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Ms. Mary Silva
Specializing in feeding and nutrition.
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Thirsty vs. Hungry Infants
QUESTION
Dear Ms. Silva,
What about giving a baby something besides formula to drink? Maybe he is just thirsty and not really hungry. Do you give him plain water or add corn syrup, sugar, or something else? We are currently using bottled water instead of boiling the water.

— Grandma Debbie in St. Joseph, Missouri

ANSWER
March 8, 2001
Dear Grandma Debbie,
Unless the weather is hot, babies do not need anything other than formula or breast milk. In fact, young infants given excessive water may suffer from water intoxication, a serious condition where the necessary sodium in the blood becomes so diluted that the body doesn't function properly.

When the weather is hot and water is given, it should not have corn syrup added to it since syrups often contain botulism spores. Botulism can be life threatening to babies who have immature immune systems.

— by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D.

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