When to give your baby water

Dehydration might require medical attention

• Babies don't need water until after 6 months.
  • Babies under 6 months only need their breastmilk or formula, which contains all the water they need.
  • In fact, their kidneys can't concentrate their urine, so drinking water can fluid loss and dehydration.
  • Fluoridated water given before 6 months may cause mottling (brown spots) on teeth.
• After 6 months, accustom your baby to the taste of water with an ounce or two in a bottle or cup; good for rinsing gums and teeth before bedtime, especially if the water is fluoridated to help prevent cavities.
  • Check to see if your tap water is fluoridated. Bottle water is not fluoridated unless it says so on the label.
• When sterilizing water for formula or cereal, boil it no longer than a couple of minutes to avoid mineral concentration.
• Signs of dehydration that require medical attention
  • No wet diapers
  • Listlessness
  • Dry mouth and eyes – no tears, no saliva
  • Sunken eyes, sunken soft spot
  • Loose skin that does not spring back when pinched.