[Jenflea]

If they are unsettled between feeds they are either hungry, in which case FEED THEM AGAIN, or need burping or even just a cuddle. I wouldn't give water to a baby not yet on solids, I don't think it's at all necessary.
How often are you giving a bottle?

[Funwith3]

I agree with others, just feed your baby more milk. Don't try to trick the baby into feeling full with water.

[*Enigma*]

Possibly your baby is still hungry and thats why they are gulping water- therefore choking/coughing. Try giving more feeds.

I FF both my babies AND gave water! Babies should still have water, especially on hot days (I live in QLD and mine drank water all though summer) Not only does it help to keep baby hydrated but helps against constipation.

BF babies get water in the first part of a feed. Thats why some babies 'snack' they are thirsty and don't want the more solid hind milk which is more of a meal. Thats why it is important for FF babies to have water.

[Princess.cranky....]

I never gave mine water until they started solids. Can't say I have ever heard of giving an unsettled baby water.

Babies can be unsettled for a number of reasons. If he is hungry then feed him. Don't make him wait till it's time for the next feed. You just end up with a very unhappy baby. If he is not hungry you could try a dummy if he will take it.

He might also be unsettled because he is overtired. Are you missing the tired signs? How long is he awake for?

But forget substituting water between feeds to try and settle him. It won't work. It's likely that he is choking on the water because it's not as thick as formula and he won't be coping with how fast the water is flowing out of the teat. It might also give him wind. Really it's just not worth the hassle.

[BeagleBoy]

I've only started to give my fully FF DS water in the last few days as we are introducing solids.

If your baby is unsettled between feeds, feed him again. As much as some people (even MCN's etc) say that they should only feed every x hours, some babies are hungrier than others. Save yourself the headache of a fussy, hungry baby and just give him a top up. When my DS was going through phases like that (usually during a growth spurt) I would just give him 40-60 ml top up in between his normal feeds.

Your baby is hungry because his body is craving more nutrition, water is not going to help with that.

[Freddie'sMum]

I'm in the 'no water until they started food' camp.

How old is baby ?? How many feeds is he having per day ??

He may just be having a growth spurt - I would increase his feeds - whether he is BF or FF. If he doesn't want milk - then maybe a dummy or just to be wrapped and cuddled may help settle him.

Best wishes.