top of page

DOES MY EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFED BABY NEED WATER?

Exclusively breastfed babies do not need water supplements – your body makes the perfect milk for your baby, actually changing the composition as he needs more or less water.

Giving water to newborn babies can contribute to jaundice and slow weight gain: water may fill a baby’s tummy and so reduce the amount of colostrum or breastmilk they get. Water supplements may also stop you establishing your milk supply as your baby will ask to breastfeed less.

Even in very hot weather your baby doesn’t need additional water, as long as you respond to his cues to feed he will get all the fluids he needs in your milk. This article from LLL Canada gives more information about breastfeeding and hot weather.

Our post on starting solids has information about introducing water to your older baby.

*Parts of the contents of this page was generously supplied by La Leche League International

© 2025 by La Leche League South Africa. Read our Privacy Policy here. Read our PAIA Manual here.

  • Facebook Social Icon
MySchool button.png

All images and other materials posted on this site are subject to copyrights owned by La Leche League South Africa or other individuals.  Any reproduction, retransmission, distribution or republication of all or part of any images, and other materials found on this site is expressly prohibited, unless La Leche League South Africa or the copyright owner of the material has expressly granted its prior written consent.  All other rights reserved.  

bottom of page