For babies, water is essential to life. In fact, 80% of your little one's body is made up of water. And because infants dehydrate very quickly, how do you ensure they are adequately hydrated, especially during the hot summer months? When should you start giving your baby water, how often, with what kind of water, and at what temperature? Élhée brings you all the answers in this new article.
CONTENTS :
- Why is water so important?
- How much water do babies need?
- When should I give my baby his first bottle of water?
- How do I know if my baby is drinking enough in hot weather?
- Moisturizing baby also means eating well
Why is water so important?
Infants can quickly become dehydrated: because their bodies are 80% water, because their skin surface is larger than that of an adult, fragile and without lipid protection, and because their kidneys, still immature, cause them to eliminate more often.So it's crucial to make sure your baby gets enough water throughout the day.
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For a well-hydrated body
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Water helps maintain a stable body temperature, which is particularly important for babies, who are more sensitive to temperature variations.
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Adequate hydration is essential for the proper functioning of vital organs, including the kidneys, heart and lungs.
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For the urinary system
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Drinking water helps the body to eliminate accumulated waste and toxins through urine, thus contributing to kidney health and the prevention of urinary tract infections.
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For healthy skin
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Well-moisturized skin is softer, more supple and less prone to irritation or rashes.
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For brain development
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Sufficient, healthy water is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, including the transmission of signals between the brain and muscles.
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For the electrolyte balance of its metabolism
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Natural mineral water helps maintain the balance of electrolytes (responsible for transporting positive and negative ions in body fluids), which play a role in muscle contraction and the regulation of acid-base balance.
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For a strong immune system
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Good hydration helps support the immune system by facilitating the circulation of nutrients and immune cells throughout the body.
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For digestion and nutrient absorption
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Once baby has diversified, the water he drinks helps him to break down, digest and absorb food.
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Drinking enough water also helps keep stools soft and regular, thus preventing constipation, a common problem among babies.
How much water do babies need?
According to data published by the Société Française de Pédiatrie, children have different hydration needs, depending on their age, the season and their state of health.
| Age | Main source of hydration | Average daily water requirements |
| Birth to 6 months | Breast milk or infant formula | 700-800 ml of water via milk (i.e. 125-150 mL/kg/day) |
| 6 to 12 months | Breast milk or infant formula + introduction of solid meals | 800 to 1,000 ml total - including water from food, milk and small quantities of water (i.e. 100 to 110 mL/kg/day) |
| 12 to 24 months | Breast milk, infant formula or cow's milk + solid food | 1,000 to 1,300 ml total - including water from food, milk and water (i.e. 100 mL/kg/day) |
As is the case for adults, babies' water needs increase in hot weather, as well as in the event of diarrhea, vomiting or fever. If this is the case for your child, make an appointment with your paediatrician without delay.
From 6 months
Babies of this age still consume between 500 and 800 ml of milk every day, which can be supplemented by small volumes of water offered in another bottle or, for a change, in a training cup.
Recommended for babies aged 6 months and over, the Bubble learning cup holds 240 ml, neither too much nor too little, so that, in addition to his milk bottles, baby gets the amount of water he needs for good health. Made from 100% healthy, flexible, unbreakable medical silicone, and equipped with a non-leak suction spout, it is particularly well suited to babies' first journeys.
1 year and over
From 12 to 24 months, children's daily milk requirements don't change much, remaining between 500 and 800 ml. Their water requirements, on the other hand, increase to 1 L to 1.3 L per day, and are fairly easily met by milk on the one hand, water from a cup on the other, and the water contained in the food they eat, especially in summer.
BEFORE THE AGE OF 6 MONTHS, baby doesn't need to drink water. The breast milk or infant formula they consume is sufficient to cover their water and nutritional needs. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, for all mothers who can afford it. Also, if the weather is very hot or if baby is ill (which can cause him to lose a lot of water through perspiration or stools), doctors recommend increasing the number of feeds or bottles to reinforce his hydration. Water is neither dangerous nor forbidden, but it is not recommended before 6 months, as it is useless, can lead to satiety too quickly and can cause diarrhea if given in excessive quantities. However, in certain cases, your doctor may recommend adding small sips of water between baby's milk meals.
