Babies, adorable little creatures that they are, come with a whole host of questions and concerns for new parents. Among them is the age-old question: how much should my baby be drinking? As any parent knows, figuring out the answer can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubix cube blindfolded. But fear not! With a little knowledge and some practical advice, you too can expertly navigate this complex world of infant hydration (and even sneak in a few extra Z's while you're at it).
The Basics
First things first – let's go over some ground rules.
Rule #1: Babies need water!
Everybody needs water to survive - especially babies. Formula or breastmilk should still make up most of your 7 month old’s diet but there will come a time when your baby starts solid foods which means he or she will also require additional hydration through water.
Rule #2: You’re going to have to gauge thirst levels …
Unlike adults who drink when thirsty, infants aren't really able to express their thirst on demand. Hence why we as grown-ups need techniques/tools/instincts (whatever works for us) individually factored according to our own parenting style on managing infant fluid consumption.
Rule #3: Consistency is key
When introducing fluids other than milk be mindful about clear liquid substitutes such as fruit juice content --- certain types may hinder against optimal oral health seeing bacteria uses sugars from sweet liquids in the mouth causing tooth decay (yes - even minor teeth count!).
So now that we've covered some basic fundamentals on quenching thristy tots...how much liquid does your little one actually require?
Considerations for Liquid Consumption
There are different factors involved in gauging how much an individual person/dog/cat/or other living things consumes fluids. Now as for your baby...here are the four (4) factors you should consider when figuring out how much is right:
Size and Weight
Babies come in all shapes and sizes, so it's only reasonable that their fluid requirements should vary too depending on each child’s individual physiognomy.
Weather
Check the temperature! During warmer seasons babies sweat more implying a need to drink additional water compared to cooler climates wherein fluid intake can be reduced while little ones stay bundled up against cold conditions.
Appetite
Does your baby have a healthy appetite? The more feeding times means less needing of hydration outside teething periods where infants crave chewing/munching even though they aren't necessarily hungry causing dehydration through drool (we’re not making this up).
With or Without Solids
Especially during weaning period introducing solids equate also to additional liquid consumption because solid foods tend to be quite salty meaning little tummies will require extra liquids to wash it down safely + food switches from being soft / pureed giving legs on proper mastication featuring biting/chewing with each meal stopping once sated.
So How Much Does My 7 Month Old Need?
According to most pediatricians, at seven months old you can introduce your child slowly but surely into drinking around 6-8 ounces of water per day between meals if he or she wishes besides nursing bottle feedings. However- do monitor frequency of potty instances since overhydrating may cause continous peeing experiences both inconvenient for parents today - damaging bladder control developing later on.
If needed sources other than plain tap/drinkable well must first consult lactation/pediatric advise seeking appropriate product choice brands since certain minerals -- chlorides/sodium has existed concentrate levels which contrary hinder vs boost hydration purposes after weekly doctor visits made known towards infant constant weight gain progressiveness making sure its based above 20 ounces on average per week.
How Can I Be Sure My Baby Is Getting Enough Liquid?
As mentioned above, gauging thirst is difficult when it comes to babies. But fear not! Here are some tips to ensure your little one stays well hydrated:
Offer water during and after solids
Providing sip refresher between meals gets your baby in the habit of drinking fluids other than milk even before they ask for it removing dehydration consequences needlessly causing constipation
Check those diapers
The easiest indicator if hydration needs require adjustment can be found within properly packed empty or soiled pampers that being fuller with urine levels implies safe efficient hydration routing.
Trust your instincts
Necessarily parents possess unique maternal/paternal insights about their children/gifting understanding - this will come easy especially once sleep training has been done as an integral amount of fluid intake determines quality restfulness able regulate circulation/internal body temperature zones/functions.
Conclusion
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer for how much liquid a 7 month old should drink, keeping these basic principles in mind should help keep you and bubs on the right track towards optimal hydration (and consequently helping build up better immune system functions) So sit back, relax and watch your baby grow – just make sure they're staying hydrated along the way.