Excess water dilutes the sodium in the infants’ blood, flushing it out of the body.This reduces the electrolytes in the body, alters brain activity and may cause swelling of brain tissue, which can result in seizures, coma or even death. Fluid can accumulate in the lungs, resulting in severe breathing difficulties. “If the intoxication progresses into seizures, infants will likely suffer from the long-term effects of the damage experienced in the central nervous system,” says Stafford. While water intoxication can lead to horrifying health concerns, the syndrome can be easily avoided.

Breast Is Best

It is absolutely necessary that the public be fully informed about infant water intoxication and infant health care in general. When discussing prevention methods, Stafford emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding. “First and foremost, breastfeeding babies is undoubtedly the safest and healthiest method of nourishment. If you must use infant formula, make sure to follow the given directions carefully, especially if using powdered formula.” The precise balance of sodium, electrolytes, fat and protein in breast milk and formula mixtures meet the specific requirements and fragile needs of developing infants.

Also, breast milk and appropriately prepared formula contain enough water to keep an infant hydrated. Therefore, in normal circumstances, babies under a year old should exclusively drink breast milk and/or formula. Depending on the baby’s health and level of development, most physicians agree that it is permissable to begin introducing small amounts of water into a baby’s diet after he has started eating a variety of solid foods.
Parents must ask their baby’s pediatrician before taking this step because one can never be too careful when a child’s life and well-being are at stake.