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ELECTRONIC ARTICLE:
Michael L. Moritz, Mioara D. Manole, Debra L. Bogen, and J. Carlos Ayus
Breastfeeding-Associated Hypernatremia: Are We Missing the Diagnosis?
Pediatrics 2005; 116: e343-e347 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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[Read eLetters] Watering babies
Tom Hughes-Davies   (22 September 2005)

Watering babies 22 September 2005
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Tom Hughes-Davies,
Consultant paediatrician
Breamore Marsh UK SP6 2EJ

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Re: Watering babies

thhd{at}thhd.fsnet.co.uk Tom Hughes-Davies

Thirst and hunger differ, and are usually satisfied separately. To mix food and drink is to risk taking more food or less water than is needed.

In the past mothers gave water as well as milk, and babies were well able to choose which they wanted. The present advice to avoid water when breast feeding seems to be based on the greater weight gain that follows. It is supposed that this is good. It may equally well be the result of the baby's having to take more than he needs in order to satisfy thirst.

If thirst cannot be satisfied with milk, dehydration and hypernatraemia are inevitable.

Offer water to babies, not matter how small, to take as they please at least twice a day. Some are delighted and stop crying, others ignore it. It does them no more harm than it did their parents, and prevents the confusion of hunger and thirst which may perhaps lead to over eating in later life.

Conflict of Interest:

None declared