When should I give my baby his first bottle of water?
Simply put, the first sips of pure water should coincide with the first bites of solid food. You can therefore offer your baby his first small bottle of water, some time after he begins to diversify his diet.
If you've opted for the Élhée birth set, it's time to bring out the tiny 150 ml feeding bottle and fit it with an XS extra-slow-flow teat, to limit the risk of a false route.
If your child refuses to drink his water, try again at another time, in another container, or after taking a few sips yourself to encourage him. But don't add sugar or syrup, not even a little fruit juice, which is far too sweet.
Of course, if your little one is clamoring for a drink and wants to follow in your footsteps, it may be time to hand him his first child's cup.
Which water to choose?
Whether you're preparing a bottle with it, or offering it by the glass, the composition of baby water should always be carefully detailed. Waters such as Mont Roucous, Evian or Volvic, and beyond the brand name, all waters with low mineral content, no nitrates and a dry residue at 180° of less than 500 mg per liter, are perfectly suitable.
To help you, look for the words "Suitable for the preparation of infant food" on the bottle. To find out more, the regulations governing the quality criteria for packaged natural and spring mineral waters are set out in thedecree of March 14, 2007.
In France, tap water can also be used without problem for baby bottles from birth. It even has the advantage of generating no plastic waste. Before using it, however, always remember to follow certain rules:
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let the water run for a few seconds before collecting it,
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use onlycold water,
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don't use filter carafes or softeners, as they can be overrun by bacteria,
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clean and descale your faucets regularly.
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Was your home built before 1948? To avoid lead potentially present in the pipes, prefer bottled water.
For your baby's digestive comfort, as well as good hydration, it's best to offer water at room temperature and in small quantities during and outside mealtimes. However, if you use bottled water, keep it refrigerated for no longer than 24 hours after opening, to avoid microbial growth (bottled water is not sterile).
How do I know if my baby is drinking enough in hot weather?
When a child is born, new parents have a host of questions. It's only natural. And the bad news is, as time goes by, it doesn't get any easier 😉. As the months and years go by, the questions pile up, fortunately often accompanied by their answers. For example, water for babies, when it's hot, how do you know if baby is well hydrated?
3 signs of good hydration
Generally speaking, a baby who feels well is smiling and graceful, eats and sleeps well. A well-moisturized baby wets his diapers regularly, day and night, is alert and responsive, and has supple skin that quickly springs back into place after a little pressure.
11 symptoms that may indicate dehydration
Conversely, if you have any doubts, if your baby worries you and you think he's running out of water, don't panic, call your paediatrician or go straight to his surgery. In the meantime, check for the following symptoms:
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dry mouth and tongue, with cracked lips,
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a thirst that's hard to quench,
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a constant state of drowsiness,
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an unusual pallor,
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dark, hollow eyes,
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fever,
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rapid breathing,
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diapers that stay dry,
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sunken fontanelles,
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a skin fold that doesn't close when the skin is pinched,
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a baby losing weight.
3 main causes of dehydration in infants
Without being exhaustive, here's a list of the most common situations that can lead to dehydration and prove, once again, the importance of water for babies.
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Gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea and vomiting can lead to rapid fluid loss and dehydration.
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A high or prolonged fever, due to the excessive sweating that accompanies it, can drastically increase the water requirements of an infant's fragile body.
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A heatwave can raise a baby's body temperature, increasing the risk of dehydration.
IF IT'S TOO HOT, don't hesitate to offer an extra bottle each day, or to breastfeed more often. After 6 months, offer small sips of water regularly throughout the day, and add a few fresh, water-filled fruits and vegetables to baby's plate if appropriate. Stay in the shade and in a cool place as often as possible, prefer light cotton clothing and watch for the slightest sign of discomfort or dehydration in your child.
Moisturizing baby also means eating well
In spring and summer, to hydrate a diversified baby, think seasonal fruits and vegetables too! Melons, watermelons, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini and strawberries are particularly useful while your child becomes familiar with water, providing not only nutrients (and good taste), but also a welcome overdose of hydration.
Add them to your baby's meals in small, ripe or well-cooked pieces, as starters or desserts, and you've got tasty recipe ideas that would be a shame to go without.
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