Is it true that even the tiniest babies might be harmed by drinking water?
Is drinking water allowed for babies aged 0-6 months?
Drinking excess water can cause water intoxication in babies, leading to severe problems like low body temperature and seizures. The electrolyte balance is disrupted when babies are given more water than their bodies can handle. Learn about the causes, symptoms, effects, and prevention of water intoxication in babies.
What Is Water Intoxication?
Water Intoxication is a condition that can result from drinking too much water. Water can decrease the concentration of serum electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium if taken in excess.
Taking in too much water, especially in small children, can cause hyponatremia, or a lack of salt. When this happens, the body’s cells may begin to increase as a result of the water intoxication.
Causes of Water Intoxication:
- Feeding water and diluted juices to babies under six months of age
- Using too much water to prepare formula or overly diluting it
- Allowing unsupervised drinking from a cup, causing excess water intake
Symptoms of Water Intoxication:
- Unusually clear urine
- Lethargy and dizziness
- Irritability
- Low body temperature (hypothermia) below 97°F (36°C)
- Vomiting and nausea
- Swelling of the limbs, e.g. arms, legs, and face
- Uneven breathing
- Headache when sodium levels are too low
- Risk of brain injury if not treated promptly.
Treatment for Water Intoxication in Kid:
- Take your baby to a pediatrician if you notice symptoms of excessive water intake.
- The doctor may recommend limiting water intake and allowing excess water out through urination.
- In severe cases, the doctor may recommend a diuretic and IV therapy to restore sodium levels.
Tips to Prevent Water Intoxication in Kid:
- Do not give water to newborns under 6 months old.
- Breastfed babies do not need extra water.
- Give babies over 6 months old 4-8 ounces (0.5-1 cup) of water per day.
- Do not dilute the formula too much and follow the mixing ratio specified on the formula’s box.
- Supervise your baby when they are drinking water from a cup or bathing.
_Overall, water intoxication is easily preventable if you keep the baby’s water intake under check. _Consult a pediatrician to determine if your baby is dehydrated and whether they need water.
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