How much water must be given to a 6 month old baby in a day?

Question

Accepted Answer

6 month old baby every day how much ml drink milk

Answer

Introducing water to a six-month-old baby should be done carefully, as their primary source of hydration should still be breast milk or formula. Here are some guidelines:

### Guidelines for Water Intake for a Six-Month-Old:

1. **Primary Hydration Source:**
   - **Breast Milk or Formula:** At six months, breast milk or formula should still be the main source of nutrition and hydration for your baby.

2. **Introducing Water:**
   - **Small Amounts:** You can start offering small amounts of water, usually around 2-4 ounces (60-120 ml) per day, typically after solid foods. This helps your baby get used to drinking water without replacing their primary nutrition source.
   - **Cup or Sippy Cup:** Offer water in a cup or sippy cup to help your baby learn to drink from something other than a bottle or breast.

3. **Balanced Intake:**
   - **Avoid Overhydration:** Too much water can interfere with your baby’s ability to absorb the nutrients in breast milk or formula and can even lead to water intoxication, which is dangerous.
   - **Observe Baby’s Cues:** Pay attention to your baby’s thirst and hunger cues. If they seem satisfied with breast milk or formula, there’s no need to push additional water.

### Tips for Introducing Water:

- **Offer After Meals:** Provide water after solid food meals to help with digestion and to wash down food.
- **Start Slowly:** Begin with small sips and gradually increase the amount if your baby shows interest and handles it well.
- **Monitor for Signs of Hydration:** Ensure your baby continues to have regular wet diapers (about 6-8 per day), which is a good indicator they are well-hydrated.

### Why Limited Water is Important:

- **Nutrient Absorption:** Too much water can dilute the nutrients in your baby’s diet, affecting their overall nutrition.
- **Kidney Function:** Babies' kidneys are still developing and can be overwhelmed by too much water, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes.

### Conclusion:

While you can start to introduce small amounts of water to your six-month-old, their primary source of hydration should continue to be breast milk or formula. Offering 2-4 ounces (60-120 ml) of water per day after meals is generally sufficient. Always ensure your baby is well-hydrated through regular breast milk or formula feedings and consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.