Author Topic: Does a BF baby need water when eating solids??  (Read 2294 times)

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Offline louiemum

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Does a BF baby need water when eating solids??
« on: January 29, 2009, 19:47:28 pm »
Sorry not sure if this is right place to post or no  .  :D

My LO is 6 mo and been on solids for a couple of weeks - he is still BF 4x day.   Should I be giving him water after a solid feed to help avoid constipation??

Sorry if typing bit crazy - expressing with 1 hand - typing with other!!

Offline Jenifer

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Re: Does a BF baby need water when eating solids??
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2009, 20:01:15 pm »
I used to offer my DD water.  She didn't drink a whole lot - just a little. 
DD - March 2006

Offline jana224

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Re: Does a BF baby need water when eating solids??
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2009, 20:32:13 pm »
Hi there,
I offer water in a sippy cup at every sit-down meal, and started when she was around 6 months.  Probably babies don't "need" water for a few months, but it makes sense to get them used to drinking it (mine hated water for the first couple of weeks) early so that they are used to it when they need it, and so that they know how to handle a cup.
Mine only drinks a couple of good swallows of water with each meal - then isn't interested, so I keep offering it and letting her try it out.  I think the BM gives them all the hydration they need for the first year, and if you're worried about constipation, add pears to your cereal mixture in the morning or a tiny bit of prune juice mixed in, and that should do the trick.
Jana
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Offline lisi's mum

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Re: Does a BF baby need water when eating solids??
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2009, 21:55:23 pm »
You often find recommendations not to give bf babies water with meals as it will encourage them to take all the liquid they need from you. I tend to only sometimes bother, and do notice she feeds better when I don't. BM by the way is a laxitive so actually should prevent constipation better than the water.

Watch your los nappies, if they're on the dry side than make sure the water goes in, otherwise it's up to you.
Katie


Offline A pair of Charlies

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Re: Does a BF baby need water when eating solids??
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2009, 23:16:55 pm »
I always offer water with his meal and have a cup around him all day so DS can help himself. I did it because my HV said to...to keep him hydrated between feeds.

BM is a laxative (just noticed Lisi's mum's pu that too  :)). I can 'see' when he's been busy on the boob and slack on his solids during the day..... ewwwwwwwwww.

Also typing one hand, pumping with the other. Must be that time of night!

Offline louiemum

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Re: Does a BF baby need water when eating solids??
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2009, 00:42:09 am »
Thanks all  - been offering water in a sippy cup and he plays with it more than drinks so I'll keep doing that as he seems to still be feeding like the little greedy pup he is  ;D

Prune juice is a good tip!  Just got worried cause he didn't go for a day or two but seems to be okay now!