Ideas to try….in hot weather

When it’s hot outside, it’s reassuring to know that…

• healthy, exclusively breastfed babies under 6 months do not need water, even in hot weather. Breastmilk provides all the fluid they need.
• many mothers find that their babies want to breastfeed more often on hot days.
• it’s helpful to follow your baby’s lead in how often to breastfeed and how often to swap sides
• on hot days some older babies and toddlers enjoy cubes or lollies made of frozen breastmilk

“Breast milk is more than 80% water. If you think your baby is thirsty, you can offer an extra breastfeed.“

World Health Organisation

Why additional water is not recommended for exclusively breastfed infants under 6 months of age

(East Lancashire NHS Trust)