We love it when grandparents actively participate in their grandchildren's lives. Not only can it give parents a break, but it also can create a loving bond that will remain with those children for the rest of their lives. Sometimes, grandparents like to give tips and tricks for raising kids, and although they may be just what we need to get by, occasionally their child-rearing ideas are outdated and, quite frankly, can be dangerous.
A dad posted on his TikTok, @sergey.be.be, explaining that he and his wife are arguing over whether to give their 2-month-old baby water. The baby's mom says no way, it's not safe, but the baby's paternal grandmother says water for babies is the way to go. The video has been viewed 4.9 million times and caused an uproar, with many wondering what is happening with this couple.
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The baby's mom will not budge on giving the infant water.
The video's text reads, "My wife forbids giving water to our 2-month-old because she read on Google that it should not be done."
But his mother disagrees. "On the other hand, my mother insists that newborns should be given water from birth, as she did with her children and grandchildren," the new dad explains.
The father then admits the argument is causing trouble in his marriage and wants to know if other families have given their infants water.
This dad was flamed in the comment section.
People came hard for this dad.
One person wrote, "If your mother wants to give a baby water, tell her to have her own, hope this helps "
So many sided with the mom, such as this person, who commented, "There is no compromise. Your mother has zero say."
And this comment: "you should not question your wife, especially to side with your mom."
Experts weighed in.
As one nurse wrote, "No water. Labor and delivery nurse. Newborns get the water from their milk."
Another agreed, commenting, "oh my jesus, as a paeds nurse, for the love of god don't give your child water! they can literally overdose on it, can't process it, and it messes up all of the blood levels!"
This person put it all into perspective: "imagine living in 2024 with access to all the worlds knowledge at hand (your phone) and still argue with your wife (who is correct btw) over what your mom told you (who is wrong btw)."
The newborn's mom is right — no water for babies.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, giving babies water before they are at least 6 months old is unsafe. Before that age, babies get all the nutrients and hydration they need from breast milk or formula. It is unsafe and unnecessary to have any water before reaching 6 months old.
"Giving your baby a bit of water on a hot day might not seem like a big deal. But avoid the temptation if your baby is younger than 6 months. Instead, if your baby is extra thirsty, offer up human milk or formula. It has all the water (and nutrition) they need — without the risk," the Cleveland Clinic notes.
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This account may be all about rage bait.
The dad often posts controversial content about fighting with his wife and mother about how to raise their baby. He posted another now-viral video with 5.2 million views with text that explains he trusts his mother over his wife.
"Given my mother's experience raising three children compared to my wife's first-time motherhood, I tend to trust my mother's advice," the text reads.
A person left a mic drip in the comments of that video with the comment, "You should marry your mom hope this helps!"
