Switching from Breast to Formula

Hi A.,
My less than one month old's Dr said not to give water till I think he's ready for food because they are not able to breakdown the sodium. But all other parents told me they give a lil bit of water once in a while. My son's been constipated for 2days so I have him half an ounce of nursery water and he went to the bathroom today. Besides the Dr said its ok to mix formula with even tap water (which i will not do... I boil and then use that water)so I'm thinking it's not so bad.

I weaned my now 8 month old son when he was 6 months and I was never told to give him water. When we go outside I will give him a sippy cup of water, but he does not drink very much. The only thing he really drinks is his formula and he never has a problem with his bowels. I would call your doctor just to make sure I would have to give you the wrong advice.

Both of my daughter's had breast milk and formula, and we never had to use water. A recent article in Parents magazine said that children under 1 do not need any water or juice. I agree with the other post - if he is constipated, try a different formula. We use the Enfamil Lipil, but have also used Carnation Good Starts.

I never gave my son water until he started drinking from a sippy cup. The formula has enough water to keep him hydrated and if he is having a hard time pooping then you need to try a different formula.

I do not know your situation but if you are switching due to work this is what I did....I mixed formula and breast milk for use when I was at work and nurses when I was at home. I had a couple of weeks of "fullness" at work until my body adjusted but after that I would have enough milk while at home and not be uncomfortable at work.

At first, I had to pump a little milk at work but not for long. I just pump enough to relieve the pressure. But, I would pump when I nursed at home or just before nursing to have some to mix with the bottles.

After mixing formula and breast milk for several weeks, we eventually used less and less breast milk with the fomrula. Soon, it was formula when mom was at work and breast milk at home.

About nine months, self weaning as real food was more tasty!

Water was necessary for us a few times. Also I mixed prune/grape juice with water.