Water intake confusion for 4 month old

[Wherehasmysleepgone]

Hello, my HV advised me to give my 16 week old as much water as he would take, providing he wasnt having water instead of the amount of formula he requires.
The reason she has suggested this is because he currently has approx. 48oz of milk in 24 hrs and she wants me to reduce this amount as his weight has jumped from 75th percentile to 91st percentile so she said if it carries on he will need to see a paediatrician etc, so she said give him some water instead of one feed during the night which she feels is more habit than hunger.
I asked her how much water can he have and she said as much as he will take but when I read the internet it says its dangerous so I am really confused now!
How much is considered safe?

TIA

[TarkaTheOtter]

I think I'd get a gps appt before swapping milk for water at that age. Both my dc went from the 25th-91st centile in the first 6 months. It's not that big a deal, the centiles are quite close together early on. I didn't get any grief for it because they were bf though . Just shows that the weight gain in itself can't be an issue.

[Wherehasmysleepgone]

Thanks Tarka, he weighs 17lb 10oz but he is long and so isn't over weight, he was 9,7 when he was born and has always been hungry!
According to the formula box he should be on approx. 35oz (I know this is only a guide) so they feel he is gaining too quickly and I have to go back to get him re-weighed in a few weeks.
Maybe I will call the GP then, I gave him water last night but I didn't give instead of milk I just gave water first then some milk in the hope of reducing milk slowly.
I feel better knowing your dcs went up the chart that way too and there were no issues. Surely once he starts moving he will slow down on the percentiles anyway!

[rallytog1]

Your hv is really crap to suggest that going from 75th to 91st at 16 weeks could be a cause for concern. It's one line on the chart ffs. That's just bonkers.

Definitely get a second opinion from a doctor before you change anything.

[workingtitle]

I think you should disregard what your HV has said. Four months is too young for water instead of milk, and his weight change doesn't sound crazy. I would see the GP and if you're not satisfied then ask for a referral to a paediatrician (who I am certain would 100% reassure you).

[callamia]

My breastfed baby made the same change in centiles and no one cared at all. He tracked 91st after that, and is still somewhere around there at 9m.

I'd possibly keep an eye on weight gain, but be wary about replacing milk for water so early. Four months is real growth spurt time - he might really need it.

[Wherehasmysleepgone]

thank you, before I read this I had decided to carry on with what he was doing and giving him what he needs, I felt it was too hot and stressful to reduce his intake. I probably wont bother going back to be weighed for a while!