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Home › Expert Q&A › General Concerns › Common Questions › Is it OK to give my 7-week-old cooled, boiled water to make sure he is getting enough fluids?

Expert Q&A

 

By Ann Calandro
BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant

I am mother to a 7-week-old boy born at 8 pounds. We live in Barbados where it is very hot, especially in the summertime. I breastfeed my baby. However, I wonder if it is OK to give him cooled, boiled water to make sure he is getting enough fluids. I should point out that I am not a big person. My maximum weight in pregnancy was 116 pounds, and he is growing rapidly – approximately 11 pounds now."

You should keep an eye on the baby's output. Breast milk has plenty of water in it. As long as your baby is nursing lots, peeing lots and pooping well, you have no need to add water. It offers the baby no calories and would be used only in rare circumstances. Your own weight does not matter as long as you are well hydrated and your urine is light in color and you drink to thirst."

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