When it comes to infant nutrition, parents are flooded with information on what's safe and what's not. However, one piece of advice that often catches new caregivers off guard is the strict guideline against giving babies water, especially during the first six months of life. After all, water is essential for survival — so why exactly is it off-limits for infants?
Pediatricians warn against giving water to babies younger than six months. That’s because doing so can be dangerous. Unlike older children and adults, babies' bodies are not yet equipped to handle extra water, and too much can lead to serious health risks.
The Danger of Water Intoxication
For adults, drinking water is straightforward and safe. Our mature kidneys can efficiently handle plenty of excess water, helping our bodies maintain a careful balance of fluids and electrolytes. Babies, however, have tiny kidneys that aren't yet fully equipped for the same task.
One of the biggest dangers of giving water to an infant is water intoxication, a condition that occurs when too much water dilutes the concentration of sodium in the blood. This can lead to a dangerous electrolyte imbalance called hyponatremia, which causes cells to swell.
