Breastfeeding in summer

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. Your breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients your baby needs.

Although the practice of giving water during the first 6 months is still very widespread, doing so is counterproductive and harmful to your breastfeeding journey.

After 6 months, if your baby has started weaning, you can offer water at mealtimes in a cup. They will drink according to their thirst. If you are still breastfeeding, don't hesitate to continue offering the breast often! 

A baby, even a very young one, who is exclusively breastfed on demand (day and night) does not need to receive water supplements, even in hot weather or in a warm climate.

Studies on exclusively breastfed infants in hot countries, with high temperatures and very low humidity, show that their urine density remains within normal ranges, which indicates adequate water intake.

Furthermore, a 10% reduction in caloric intake has been observed in exclusively breastfed babies who are given water supplements.

Breast milk is made up of nearly 88% water, and adapts in real time to your baby's needs.

A exclusively breastfed baby will generally have shorter and more frequent feeds in hot weather.  

Your baby will have everything they need by being breastfed on demand, without restriction (day and night).

At birth, even though your baby receives little water through colostrum (which is very rich in proteins and antibodies), they do not need a water supplement.

Furthermore, breast milk has a low solute content (sodium, potassium…). One of the functions of the kidneys is to eliminate excess solutes. As breast milk is low in solutes, exclusively breastfed babies do not need as much water as older children or adults.

It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers stay well hydrated and drink plenty of water. If you find it difficult to drink water regularly, you can try infused waters or have a breastfeeding herbal tea to help you increase your water intake. 

A baby exclusively breastfed up to 6 months has absolutely no need for additional water. In times of intense heat, go into open-bar mode and offer the breast to your baby frequently! 

And it's a good opportunity to make sure we stay well hydrated too. If needed, you can take some breastfeeding food supplements rich in electrolytes to support optimal hydration. 

To find out more, have a look at our article on breastfeeding hydration.