Can a 24-day-old infant be offered water?

From the Guidelines

No, a 24-day-old infant should not be offered water. Infants under 6 months of age should receive all their hydration needs exclusively from breast milk or formula, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 1. Giving water to a newborn can be dangerous as it fills their tiny stomachs, reducing their intake of nutrient-rich breast milk or formula. This can lead to poor weight gain, malnutrition, and in severe cases, water intoxication where the baby's electrolyte balance is disrupted. A newborn's kidneys are also immature and cannot process excess water efficiently. Breast milk and formula are perfectly balanced to provide not only hydration but also essential nutrients, antibodies, and calories needed for proper growth and development. Even in hot weather, healthy infants do not need supplemental water - they may simply need to feed more frequently. If there are concerns about dehydration, parents should contact their pediatrician rather than offering water. According to the AAP, supplementation with water or dextrose water will not prevent hyperbilirubinemia or decrease TSB levels, and the harms of supplementation exceed the benefits 1.

Some key points to consider:

• Infants under 6 months of age should not be given water or any other supplements besides breast milk or formula 1
• Breast milk and formula provide all the necessary hydration and nutrients for infants under 6 months of age
• Giving water to a newborn can lead to malnutrition, poor weight gain, and water intoxication
• If there are concerns about dehydration, parents should contact their pediatrician rather than offering water
• The AAP recommends against routine supplementation of nondehydrated breastfed infants with water or dextrose water 1

In cases of dehydration, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) such as Pedialyte can be used, but only under the guidance of a pediatrician 1. It's essential to note that ORS is recommended for mild to moderate dehydration, and intravenous fluids may be necessary for severe dehydration or shock. However, for a healthy 24-day-old infant, water supplementation is not necessary and can be harmful. Breast milk or formula should be the only source of hydration for infants under 6 months of age.

From the Research

Water Intake for 24-Day-Old Infants

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and breast milk provides all the necessary hydration for infants 2.
• There is no evidence to suggest that a 24-day-old infant needs to be offered water, as breast milk or formula provides adequate hydration 3, 4.
• In fact, offering water to infants can lead to water intoxication, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition 3.
• The introduction of water or other fluids can also affect the duration of breastfeeding and the infant's nutritional and immune status 4.

Health Risks Associated with Water Intake in Infants

• Water intoxication can occur when an infant consumes too much water, leading to an imbalance of electrolytes in the body 3.
• The risk of water intoxication is higher in infants who are not exclusively breastfed or who are given water in addition to breast milk or formula 2, 3.
• Healthcare professionals should advise parents against offering water to infants under six months of age, unless medically indicated 5, 2.

Recommendations for Parents and Healthcare Professionals

• Parents should be advised to exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life, unless medically contraindicated 2, 4.
• Healthcare professionals should provide guidance on the risks associated with water intake in infants and recommend exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first six months of life 5, 2, 4.