixing baby formula. Adding too much water to formula will result in the baby getting less nutrients
• when baby is dehydrated as a result of a condition such as stomach  flu, the doctor  may advice you to give him an electrolyte drink such as pedialyte.