How much water should a baby of 10mths drink?
My question is about how much water should a baby of 10 months drink? Thanks to your guidelines I am aware that a baby between 9-12 months should drink a minimum of 350 ml milk a day and my twins, drink around 300-350 ml everyday plus 2 cups of yogurt and some cheese, so I’m not worried about the calcium intake but I\m worried that they must be dehydrated. I offer them water after every meal and in the afternoon in a trainer bottle but they are not very interested. So my question is other than the milk they drink, is there a quota for water that I should meet everyday such as 50 ml or 100 ml, or etc?
There is no suggested amount of water a baby should drink each day but there is a daily requirement for fluid intake. As well as milk and water there are many other ways a baby of this age does take in fluid.
It can be easy to worry that your babies are not drinking enough but remember they also take fluid in other ways, such as fruit purees and soups. Fresh fruit and vegetables also contain water so these too count as part of your babies’ fluid intake. Providing you are giving your twins a varied diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and home cooked meals, you should not worry yourself too much.
The fluid requirements for a baby of the weight and age of your twins is1litre.
Providing you offer them water after their meals and at appropriate times between meals, such as 10am and 4pm, they should be fine. If the weather is warmer or once your twins become mobile and are running around then obviously offering water more often is sensible. Be aware though of filling them up with water too near a meal time as this can knock the edge off the appetite. As you already offer water at the end of meals this is unlikely to happen.
Babies and small children don’t drink a large amount all at once; they will take frequent sips. This is why it is a good idea to offer fluids between meals as well as at the end. If your daughters are finding it hard to drink from a spouted beaker and you are concerned, then offer them cool, boiled water from an open cup. Put a very small amount of water into the cup and help them tip it to their lips. Encourage them to take small sips. Although you will have to help them drink this way you will then know they have drunk something.
The signs of dehydration are dark urine, dry nappies over several hours, dry lips, mouth and tongue. In babies you may notice the fontanelle [soft spot] on the top of their heads being noticeably depressed. Irritable behaviour and a weak sounding cry may also indicate dehydration.
If you still are concerned that your babies may be dehydrated ask your doctor’s advice.