Local News

Extra Water May Mean Danger For Children

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― In warm weather, consuming extra water helps keep the body hydrated. But what's good for adults isn't necessarily good for babies.

Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn reports water can be a dangerous drink for children under a year old.

It's a top selling, no calorie, thirst-quenching beverage, but is water as good for kids as it is for their parents?

"My kids were drinking water at four months," said one mother.

As little as three ounces a day could be too much water for a child under a year old.

"Their kidneys are really not mature enough to handle a lot of extra water," said Dr. Jennifer Anders of the Johns Hopkins Children Center.

Anders says while babies do need extra fluid at times, water should be avoided.

Water intoxication is one of the leading triggers of seizures in healthy infants.

When a baby consumes too much water, it washes sodium out in the body. This creates changes in the brain and causes seizures.

"The seizures caused by low sodium could last for several minutes, up to an hour until the baby gets into the hospital and gets the sodium replenished in his body," said Anders.

So with water out of the picture, what's the best way to keep a little one hydrated? Doctors say breast milk and formula will do a baby's body good.

Children who are constipated and are drinking milk or formula may need extra water, but never more than two ounces a day.

Over diluting formula should also be avoided since it too can lead to water intoxication.

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