SHOULD I GIVE MY BABY WATER, HONEY, SUGAR?

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The first few years are important in every child’s life in terms of growth and development.

The term, "you are what you eat", is also true because what goes into your baby’s tummy can set the stage for adequate growth and development or poor growth and delayed development.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in the first 6months of life because the benefits are enormous. There are benefits such as a healthy gut enriched with probiotics that protect against diarrhoea, allergic conditions, obesity, diabetes etc. Breast milk contains all the nutrients needed in the first 6 months of life. It also provides adequate water.

Breast milk is also gentle on the infant’s maturing intestines.

Water is therefore not needed if the infant is being exclusively breastfed because the baby will get all the water he needs from the breast milk. Giving water also makes the baby prone to infections because the water can be contaminated.

Babies under 6 months who for some reason cannot be exclusively breastfed should be given water to prevent dehydration. However, mothers are encouraged to as much as possible, exclusively breastfeed their babies in the first 6 months of life.

After 6 months, the infant should be started on complimentary feeds. It is important that you don't introduce sugary food early. The early introduction of sugary food leads to the development of sweet tooth. When the infant gets used to sugary foods, it can become difficult when you are switching to non-sugary food. The child may resist it.

Although honey contains probiotics, it may be contaminated with clostridium botulinum. An organism that causes botulinum poisoning. So, it is advisable to avoid adding honey to an infant’s diet.

Remember that exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life has enormous benefits and should be pursued.

Dr Gloria Amponsah-Kodua

Paediatrician specialist

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