What is water intoxication for babies and how does it affect them?
Water intoxication can be caused by adding water to your babies formula or breast milk. It can also be in the form of juices or teas.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents to mind their budgets by adding extra water to an infants formula.
Water intoxication can also happen to breast fed babies if water is added to the breast milk, if bottle feeding it to the infant.
Too much water dilutes a baby's normal sodium and electrolyte levels.
Babies have a drive to drink but providing them too much water is dangerous.
If possible, do not introduce water in their diet until six months of age.
Breast milk and formula is enough.
Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s direction in the formula's label.
Babies kidneys are not mature enough to handle water.
If ingested, this causes their body to release sodium along with the excess water.
This affects the brain activities which can cause comatose or death.
Recently, there is a rise of baby swimming classes.
These classes offer to teach babies as early as eight weeks.
One precaution to take is to make sure to watch your baby when dunking them in the water.
What are the sign and symptoms of water intoxication?
Irritability or unusual fussiness.
Lethargic
Blurred Vision
Muscle Cramps
Poor Coordination
Twitching
Extreme Drowsiness and Vomiting
Unusually Clear or Pale Color of Urine / High Amount of Wet Diapers in a Day.
Swelling in the Face
Seizures
If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect your child has water intoxication, call your pediatrician right away.