10/17/2026
Why were newborns given sterile water after birth in the 1940s?
During this era, it was common for hospitals to give newborns sterile water for several supposed reasons, including:
- testing their suck reflex
- preventing jaundice
- following rigid feeding schedules
- avoiding dehydration
Medical professionals also thought water could help flush excess bilirubin from a babyās system.
But we eventually learned water wasnāt the answer here.
Hereās why we moved away from this practice:
Water fills a babyās tiny stomach without providing the calories and nutrients they need. A belly full of water suppresses hunger and delays breastfeeding. Early water supplementation will affect weight gain and interfere with the frequent feedings necessary to bring in a full milk supply. It also delays passage of meconium, increasing the risk of jaundice.
In addition to providing sterile water, feedings in the first 24 hours were strictly scheduled every 4 hours.
By the 1980s, this practice had largely faded out, although it had been used for decades.
Today, we encourage frequent feeding, whether at the breast or with formula, following a babyās hunger cues and supporting their individual needs.
Itās fascinating to look back at how newborn care has evolved, isnāt it?
And sometimes, learning about the past helps us better understand why we do things differently today.
Have you heard stories about newborn care from older generations?
Iād love to hear about them in the comments!
