For new-born babies, maternal or formula milk is the only source of nutrients and liquids. Water should not be replenished before six months have passed, which is why breastfeeding will have to meet both nutritional and hydration needs.
In the first weeks of life, the baby must adapt to breastfeeding. If we do not do it correctly, we run the risk of the little one becoming dehydrated, which is especially common between the first 5 and 20 days of life, as highlighted by the specialized blog Reina Madre.
They explain that dehydration in newborns occurs when the baby loses more fluids than it consumes, through salivation, bowel movements, urine, tears and even breathing. In the case of children with fever, diarrhea or vomiting, hydration appears more quickly. “In newborns, the fluid retention capacity is lower because their bodies are smaller, so the risks due to dehydration are greater,” they add.
If the baby is dehydrated, this has negative effects on his health, with problems such as jaundice, drowsiness or irritability. In more severe cases, you may even suffer kidney damage, seizures, or neurological damage. Taking all this into consideration, it is imperative to know the signs that a baby is dehydrated, to remedy it as soon as possible.
To prevent dehydration in newborn babies, it is advisable to breastfeed or offer a bottle at least 8 to 12 times a day. If you are going to offer breastfeeding, make sure it is constant, without sucking problems or difficulty latching on. To facilitate the baby’s latching and sucking, Reina Madre advises not to give pacifiers or bottles that could interfere with his adaptation to breastfeeding.
On the other hand, it is necessary to avoid exposing the baby to high temperatures, as well as not to cover him excessively, always using clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton. Monitor your child’s bowel movements to make sure there are no signs of dehydration or other health problems.
Finally, encouraging skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother in the first moments of life ensures good breastfeeding. Check-ups with the pediatrician will also be imperative to monitor correct nutrition and hydration.
