Conflicting advice - giving water to FF babies?

[Maruschke]

Hi

I keep getting conflicting advice. Do FF babies need extra water to prevent constipation or not?

[Arimeh]

Not all FF babies get constipated. If they do, it is recommended to up their water intake.

xx

[Curly]

In a word, no. If the baby is getting constipated you should try another formula. "Gold" formulas are known for causing more constipation problems than non-gold formulations and S-26 also has a reputation for causing constipation. Obviously this depends on the baby...S-26 is a very popular brand so many babies plainly cope fine. My own DD has NAN Pro Gold with no issues.

If constipation problems persist talk to your MCHN or go to the doctor.

[Livinthedream]

I have given my ff boy water with brown sugar (was told by midwife to do this) on 2 or 3 occasions, when he has been constipated. But I dont do it as a regular thing, just when he needs it. Gold made my kid constipated, apparently it is higher in iron and thats what the prob is for some bubs.

[Jakabella]

I have been giving Bella water since she was bron both my MCHN & Paed advised to do this. I guess you just do what you think is best.
Bella is on S-26 Gold and no constipation but was on Nan Pro when born and was very const and windy. I just offer cooled boiled water b/w bottles and she will drink it if she likes.

Kate

[August]

Hi! I think offering extra water to prevent constipation is a good idea. Once babies become constipated its a hard thing to set right again, this is from my personal experience, and watching a baby cry from the pain it causes it just heartbreaking. I started DS on a gold brand and this is what caused the constipation for him, although every bub is different and the gold brands may not always cause constipation.