Keeping hydrated

[Maud]

I'm so worried about my little one getting dehydrated in this heat. How are others coping? Are you giving many extra feeds? Is anyone giving water instead?

 

[Lisajo5]

I'm offering my BF boy (20weeks) a beaker of water twice a day he wants more feeds if it's hot too.

 

[CamFi]

I was told by the midwives here in Australia (heat waves hit the forties) that as long as mum is hydrated (drinking 2+litres of water a day - a big glass of water every time baby feeds and at your mealtimes), then breastfed babies fed on demand under 6 months don't need extra water, they'll get enough hydration from the milk - don't be surprised if they do more frequent shorter feeds as the first milk is the thinnest, hydrating stuff.

Bottle fed babies under 6 months should have bottles slightly more diluted than usual, or extra water.

over 6 months you should be offering extra water at the same time as you offer solids.

 

[Maud]

Everything I've read has said not to give water, but I am debating taking a little bottle when we go out so she can have a little drink in her pushchair (the only places I could feed in my town are benches in the sun (!) or a greasy spoon - and I don't want to have to buy something in order to feed her!). That's assuming she would drink it of course...

 

[xRachyx]

I've never given my LO water, she feeds a lot though

 

[Jajis]

I didn't give my son any water until after he started eating food at six months (and even then it was only maybe one or two sips at a meal time). I was told that our milk adapts during hot weather, so it's more watery, keeping your baby hydrated

 

[Pixel]

Eva has been accepting more milk. Haven't given her any water I think the milk is enough x

 

[Maud]

Thanks for replies. I've stuck with just milk for now.