Babies below six months do not need water — GHS
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) says babies below six months do not need water to complement breast milk, even during hot weather.
According to the Service, breast milk contains all the nutrients and water a baby needs during the first six months of life and mothers should breastfeed more frequently if a baby appears thirsty rather than give water.
“A baby needs water in addition to breast milk, especially in hot weather” is a common misconception, the GHS said, cautioning parents and caregivers against introducing water before six months.
“If a baby seems thirsty, the mother can offer an extra breastfeed. Introducing water too early may reduce breast milk and cause water intoxication,” the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, cautioned in a statement to mark this year’s Breastfeeding Month.
Observed globally in August, this year’s Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week 2026, is on the theme: ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.’
The global observance seeks to promote, protect and support breastfeeding and encourage countries to strengthen the systems, policies and support structures that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully.
According to the GHS, failure to exclusively breastfeed during the first six months can increase a baby’s risk of infections, nutritional deficiencies and poor growth.
“Breast milk prevents life-threatening illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, provides long term protection against common allergies, contributes to increased cognitive development and supports the optimal development of facial and dental muscles.
It also programmes the body in the long term against fat storage, helping to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity later in life and contributes to a productive workforce that supports the economic development of the nation,” the DG said.
Describing breast milk as “a super food”, Dr Akoriyea stressed that mothers required support from families, communities, employers and the wider society to breastfeed successfully.
He therefore called on fathers, families and communities to support breastfeeding mothers, while urging employers to provide maternity protection, breastfeeding breaks and safe spaces for mothers to express and store breast milk.
“This August, and beyond let us stand with every breastfeeding mother. Let us protect what works, improve what needs attention and ensure that no mother or child is left behind.
Breastfeeding is not solely the responsibility of mothers but a shared national responsibility,” he said.
By Abigail Annoh
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