why cant babies drink water

Babies under 6 months old cannot drink water because their tiny, developing kidneys are not able to handle excess water. Giving water to young babies can dilute the sodium in their bloodstream, leading to a dangerous condition called water intoxication or hyponatremia. This condition can cause symptoms ranging from drowsiness and confusion to seizures, brain swelling, and even death. Additionally, water fills their small stomachs without providing any calories or nutrients, which can interfere with their nutrition from breast milk or formula. Breast milk and formula provide all the hydration and nutrients babies need in the first six months of life. Small amounts of water can be introduced safely only after about 6 months when the baby starts eating solid foods and their kidneys are more mature to handle water intake.