My personal experience is that children may need and want some water
when they start to eat solids, even if they get a lot of mother's
milk.
I discovered this with my own children who were not satisfied with BF,
but went back to sleep after drinking some water. Or who stared at
water at table and were happy only after I realized they were gazing
at the water glass and handed it to them.

I find the idea that you "have" to give a baby a fixed amount of water
rather unreasonable, but I do not feel comfortable with the idea that
babies do not need water after solids are introduced as long as they
are breastfed. If they want it, why not? some will need it, some will
not, and it will depend on a lot of external conditions too. Why not
ask the child? He usually is the best judge, isn't he?

It would be nice to have some science to back this up, but I have only
common sense, sorry.

Micaela
Italy


2013/5/25 Sue Barford <[log in to unmask]>:
> 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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