đź’¦Water overnightđź’¦
I get asked a lot about whether water can be given overnight and yes, in most cases, it’s perfectly safe to give your child water overnight, especially if they ask for it or seem thirsty. Personally and professionally, I would never deny a child water if they need or ask for it. Here are a few things to know about offering water depending on a child’s age and health:
👶🏻Babies (under 6 months):
* No extra water is recommended unless directed by a doctor. Breast milk or formula provides all needed hydration.
👶🏻Babies (6–12 months):
* Small sips of water are okay, but milk/formula should still be the main source of hydration.
👦🏼🧒Toddlers and older children:
* It’s fine to give water overnight if they wake up thirsty.
* You could leave a non-spill bottle (like the one in the picture) in their cot or bed for them to help themselves. We do this with my boys.
* Avoid large amounts close to bedtime to prevent leaking nappies.
If your child is frequently waking up thirsty, it might be worth looking at their hydration during the day or talking to a doctor to rule out any medical conditions.
