Breastfeeding and heat: guidelines and tips to navigate it safely

• Breastfeeding can make you thirsty (mainly in the first months). The indicated? Sit to breastfeed with liquid nearby. Do not wait for thirst to appear. Indicating so many liters of liquid does not seem appropriate to us since milk production does not depend on the liquids ingested.
• It is important that the breastfeeding woman has a balanced, varied diet in tune with the current season.
• Breastfeeding generates a expenditure of energy and therefore heat, so it is possible that the mother’s requirements are greater in summer. Avoid sugary drinks and prefer water and natural juices.
• Find a cool place in the house. Avoid exposure to the sun at non-recommended times.
• Rest as much as possible. Sleep or snooze when your baby sleeps.

Breastfeeding babies

Do babies need to hydrate with water? When is it possible to give water to babies? Is summer an indication to introduce water?

Babies from 0 to 6 months

(They have not yet started their complementary feeding)

Babies who have not yet started the process of incorporating solids do not need to hydrate with water since the milk with which they are fed covers all their requirements.

• Breastfed: They do not require extra water to be well hydrated. Breast milk contains 88% water and its osmolarity similar to plasma allows the child to maintain a perfect electrolyte balance.
• Formula-fed: They do not require extra water to be hydrated. Formula milk has a high percentage of water in its composition, but the way it is prepared can change its characteristics. It should be prepared according to the packaging instructions. Taking into account that: – Adding more water than indicated is not correct since it reduces the amount of nutrients per total volume of milk.

*Remember that it is not indicated to offer water or any other liquid, tea or infusion to a baby under 6 months.

Babies 6 months or older

(They have started their complementary feeding)

When the process of introducing solids begins, water appears on the scene. In summer is it necessary to increase water intake?

• Fed with breast milk:It is possible that during the summer period, babies increase their need for breast and this happens not only because of a need for liquids but because they may be more fussy and the breast appears as a place of tranquility and light digestion. Free demand is a good option, guaranteeing adequate hydration and nutrition. During the meal it is appropriate to offer water, each baby will drink depending on its requirements. Do not force.
• Formula fed:Some non-breastfed babies tend to reduce their formula milk intake when starting to introduce solids, so it is important to pay attention to their fluid requirements. Offer the bottle and/or water. Never force.

Other care

• I preferred light, clear, cotton clothes.
• Change his diaper regularly.
• Air conditioning and fans can be very good at lowering the temperature of the room, but it is important to avoid doing them directly.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for babies under 6 months.

*If your baby has any strange behavior (drowsiness, lack of appetite, refusal to breastfeed), it is best to quickly consult your pediatrician.

Childcare and Parenting Consultant of the ACADP (Asoc. Civil Arg. of Childcare) @acadparg