Hydration Drinks Without Sugar for Babies

While there are many different types of commercial drinks on the market for babies and young children, many of them do not take the specific nutritional needs of babies into account. Most commercial drinks are little more than flavored sugar water, and offer little or no beneficial nutrients. The digestive systems of babies are usually not able to process sugared drinks, and even too much water can be dangerous to a young baby. Do not give honey to a baby under 1 year old, either, because it can cause a rare form of food poisoning. Always check with a doctor before offering a new drink to your baby.

Breast Milk

• For the first 6 months of life, breast milk provides the complete nutritional and hydration needs of an infant. Even in hot weather, babies who are breast fed do not require additional liquids, as long as they are nursing regularly. In cases of illness, it is best to provide as much breast milk as the baby demands in order to replenish the baby's lost fluids and nutrients. Beyond the first 6 months, breast milk should still be the primary source of hydration.

Formula

• Formula-fed babies may require small amounts of water periodically, but as with breast milk, formula provides the main source of nutrition and hydration. Powdered formula mixes should be mixed with exactly the recommended amount of water. Adding additional water to powdered mixes can cause the nutrients in the formula to be diluted, which can lead to malnutrition in the infant. When a baby reaches his first birthday, he can be introduced to cow's milk, which is also an excellent source of hydration and nutrition for small children who have no dairy allergies.

Water

• While water is an important source of hydration for young children, you must be cautious when giving water to babies. Due to their small size, too much water can dilute the amount of sodium a baby has stored in her body. This is known as water intoxication and it can cause serious problems like seizures and even coma. Water is recommended for older babies and toddlers instead of sugary drinks during hot weather or exercise. Care should still be taken in these instances to ensure that babies are still consuming enough nutrients through milk and food, instead of becoming full of water.

Juices, Sports Drinks and Sodas

• Although children have a highly developed taste for sweets and may enjoy drinking sugary juices, sport drinks and sodas, these products should never be offered to babies or toddlers. Sports drinks and sodas offer no nutritional benefits to babies and also can cause dehydration due to high levels of sodium. Juices made with 100 percent juice may be offered occasionally, but they usually act as a diuretic, which actually causes a baby to become dehydrated. Dilute juices with water when you offer them to babies.