Because an infant’s body is sensitive and requires careful attention, ensuring proper hydration is essential, both in summer and winter. What are their water needs? What type of water should you give them? How should you get them to drink? How can you protect them from dehydration and the effects of heatwaves? In this article dedicated to hydration for babies and infants, you’ll find the answers to all your questions!
Water needs of babies and infants
Water plays a vital role in the development of a baby’s vital functions and ensures its proper balance. Among other things, it helps regulate body temperature and transport the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals essential for growth.
While an adult’s body is composed of 60 % water, a newborn’s is 75 %. A baby’s water needs are significantly higher than those of older children or adults (3 to 4 times higher) due to their substantial fluid loss. This loss is linked to the immaturity of the kidneys, which forces the infant to urinate frequently to eliminate toxins, as well as to perspiration. https://echosip.pk/
Babies are therefore particularly susceptible to dehydration and need to drink frequently. The French Society of Pediatrics recommends an average intake of 100 to 150 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. By comparison, the recommended water requirement for an adult is 35 to 40 ml per kilogram of body weight.
Recommended water intake for a baby (per day and per kilogram of body weight)
| Child’s age | Child’s weight | Water (in ml per kilo) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 3 months | 2.5 to 5.5 kg | 150 ml per kilo |
| 3 to 6 months | 6 to 7 kg | 125 ml per kilo |
| 6 to 12 months | 8 to 10 kg | 100 ml per kilo |
| 1 to 5 years | More than 10kg | 80 ml per kilo |
For example, a 5kg baby needs 750ml of water to avoid dehydration. For an adult, this would be equivalent to drinking 6 to 10 liters of water per day.
Certain situations require additional water intake to compensate for fluid loss and prevent dehydration. These water needs are therefore increased in cases of fever , vomiting , diarrhea , or high temperatures. Since babies cannot express their thirst, they must be given fluids regularly. If the baby is breastfed, it is advisable to breastfeed more frequently, without waiting for the baby to ask for it. If the baby is bottle-fed, supplement breastfeeding sessions with a little low-mineral water.
If there has been significant fluid loss, you can add an oral rehydration solution to the baby’s bottles of water . This solution provides the necessary water, minerals, and sugar. Consult your pediatrician or pharmacist for more information.
What type of water is suitable for babies?
Because babies and infants have fragile immune systems and many immature organs, parents must be careful about the water they give them. Whether for hydration or preparing bottles, the water must meet a number of criteria. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) therefore recommends choosing water that is:
- low in nitrates (less than 10 mg per liter),
- pure and free from microbes or pollutants such as lead,
- Low mineral content (dry residue less than 500 mg per liter). To avoid straining the infant’s immature kidneys, the water should not be high in sodium, fluoride, and sulfates.
Sparkling and carbonated waters are not suitable for babies and infants because they can, among other things, cause digestive problems.
From 0 to 6 months
For the first six months, milk (breast milk or formula) covers most of a baby’s water needs and is sufficient to nourish and hydrate them. When preparing infant formula, choose bottled water with very low mineral content, labeled “suitable for preparing infant food.” Once opened, the bottle should be stored away from heat and light and consumed within 24 hours. To avoid waste, opt for smaller bottles so your baby will drink them more quickly.
From 6 months to 2 years
From 6 months onwards, the infant’s digestive system functions properly and their diet begins to diversify. Dairy products will gradually replace milk, and water will become the child’s sole beverage.
While tap water may be suitable for babies from 6 months old, it’s always a good idea to check its quality with your local council, particularly its nitrate, sodium, and fluoride levels, as well as its hardness. Important! Never use water from a tap equipped with a water softener for your baby. These systems generally do not filter out nitrates, pesticides, or bacteria.
