Is Your Baby Drinking Too Much Water? Pediatric Insights on Hydration

The issue of infants drinking water?

Hello, doctor.
My daughter is currently 7 months and 23 days old.
She usually drinks water and even prefers it over milk compared to other children.
When she's hungry, she drinks 120-150 ml of water at once, and she needs to drink 90-100 ml of water before bedtime to feel sleepy.
Previously, she could sleep through the night until morning, but now that she has grown two lower teeth, she suddenly cries several times during the night.
Patting her back or holding her doesn't help; she just cries louder.
After giving her water, she calms down and falls asleep, but by morning, her diaper is already soaked, and I have to change it 1-2 times during the night to prevent leaks.
I know that drinking water helps her sleep quietly at night, but I'm very concerned that her daily water intake is too high.
Excluding milk, she drinks about 800 ml of water a day, and I'm unsure if this could affect her health.

Yu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/28

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

Infants under six months of age have immature kidneys and should not be given water.
For infants over seven months, while their kidneys have developed the ability to excrete excess fluids, they are still relatively immature and should not be given excessive amounts of water.
Adequate hydration is acceptable, but determining what constitutes "adequate" can be challenging, as it varies based on the degree of kidney maturity and the amount of urine output and sweating.
It is not appropriate to soothe an infant by offering large amounts of water, as this may lead to a habit of excessive drinking.
Instead, consider reducing water intake or trying other soothing methods, such as playing soft music or gentle rocking.

Reply Date: 2023/08/28

More Info

When it comes to hydration in infants, particularly those around the age of 7 months, it's essential to strike a balance. Your concern about your daughter's water intake is valid, especially since she seems to prefer drinking water over milk and is consuming a significant amount daily.
At 7 months old, a baby's kidneys are still maturing, and while they can handle some water, excessive intake can lead to potential health issues. The general guideline for water intake in infants is that they should primarily receive hydration from breast milk or formula, which provides not only fluids but also essential nutrients. Water can be introduced in small amounts, but it should not replace milk or formula, which are crucial for their growth and development.

In your case, your daughter is consuming around 800ml of water daily, which is quite high for her age. This could potentially lead to a condition known as "water intoxication" or hyponatremia, where the balance of electrolytes in the body is disrupted due to excessive water intake. Symptoms of water intoxication can include irritability, drowsiness, and in severe cases, seizures. While your daughter has not shown any immediate adverse effects, it's important to monitor her closely.

Additionally, the fact that she is waking up frequently at night and requiring water to settle down could indicate a behavioral pattern developing where she relies on water for comfort. This could lead to a cycle where she continues to drink more water, potentially impacting her overall nutrition and hydration balance.

To address your concerns, consider the following recommendations:
1. Limit Water Intake: Gradually reduce the amount of water you offer her. Instead of allowing her to drink freely, you might want to set specific times for water intake, ensuring that it does not exceed a reasonable amount for her age.

2. Encourage Milk Consumption: Since milk is vital for her growth, try to encourage her to drink more formula or breast milk. You can do this by offering it in a familiar bottle or cup, especially during times when she seems thirsty.

3. Alternative Comfort Methods: Since she is waking up at night, explore other soothing techniques that do not involve water. Gentle rocking, singing, or playing soft music might help her settle down without needing water.

4. Monitor Urination: Keep an eye on her urination patterns. If she is urinating excessively or if the urine is very clear, it may be a sign that she is drinking too much water. Ideally, urine should be light yellow and not overly frequent.

5. Consult a Pediatrician: Given your concerns and her current habits, it would be wise to consult with a pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice based on her growth, development, and overall health.

In summary, while hydration is crucial, especially for infants, it is important to ensure that water intake does not overshadow the nutritional needs provided by milk or formula. By monitoring her intake and making adjustments, you can help maintain a healthy balance that supports her growth and well-being.

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