Keeping Your Baby Hydrated in Hot Weather: What Extra Fluids Do They Need?
When the temperature rises, it's natural to wonder if your baby needs extra fluids to stay hydrated. The answer depends on their age and how they're fed.
We thought we'd share this helpful advice from Stacey Zimmels @feedeatspeak to help you keep your little one comfortable and well-hydrated during warmer weather.
Babies Under 6 Months -Exclusively Breastfed
If your baby is exclusively breastfed, continue to feed responsively and offer the breast more often. Breast milk is around 88% water, making it the perfect source of hydration—even on the hottest days.
There's no need to offer additional water. In fact, giving water to babies under six months can reduce their milk intake, meaning they may miss out on the nutrients and hydration they need.
Combination Fed
For babies who have both breast milk and formula, continue offering feeds as normal while breastfeeding more frequently if your baby seems thirsty. Even if your baby doesn't usually feed at certain times of the day, your body can still produce milk when they need it.
Extra water isn't usually necessary.
Exclusively Bottle-Fed Breast Milk
If you're exclusively pumping, continue to bottle-feed responsively and offer feeds more often if your baby wants them.
Most babies won't need additional water. However, if you're concerned about hydration, you can offer small amounts of cooled, boiled water after speaking to your healthcare professional or following local guidance.
Formula Fed
Continue feeding your baby responsively with their usual formula feeds. If needed, you can offer small amounts of cooled, boiled water after feeds to help keep them hydrated in hot weather.
Babies Enjoying Solids - Breastfeeding and Solids
Keep breastfeeding responsively alongside solid foods. Offer small sips of tap water with meals. Most babies won't need extra water between meals, but you can offer it if you feel they need it.
Formula Feeding and Solids
Continue with your baby's usual formula feeds while offering solids. Tap water can be offered with meals and between meals after formula feeds.
Helping Older Babies Stay Cool
As the weather warms up, don't be surprised if your little one's appetite dips slightly. This is perfectly normal.
To help keep them cool and hydrated, try offering:
* Smoothies made with suitable ingredients for their age.
* Breast milk lollies.
* Fruit ice pops made from blended fruit.
* Plenty of opportunities to drink water if they're over six months.
Every baby is different, but the key during hot weather is to continue feeding responsively and watch for your baby's hunger and thirst cues. For babies under six months, breast milk or formula provides the hydration they need in most situations. As babies grow and begin solids, introducing water with meals and offering cooling, hydrating snacks can help them stay comfortable throughout the summer.
If you're ever concerned about your baby's hydration or they're showing signs of dehydration, seek advice from your midwife, health visitor, GP or another healthcare professional.