From the Guidelines
An eight-month-old child should drink approximately 24-32 ounces of formula per day. This recommendation is based on the general guidelines for fluid requirements in children, which parallel energy needs 1. According to the ESPGHAN/ESPE/NESPEN guidelines, fluid requirements can be calculated based on weight, with 100 ml/kg/d for every kilogram of body weight < 10 kg, 50 ml/kg/d for every kilogram between 10-20 kg, and 25 ml/kg/d for every kilogram above 20 kg 1. However, for an eight-month-old child, a more practical approach is to consider the overall dietary needs, including calories, protein, fat, calcium, and vitamin D.
- The child's diet should include a balance of formula or breast milk, solid foods, and water.
- Solid foods are becoming increasingly important in the diet at this age, so formula or breast milk intake may naturally decrease slightly.
- Water should be offered in a sippy cup with meals, but should not replace milk feedings.
- If the baby seems consistently hungry or is not gaining weight appropriately, it is essential to consult with a pediatrician to adjust feeding amounts 1.
- As the baby approaches one year, milk intake will gradually decrease as solid food consumption increases.
From the Research
Fluid Intake for Eight-Month-Old Children
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children between 6 and 12 months old should receive 16-20 ounces (about 0.5-0.6 liters) of formula or breast milk per day, in addition to solid foods 2.
- However, the exact amount of fluid intake may vary depending on the individual child's needs and activity level.
- For children with diarrhea or dehydration, oral rehydration solutions can be used to help replace lost fluids and electrolytes 3, 4, 5.
- Breastfed children can continue to breastfeed during rehydration therapy, and may not require additional water 6.
Oral Rehydration Solutions
- Oral rehydration solutions can be effective in treating dehydration in children, and can be used in conjunction with breast milk or formula 3, 4, 5.
- The World Health Organization recommends the use of oral rehydration solutions with a specific composition of salts and sugars to help replace lost electrolytes and fluids 4.
- Studies have shown that oral rehydration solutions can be safely used in breastfed children without additional water 6.
Breastfeeding and Fluid Intake
- Breastfeeding can provide important fluids and electrolytes for children, and can help to prevent dehydration 2, 6.
- Children who are breastfed may require less additional fluid intake than those who are formula-fed 2.
- However, breastfed children may still require oral rehydration solutions or other fluids in addition to breast milk if they are experiencing diarrhea or dehydration 3, 4, 5.