Question
Can newborns be fed water?
Answer
Breastfed infants do not need to have any additional food or drinks, including water, in the first four months. Human growth and development require six major nutrients, which are protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. The first three nutrients produce calories and are known as energy-yielding nutrients; the latter three do not produce calories and are called non-energy-yielding nutrients. Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs for the first 4-6 months, including not only the necessary proteins, fats, and lactose but also an adequate supply of vitamins, water, and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, and trace elements. The main component of breast milk is water, which is already sufficient for the baby. Moreover, for infants under six months of age with an adequate supply of breast milk, they can fully meet their energy and water requirements for metabolism. Therefore, breastfed infants do not need to be given warm water. Additional water can increase the pressure on the baby’s heart and digestive system, which is beneficial for their growth and development. If formula milk is used instead of breast milk, water should be given to prevent the baby from having an upset stomach; pure breast milk does not require this.