Also, I have read different opinions on giving a baby less than 4 months plain water and juice diluted with water. I dont see why this would be a problem?? Has anyone else given their baby (mine is 2mo) water or juice? I dont mean in place of formula but just as a "treat" or to top him off with? (1-2oz) My mother-in-law said that they used to give water to top off because it wouldnt make the babies fat like giving more formula would. ↓
Please dont take this response as an attack, i am just stating my opinion. I understand that those around us try to "help" with their advice of how things were in the "old days"....HOWEVER- a child that is still hungry does not need "topping off" with something unfullfilling like water. I mean think about that for a second...you are eating dinner, and you are really hungry and someone takes your plate away and says ok now drink this water to fill up. That is basically what your MIL is saying you should do to your baby. Some babies are bigger than others and that is just how things are, you SHOULD not be concerned with keeping your baby smaller in weight at such a young age....it is NOT healthy for your baby and by concentrating so hard on the "weight" issue you will later in life give your child a complex about their weight. If your baby is hungry- feed them. But on the other side.... and please dont think i was attacking you it just scares me you may be getting "old time " advice that is not really all that good...but like i said on the other hand- (and i am sure some mothers will disagree with me) we let dd have a small taste of sodas and juices starting around 1 month... like take a straw and put the liquid up to about an inch or two above the end of the straw and then give her that...she LOVED it...and it was a nice "treat" so in small quanity i dont see the harm...and if you can start your child liking the taste of water, that would be great for later (ie: filling a sippy or cup with water instead of sugared juices when they are a toddler) Please dont think i was attacking you...i was just voicing my opinion.... ↑
It is definitely NOT alright to "top-off" your child with water or juice. Formula or breastmilk is what your baby needs. Your son should be chubby, that is how babies are and there is nothing wrong with it. Your MIL is off her rocker. Your should NEVER restrict a babies caloric intake. The thought of someone doing, or even suggesting it infuriates me. Don't listen to her and feed your baby. I am sure you are a great mother, the fact that you even posted this question shows that you don't agree with her. Congratulations on your new addition. ↑
Your baby does not need water or (heaven-forbid!)juice at 2 months old. Your baby needs formula and give him as much as he wants every feeding. Don't ever with hold food from your baby if he is hungry. Babies need lots of calories in the 1st year to grow and develop. You can start giving a little water when they start solids at 6-7 months old. And if possible try to stay away from juice as long as you can. Once babies get the taste of that they aren't so keen on water. I only started giving my ds1 juice when he was 15-16 months old. And he gets max. 4oz a day. Water is much healthier and kinder on their teeth. ↑
Thank you so much for all of your answers. I dont find your responses attacking at all. I agree with all of you but as I first time mom I just wanted to see what you all thought about this. I have given him an oz of water because he hadnt had a bowel movement for 3 days and I read that a small amt of water could get things moving, but when he is crying from still being hungry I couldnt NOT feed him more, regardless of my MIL opinion. He is growing and developing so well. Thank you! ↑
