Sue,
Nope, I did not see anything in American Academy of Pediactrics'
recommendations.

I don't know who is the HP (even I do have an HP printer though ;D), so
I am answering your question as a practicing general pediatrician, who
has to cover those issues every day during the routine check-ups.

Unless the kid is eating only cereals and sweets (sold by our 'friends'
artificial milk makers under the name of 'baby foods') solid foods (read
- family foods) should not promote any constipation.

Juices are just a liquid sugar and do not carry ANY positive nutritional
value at all, especially if compared with the real fruits and
vegetables. One use for juices was years and years ago when we were not
able to have good sources of fruits during winters and canning juices
was an answer. Another use was the assumption of vitamin value in those
liquids, which is not, especially again -  to compare with real fruits
and vegetables. If the kid needs (medically needs!) a real supply of
some vitamins - give him/her the needed preparation, not juices. And the
last, but not the least - juices are usually causing diarrhea, not
constipation and anyhow are not recommended in amounts larger then 120
cc/day (or 4 oz/day) at any age.

The only need for water is to teach a kid to drink (a) unsweetened
drinks (b) from a cup and not from a bottle. Drinking too much water in
the absence of good fiber consumption (read - normal human being food)
will make one pee, not poop.

Hope that helps.

Alla
Alla Gordina, MD, IBCLC, FAAP

On 5/25/2013 8:25 AM, Sue Barford wrote:
> I am involved in a panel contributing to the curriculum for a short course to expectant and new parents on maternal and infant nutrition. A HP on the panel suggested that mothers should be strongly advised to give their bottle and breastfed babies prescribed regular amounts ( I can't recall amount but it seemed like a lot at the time ) of water daily once solids and juices were begun to counteract constipation and potential dental issues .
>
>   I have searched texts & research articles on breastfed babies, water, dental caries and although it is well held that water is unnecessary for exclusively breastfed babies in the first 6 months the advice after 6 months is a lot looser . ( NHMRC Infant Feeding guidelines P 93 states small amounts of boiled water can supplement breastmilk )
>
> I am concerned that advising giving specific quantities of water along with solids introduction to counteract juice consumption and constipation displaces breastmilk as a continuing food source in the first 12 months  ... Is anyone aware of research evidence that supports the HP's suggestions ?
>
> Sue Barford IBCLC
>
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