Can a new born baby drink water ?

This is not a new thing, babies only way of getting the nutrients are in the only food it is given MILK, from the mother is best, but formula baby milk may be given as a a substitute for breast feeding. Water is sometimes suggested by Drs. or Nurses if the baby has a tummy upset,and becomes dehydrated, but only given until milk can be introduced back to the baby.

Hi Yoyochan, yes the doctors and nurses advice is correct. A baby can get all its nutrients and fluids from being exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Also your baby will gain better immunity from being breastfed. If for some reason your baby becomes unwell (gastric upset), best to continue breastfeeding, but seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure they do not become dehydrated.

Check out the World Health Organisations opinion on breastfeeding and water to babies.

http://www.who.int/features/qa/21/en/

Hi Malka, if a baby is latching on to the breast for seemingly a long time, there may be a problem with the amount of milk they actually get, ie mothers milk may be diminishing', but sometimes this can be rectified by the nipple being put properly in the babies mouth. Sometimes the nipple gets sore and mum is reluctant to keep baby at the breast for too long, this can be rectified with breast cream and a nipple shield to protect, while it heals. Proper sucking from the baby stimulates more milk production, so the baby will be satisfied without spending a very long time at the breast. The only way you can see a baby is getting enough food, is by regular weighing, if he/she is gaining weight, thats Ok, the amount should not be substituted with water as water contains no nutrients. If the baby starts to look dehydrated, ie pinched dry skin, sunken fontanelle this is a sign of severe dehydration and the child must be checked out by the Doctor as soon as possible, as the baby itself may be ill, or the Mum- or it could just be poor feeding technique.

Also the mum needs to keep well hydrated and eat the correct foods to keep up the breast milk. Mum also needs to stay calm and not get stressed as this will sometimes diminish the milk supply.

Sometimes the baby will throw up, this may be due to wind, or the baby may be ill if this is a regular occurrence, if this happens frequently it is better to see the nurse or doctor to find out why.

As long as baby is wetting diapers and pooing, you know she/he is getting enough.


Water is not necessary at all as long as baby is breastfed. Even in countries as hot as Singapore, at most, doctors will recommend 30 ml of water a day on top of breastfeeding. That is not a lot. So think about it. So if you are breastfeeding, even in a hot climate, likely if baby is thirsty she/he will simply feed more often. They will not dehydrate unless they are sick (have the craps).


If you have any questions that need answering either call la leche league or Annerley (midwives), they will be super helpful and affordable. We used them and would highly recommend them.