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Symptoms of water intoxication include pale urine, using more than 8 diapers a day, and baby sleeping more than usual and being difficult to wake up.
Mothers should be advised that healthy infants get all
water they need in breast milk or formula.
A baby can get water intoxication as a result of drinking several bottles of water a day or from drinking infant formula that has been diluted too much.
Water fills baby without adding calories, so water supplementation can result in weight loss or insufficient weight gain for
baby.
Pediatricians advise feeding babies 2 to 3 oz. more than their age in months at each feeding. For example, babies 4 months old would be fed 6 to 7 oz. three times a day. More than 8 oz. at any one feeding rarely necessary. The usual proportions of milk to water should be about two-thirds milk to one-third water. With these proportions,
baby receives about 8 oz of water equally spaced over a 24 hour period. If
formula is diluted, mild should not be less than 50 percent.
Only around seven months of age, when baby has started eating solid foods, should a little water be introduced in a cup.
Water intoxication can be prevented by following your physicians instructions.
For more information on water and it's healthy benefits for old and young alike:
http://www.apluswriting.net/health/babywater.htm

Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net