Generally, babies who are exclusively breastfed do not need to drink additional water, and can appropriately supplement warm water after the introduction of complementary foods.

Do Breastfed Babies Need to Drink Water?

Usually, babies who are exclusively breastfed do not need to add any food or drink, including water. This is because breast milk contains appropriate nutrients and water content, with over 80% of it being water. Therefore, there is no need to give additional water to babies. Additionally, giving water too early to babies can not only affect their milk intake but also increase the burden on their gastrointestinal system. However, as babies grow and need to be introduced to complementary foods, the water content in breast milk may not fully meet their needs, and appropriate water supplementation may be required. In some special situations, such as when babies have a high fever, diarrhea, or dehydration, it is necessary to additionally supplement warm water to replenish the loss of body water.

Notes on Breastfeeding

1. Provide Sufficient Breast Milk: Babies have two growth peaks in their lifetime, with the first occurring within the first year, especially within the first six months. The younger the baby is, the faster they grow, which can be fully reflected in their weight and height growth curves. Therefore, it is important to provide sufficient breast milk for babies within the first six months of life.

2. Feed on Demand: It is crucial to breastfeed on demand to avoid insufficient feeding or overfeeding.

3. Timely Introduction of Complementary Foods: After six months, regardless of the amount of breast milk produced, breast milk alone can no longer fully meet the developmental needs of babies. It is necessary to follow the principles of introducing complementary foods and start to timely add supplementary foods such as soups, mashed vegetables, and starchy foods.