when do you start giving water?

[dorninger]

when do you start giving water?  I have a 7 month old who has been on solids only a couple weeks.  I sometimes dilute the food with a little water- but I'm wondering when to give straight water- especially considering it is very hot where I am. 
Thanks

[RachelC]

I started offering water in a sippy cup at 6 months with both my girls.

[HeatherC]

Interesting.   If bottlefed, did the water interfere with the amount of formula they took (I ask b/c I assume it's easier to judge with bottlefeeding and that's what I'm doing with ds).  I was beginning to wonder (and you'd think I'd remember from dd, but I don't  ) if I should give some water on really hot days, especially when we go on vacation to the beach.  I think with dd, we got to a point of feeding solids and her bottle at the same time, so having something to drink with her food wasn't really an issue. 

[RachelC]

I breastfed, so can't help there.  We introduced the sippy when we started solids and it was pretty much only when she was eating.  Now, the sippy goes EVERYWHERE with her.

[tylersmommy]

Whether you're bottle or breastfeeding, you should only give 1-2 oz of water per day. Otherwise, you do run the risk of having water replace formula or breastmilk. I offer water with the solids meal so it doesn't interfere with her liquid feed later.

[HeatherC]

I guess when first introducing the sippy with water in it, it's really more for practice, right?

[tylersmommy]

Yes, it's mostly for practice, but it will take some guidance and help from you to help them figure out what to do with it. When I first introduced it, I took the stopper out so it was free flow and held it by their mouths so they could pull it in and take little sips. You may have to offer more help if it becomes obvious that your LO needs more fluids, like if constipation becomes an issue.

[Freya'sMum]

I only offered water with meals, this made sure that milk was her main drink/food, and that like the solid foods, water in a sippy cup was for practise... she does ask for a drink with meals, because bread and bananas and other foods can get a bit sticky in the mouth, and she needs some liquid to wash it all down, but it still isn't really a main drink, even at nearly 12 months!

Ax