Do not give too much water to infants under 6 months

Doctors say that should not give more water to babies under six months, because high intake of water puts them at risk of potentially life-threatening known as water intoxication. According to Reuters, Doctor Jennifer Anders specialist of pediatric emergency in Children's Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital says: "When babies are thirsty, drink mother's milk or formula is enough for them". She said that since Baby's kidney machine is not yet complete, the excessive amounts of water causes that salt (sodium) excrete with water from the kidney. Losing the sodium and decreasing it of normal amount in the body can affect to brain's activity, so that the first symptoms of water intoxication are including the irritability, drowsiness and other mental changes. Other symptoms are including the decreasing the body's temperature (usually under 36 degrees), puffiness and swelling of the face, and seizures. According to Anders, the initial symptoms are hidden, so seizures maybe is the first sign that parents perceive it. Of course, if the child immediately placed under medical care, these seizures will probably not have long-term consequences. Anders and her colleagues say water as a drink must be set aside for six months children and younger. Parents should also avoid of giving too diluted formula to their baby. Of course, this problem occurs when so much water is given to the baby. Anders says in some cases, such as constipation or in hot weather should be given a small amount of water to babies, but parents should to consult with their pediatrician before doing so, and only 30 to 60 cc of water at each time give to baby. If parents think that their child is suffering from water intoxication, or if the baby is convulsing, they should immediately take the child to the doctor.