No, not generally. While cooled boiled water might be offered as a supplement in certain circumstances, it shouldn't replace breast milk or formula as the primary nighttime drink for babies under 6 months.
When Water Might Be Appropriate
Several sources suggest that after 6 months of age, if your baby is:
- Eating solids well.
- Drinking sufficiently during the day.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
Then you could try offering cooled boiled water instead of milk if they wake at night. This is primarily suggested as a strategy to potentially reduce nighttime wakings associated with milk feeds. This isn't about nutritional needs but about trying a different approach to nighttime sleep.
Important Considerations:
- Before 6 months: Babies under 6 months primarily need breast milk or formula for proper nutrition and hydration. Water should not replace these. (Huckleberry, Taking Cara Babies)
- Nutritional needs: Breast milk or formula provide crucial nutrients for growth and development. Water alone cannot fulfill these needs. (Taking Cara Babies, What To Expect)
- Consult your pediatrician: Always consult with your pediatrician before making significant changes to your baby's feeding routine. ([Various Sources])
Water as a Safer Alternative (For Older Babies)
For older babies who are already drinking well and eating solids, offering water instead of milk in a bottle at night may be a less detrimental option for their teeth. Formula and breast milk contain sugar that can contribute to tooth decay. (Quora) However, it is vital to remember that the primary purpose should always be to address the underlying cause of the nighttime wakings.
In summary, while water can play a supplementary role in addressing nighttime wakings in some older infants, it should never replace breast milk or formula as a primary source of nutrition and hydration, especially for babies under 6 months.
