The infant’s body is composed of 80 percent water, while that of an adult is 65 percent. Children need more water replacement.
In general, during the first months of lactation, it is not necessary to drink water to the infant, except in special situations such as heat, fever or diarrhea.
In principle, both the maternal and artificial milk will provide and the amount of liquid required for your body.
• But while breast milk requires no preparation, the powdered infant formula should be dissolved in a certain amount of water.
And what kind of water is most suitable? It is better to use low-mineralized mineral water (with a dry residue of not more than 140 mg / l), since formula already contains the right amounts of minerals needed for growth.
• If you prefer to use tap water to dilute milk powder, it is always necessary to leave it running for several minutes, to remove substances stuck in the ducts, and boil it forever, at least for ten minutes to sterilize it and make is lighter (less rich in minerals).
• Once the weaning, it is desirable to add water to your baby’s diet, in an amount equal to the weight of a meal. Drinking water is important, especially during the hot months, because you sweat more and therefore, you lose more fluids.
In the table below, we explain the daily quantities of liquid required by newborns and infants, depending on their age:
Age Average Weight (kg) Need (ml / day)
3 days 3 250-300
400-500 3.2 10 days
750-850 5.4 3 months
6 months 7.3 950-1100
9 months 1100-1250 8.6
1 years 9.5 1150-1300