Because their metabolism is faster than that of adults, children are at greater risk of dehydration in high temperatures. So keep in mind that if you breastfeed your baby, in summer, more than ever you have to breastfeed on demand to always maintain an adequate level of hydration.
You already know that breastfeeding has to be on demand, that is, without schedules. Before it was believed that you had to give it rigorously every three hours, that the baby had to endure if they had not passed yet, but fortunately this has changed. The baby must be offered the breast whenever he wants, at his disposal. Especially in summer, since the baby sweats more and needs to replace the water that his body loses.
In addition to the schedule, another widespread myth is that of offering water to babies who are exclusively breastfed. Before six months, the breastfed baby should not drink anything other than his mother’s milk . Nor if it is very hot.
Almost 90 percent of breast milk is made up of water, so it perfectly quenches your thirst. Moreover, it is very likely that the baby himself asks more often, and if not, offer him more often .
For its part, breast milk also provides the necessary salts and nutrients to avoid dehydration. The baby does not need anything else. For a reason it is called exclusive breastfeeding .
If the baby is older than six months and has already started complementary feeding, drinking water can be offered. Let the baby self-regulate what he wants to drink, because if he drinks too much water, he may also start drinking less breast milk.
So, to avoid a decompensation, in summer, more than ever you have to offer the breast on demand , and if necessary, increase the frequency of feedings. Thus the baby will always maintain an adequate level of hydration.
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In Babies and more | The importance of keeping the child hydrated, In the heat, keeping the baby well hydrated
