can a three week old baby have water?

No, it's very dangerous. Babies can get water intoxication very easily. And sugar gives babies diarrhea, which will further dehydrate the baby.

When our little guy had some troubles and I was worried about hydration, the doc said it was ok to give him a small amount of Pedialyte.

I would call the doctor to confirm this is OK for that particular baby's case and if so, inquire as to how much to give the baby.

No. A three week old should only be getting breast milk. Maybe the problem is your sis-in-law isn't nursing her baby enough. Tell her to nurse on demand, anytime the baby shows signs of wanting to nurse and let her nurse as long as she wants. If you start giving anything other than formula you are more likely to just end up quitting breastfeeding (not good). Just tell her to let her baby girl suckle often. She should offer her the breast every hour or two if she doesn't show signs of wanting it just to make sure she's getting enough. Some babies need to be coaxed, most don't. Just give her breast milk! And don't go more than 2 hours between feedings! Breastmilk is digested in 90 minutes. The baby needs to drink often.

Hopefully they are feeding formula now right? If not and there is still a problem the Dr. needs to be called. If they aren't using formula, which would hydrate the baby they need to re think the breastfeeding only...I had to. I just didn't produce enough milk. If they do give water, make sure the nipple on the bottle is very small so it doesn't flow out too fast. Then boil the water and make sure it isn't cold but room temperature and only give an ounce every feeding. I would not add sugar. Those days are gone. Sugar is fattening and empty calories. I would also discuss this with the Dr. She can call and ask the office nurse, they will tell her. good luck.

Hi Jenn,

Might they consider supplementing with formula? That would be better than water. But, a three week old can have water. I would skip the sugar. I don't see the point. However, I would strongly suggest the formula (which is made with water) over the water. As the water will just fill the baby's tummy and leave less room for breast milk. If they do give the baby water it should be safe...possibly boiled and cooled to make sure it is safe for baby's immature system.

Question: Should I give my newborn water or sugar water?

Answer: It isn't necessary to give your newborn water. Most babies get enough fluids from breast milk or infant formula. Even when a mother's milk supply is just coming in during the first few days after delivery, the baby is getting colostrum,which is enough to keep the baby well hydrated. Because a newborn's kidneys are immature, she has a difficult time concentrating her urine, and if given too much plain water, may have trouble excreting it. This could lead to dangerous changes in the concentrations of sodium and potassium in her bloodstream. For these reasons, infants should not be given extra fluids unless their pediatrician recommends it.

Breastfed babies shouldn't get extra water. Breast milk has all the water they need. Is she being breast fed often? She needs to nurse a lot in order to increase her mother's milk supply. And the mother should also be drinking plenty of water. A baby her age should be breast feeding a lot. Supplementing with formula is just the beginning of the end of breastfeeding. This is what happens to a lot of women. Tell her to breastfeed that baby A LOT and her body will start producing enough milk. Tell her to eat well and drink lots of fluids herself.

If your baby is dehydrated and you know that, then give the baby pedialyte.

Formula and breastmilk should be providing enough water to the baby, that she doesn't need any more. If she is not drinking breastmilk, for goodness sakes, start giving the baby FORMULA so it survives!

The reasoning behind not giving water is because it has no nutrition. If the baby fills up on water, they won't want the nutritious milk/formula.

It sounds like they need to see a competent doctor, and quick. Their baby could even suffer more now.

No.

They need to give the baby either more breastmilk (call a LLL leader or lactation consultant) or formula.

Water contains NO nutrients, and babies NEED to take in calories and nutrients constantly. Giving water can lead to malnutrition because of lack of FOOD (breastmilk and formula are food).

Exclusively breastfed babies don't need water. Maybe your sister in law isn't nrusing the baby enough! She should be being breastfed at least every 2 hours until SHE stops. If it's hot weather she might want to nurse more. She should be breastfed on demand.

never give a baby that young sugar and water is definitly not recommended. i have 2 children and they both werent getting enough breast milk so i had to put them on formula as well. hope that helps.