Hi Colleen what Maame quotes about breast milk is correct but for formula fed babies the answer if different. If a formula fed baby is constipated it is recommended to give cooled boiled water and also in hot weather.
For formula fed babies it depends very much on the baby. A small baby may need all their energy to suck the milk and so you wouldn’t want to give anything else. Most full term, healthy babies, who feed well will be able to take some water without affecting their feeding. This should always be given after a feed. I am struggling to find evidence on this for formula fed babies and wonder if the iHV should produce a Good Practice Point on this. Thank you for raising the issue.
If anyone has evidence on this please can they share it?
