Sugar water for babies is often used for pain relief. It is prepared by dissolving regular
sugar (sucrose or glucose) in water. The solution is commonly used in some cultures as a supplement with breast milk. However, it is not recommended to serve sugar water to babies, especially those younger than six months (1). Read on to know the use of sugar water for babies and why it is not recommended. There are several anecdotal and traditional uses of sugar water for babies. Some of the common ones are listed here. Several other research studies
documented the use of sugar water prior to surgeries or circumcision to provide pain relief to neonates and babies (4). Quick tip Give your baby sugar water one to two minutes before the vaccination. Alternatively, you can dip a pacifier in sugar water and give it to the baby before, during, and after the vaccination
(10). Image:
iStock
Quick tip Mix six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon salt in one liter of water until completely dissolved to prepare homemade ORS (11).
Image: iStock
Sugar water is also considered a remedy for colic and gas. However, it is important for you to know that none of these uses are backed by scientific evidence. How Is Sugar Water Given To Babies?
Image: Shutterstock The use of sugar water to relieve pain after a medical procedure should be done under medical supervision. A doctor may administer either through a syringe into the baby’s mouth or by placing it on a pacifier (6). Let the pediatrician decide and, if necessary, give sugar water to your baby. If you want to manage pain at home, then the pediatrician can recommend appropriate medications or pain management techniques. You may also try psychological pain reduction strategies like NNS (non-nutritive sucking), breastfeeding, and skin-to-skin contact. Why Is Sugar Water Not Recommended For Babies?The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends “no use of water” for babies under six months of age (7). For babies older than six months, water can be introduced in small quantities. However, the use of sugar water needs to be avoided due to the following reasons.
Image: Shutterstock
Excess sugar water intake may even cause an upset stomach and spit-up in babies. If you intend to try sugar water for your baby older than six months, then you should do so after consulting a pediatrician. How Is Sugar Water Prepared For Babies?
Image: Shutterstock There is no standard recipe to prepare sugar water at home. Try to use as little sugar as possible. Here is one such recipe that you may try under pediatric guidance. You will need:
How to:
Note: Avoid giving more than the recommended amount of sugar water to your baby. A concentrated sugar solution can have detrimental effects on an infant’s health, in the long run. Therefore, use it only when required. 1. How much sugar water do I give to my baby? Your pediatrician is the best person to decide whether you should give your baby sugar water and in what quantities. 2. Does sugar water make babies sleep? Anecdotally, it is believed that sugar water can distract the baby from pain and may have a calming effect on them. However, there isn’t enough medical research to support the belief. It is suggested to refrain from using sugar water to make the babies fall asleep and try other natural methods. Using sugar water for babies to relieve pain, constipation, or other signs of discomfort is not advised unless recommended by the pediatrician. Administering too much sugar water at a young age increases the risks of electrolyte imbalance in the body. Also, it makes the baby prone to weight gain and related health issues. If your baby shows signs of colic, consult a healthcare provider or a pediatrician and ask for a safer alternative to sugar water. Infographic: Reasons For Not Giving Sugar Water To BabiesAlthough sugar water has potential benefits for your baby, it is not highly recommended by doctors. But why? With the help of this infographic, we tell you a few probable reasons why you must avoid sugar water for babies unless suggested by the doctor. Read on and ensure that you keep this infographic handy for the times you need it the most. Illustration: MomJunction Design Team Key Pointers
References:Was this article helpful? Is glucose good for babies?Blood glucose is a sugar that moves through the bloodstream and provides energy to all the cells in the body. It is one of your baby's most important sources of energy. Babies with normal blood glucose levels have all the energy they need for healthy growth and development.
Can we give salt and sugar water to 6 month baby?Try not to add salt to your baby's foods when they are under 12 months. After 1 year, you can include a small amount of salt in your child's diet.
At what age can babies drink sugar water?Sugar should not be given to children younger than the age of 2. You should also avoid adding sugar to their formula or tea. Here's why you should avoid giving sugar water to babies. It could suppress their appetite and reduce milk intake in exclusively breastfeed babies.
How do you make glucose water for babies?Give the child a drink made with 6 level teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 level teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 litre of clean water. Be very careful to mix the correct amounts. Too much sugar can make the diarrhoea worse. Too much salt can be extremely harmful to the child.
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