Parents have been advised by medical experts to avoid feeding their babies water.
Babies under six months old should be fed on breastmilk or baby formula. Giving water to newborns can deprive them of essential nutrients and can also lead to fatal water intoxication.
Although many parents may see water as a healthy option for their infants, it can lead to serious repercussions if given to babies in large quantities.
Until a child is six months old, some experts recommend that they should only be given breastmilk or baby formula.
Even in hot weather they can get all of their hydration needs through human milk or formula.
Breastmilk and formula contains many essential nutrients for babies, which help babies to grow. The important components of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals are not present in water.
In some cases, large quantities of water can be fatal for infants.
Too much water dilutes a baby’s normal sodium levels and can lead to seizures, coma, brain damage and death.
