While Red Nose recommends breastfeeding as the best source of infant feeding, we recognise this is not always an option for parents.
A question we often receive in warmer months is, “do I need to feed my baby more regularly?”
For babies under six months of age, the answer is yes. “Bottle-fed babies under six months of age do need to be fed more often in hot weather,” Red Nose’s Chief Midwife Jane Wiggill says.
“In instances where breastfeeding is not an option or breastmilk is unavailable, than a suitable infant formula is recommended.”
But, Jane advises, make sure your formula adheres to the Australia New Zealand Food Standard Code (Standard 2.9.1 – Infant Formula products). “While infant formulas have been developed to contain similar nutrition to breastmilk, make sure it confirms to industry standards, as these are reviewed to reflect the latest scientific evidence.”
When bottle feeding a baby under six months of age, it’s important to increase the number of formula feeds in hot weather, rather than another liquid.
“Water or other drinks are not needed, uncles recommended by a doctor,” Jane advises.
And if your baby is over six months of age? Offer them small amounts of water. “If bub is older than six months, they can have small amounts of water before or after feeds,” Jane says.
Young children can be offered regular drinks of water during the day.
“Babies and toddlers are not able to tell you if they are thirsty, so it’s important to offer drinks frequently.”
And how can you tell if your baby has had enough to drink? According to Jane, signs of good hydration include plenty of wet and/or dirty nappies, good skin colour and an alert, reasonably contented bub.
“Eight wet or dirty nappies in 24 hours is a sign of good hydration, and if toilet trained, the urine should be odourless and clear or very pale in colour,” Jane explains.
“Good skin colour and muscle tone is also a sign of good hydration, as is a baby who is alert, contented, and does not want to feed constantly.
And if you are breastfeeding? All babies need is more frequent breastfeeds.
“Extra fluids such as water are not necessary when baby is exclusively breastfed,” says Jane. “However in hotter months, baby may feed more frequently and for shorter periods than usual because they are thirsty – just as you are”.
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