solids and water

[carmkaylasmom]

Do I need to wait until I give solids to giver my LO water? She is 4.5 months and am just breastfeeding at the moment.

[tylersmommy]

There really isn't a need for water until she starts solids, and she may not even need it then. Water can help ward off constipation for solids eaters whose tummies aren't used to digesting solid food. Breastmilk should provide all the hydration she needs for now, so I'd hold off on the water, especially because you don't want to fill her tummy with water instead of nutritious breastmilk.

[cwolff]

We only started giving DD water when she started eating solids.  And even now, almost 5 months later, it's just a sip in between every 3-4 bites, just as I would during a meal.  But I do think it helps wash down some of the more textured foods.  Our doctor said basically that the only reason to offer a baby water who isn't eating solids is if it is really hot, or if there is a possibilty that they are dehydrated.  Otherwise, it can actually have the opposite effect of causing increased urination and therefore causing loss of nutrients.

[samb]

I've started giving my little girl water when she has something to eat, but I boil the kettle and let the water cool before she drinks it.  She doesn't drink all the water, but she has around an ounce and an ounce and a half.