Water intoxication in babies is a condition that may cause severe physiological changes, such as low body temperatures and seizures. Feeding more water than the baby’s body can handle may upset the electrolyte balance of their system, leading to water intoxication. Just like for adults, water is a vital nutrient for babies too. It is, thus, essential to fulfil their limited yet crucial water needs. Although water intoxication in babies is rare, it may be caused by overconsumption of water through excessively diluted formula or plain water given instead of ORS during diarrhea. Read this post to learn more about the symptoms, possible causes, effects, and preventive measures for water intoxication in babies. How Much Water Should Babies Have? Babies under six months of age should not drink water. Their hydration requirements at this age are optimally met by breast milk and formula. Thus, feeding them water can put them at a higher risk of water intoxication. From six months to 12 months, you can offer 0.5 to 1 cup (4 to 8oz. per day) of water to your baby each day if needed (1). The recommended water quantity and breastfeeding or formula-feeding are sufficient to meet the infant’s hydration requirements. However, in some instances, such as hot weather and sickness, sipping extra water shouldn’t be a problem. Nonetheless, be cautious not to make it a habit.
Symptoms Of Water Intoxication In Babies
Excess water in the body causes hyponatremia, where the body’s sodium levels fall abnormally low. It could affect the functions of several organs, including the brain. Below are some of the common signs and symptoms of hyponatremia in babies (2) (3).
Unusually clear urine Dizziness and lethargy Irritability and fussiness in the otherwise happy baby Low body temperature (hypothermia) of less than 97°F (36°C)
Nausea and vomiting Swelling of the extremities, i.e., arms, legs, and face Irregular breathing Fits if sodium levels fall too low
In extreme cases, water intoxication may lead to seizures and coma. If you observe any of these symptoms in your baby, consult a pediatrician.
Causes Of Water Intoxication In Babies
Babies don’t consume water voluntarily. Thus, water intoxication occurs when babies are fed excess water by caretakers in the following ways.
Treatment For Water Intoxication In Babies
Water intoxication in babies is a state you can’t treat at home. Therefore, if your baby shows excessive water intake symptoms, taking your baby to the doctor is advisable. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the doctor will chart a treatment plan to restore the body’s electrolyte balance and resolve symptoms. In most cases, restricting the baby’s water intake and letting extra water exit the body through urination will resolve the condition. However, in severe cases, the doctor may recommend diuretics and the restoration of sodium levels through an intravenous saline drip.
Tips To Prevent Water Intoxication In Babies
Here are some simple tips to ensure your baby consumes water appropriately and in the right amounts.
Don’t give water to babies under six months of age. Babies older than six months can have four to eight ounces (0.5 to 1 cup/day) of water each day.
Speak to a pediatrician to learn how to determine if your baby is dehydrated and whether you must serve them water. Even in hot weather, infants may not require water, and frequent breastfeeding could be sufficient.
Never overdilute the formula. You must follow the mixing ratio directed on the formula’s package.
Never leave the baby unattended when they are sipping water from the cup and while they are bathing. Leaving a baby unmonitored could cause accidental ingestion of excess water.
