As little as three ounces a day could be too much water for a child under a year old, said Dr. Allen J.Walker.
Water intoxication is one of the leading triggers of seizures in healthy infants because when a baby consumes too much water, it washes sodium out in the body. This creates changes in the brain and causes seizures. According to doctors, these seizures could last for several minutes, and up to an hour until the sodium replenished in his body.
While the seizures are benign and have no lasting effect on a child's health, they can easily be prevented if babies are not given too much of water. Pediatricians at Hopkins Children's Center say they see at least three or four such cases every summer where kids suffer from water intoxication.
Infants under 1 year of age may be more prone to these types of seizures than older children because they do not have enough food sources to replenish the lost sodium at that stage of their development. Also, an infant's immature kidneys cannot flush out excess water fast enough, causing a dangerous build-up of water in the body.
According to doctors, the best option for children is breast milk and formula. Over-diluted formula can lead to water intoxication as well. Electrolyte-enriched pediatric drinks are not recommended for routine hydration. In any case, straight water should be avoided.
Since the brain is the organ most susceptible to water intoxication, a change of behavior is usually the first symptom in older children. They may become confused, drowsy or inattentive. They also may suffer from blurred vision, muscle cramps and twitching, poor coordination, nausea and vomiting, irregular breathing and weakness.
Doctors also added that children who are constipated or are drinking formula may need extra water. However, the quantity should not exceed more than two ounces a day and should be offered only after the baby has satisfied its hunger with breast feeding or formula.
