In my huband's "3 a.m. stupor", he grabbed the baby bottle of water at the bedside and forgot to mix it with formula before feeding it to my 6-month-old. My son drank about 4 oz and then went back to sleep. My husband did not turn on a light to feed him, so we didn't realize what had happened until we woke up this morning at 6am. I had heard that babies are not supposed to get "free water" (water that is not mixed with anything) until 1 year because their kidneys cannot process it. Does anyone know what I should be watching out for or what to do? I hate to bother the pediatrician since it is "after hours" and would be an emergency call.
Water is fine for babies, they can definitely digest it. They just don't "need" additional water because they get enough in breast milk or formula. If they "fill up" on water they won't be able to get enough fat and calories.
I'm sure he will be fine. That is not a lot of water. My Ped. didn't want us giving other fluids because of the caloric intake my daughter needed. But, 4oz is such a small amount that you shouldn't worry. Give him some cereal this morning mixed with formula and some fruit puree so his little tummy gets some nutrition. If you're really worried call the Ped's office and speak to a nurse about the water intake.
P.S. Be thankful your husband, even in a "3am Stupor" got up to help!
Babies that have started solids are recommended to have a certain amount of water for digestion and absorption.
If you are concerned call your ped (that is why there is one on call), but it appears your baby is fine.
There is nothing wrong with a baby getting water. We put our son on regular milk at 6 months and he was drinking juice and water by that time also. But we went to a D.O. instead of a pediatrician, but it must have been OK he is now 18 years old, over 6 foot tall, very healthy and heading to college in a couple weeks.
So don't worry.
S.
Usually giving just water is not recommended since they need the calories and fat. But if it happened, you baby will be fine, maybe just a little hungery. And we gave our kids water before a year (my kids only have milk or water or at that time breastmilk/formula or water) and are fine. But if you still have concerns, call your ped. this AM.
oh i don't know... one of my friend's doc's had their 3 month old on water and sometimes pedialite when sick. no biggie.
That is not true. Water is what they can processes better than formula. My ped told me that I should give my boys water starting at 4 months.
There is no such thing as not being able to process water. Usually it is not recommended since they need the calories and fat. But if it happened, you baby will be fine. maybe just a little hungery.
We regularly gave our daughter 2-4oz of water just to help with bowel movements and in the hot summer months. Nothing to worry about at all.
Your baby will be fine. I give my baby just a little water (2 to 4 oz), every so often, mostly when I feel she might be constipated. It's not going to hurt them. I believe in extreme cases is when it could be a medical emergency, such as giving them 32 oz or 40 oz of water at one time. Other than that, your husband did nothing wrong or detrimental to the baby,
That is not true...I fed all of my 4 children water (in small amounts 2-4 oz.)as babies...Dont worry about it..
