Just like the benefits of Okra for baby, coconut water is also often considered as a drink that has many properties for health, including for babies.

Although you have heard this before, some of you might still a bit hesitate to give coconut water to the baby, remembering what is the proper age when coconut water can actually be given and other risks.

Coconut water we’re talking about  is not just ordinary water with the addition of coconut flavor. Coconut water is a clear liquid that is in the coconut fruit is green and drinkable, and you also need to remember that the water in green coconut fruit is different from coconut milk. Coconut milk is not produced from green coconut fruit, but from grated meat of old brown coconut fruit.

Unlike clear coconut water, coconut milk has a white color resembling milk. Coconut water at home has good benefits to help restore the body when it is sick and that is why, babies who are sick or in recovery after illness are advised to drink coconut water for further improving the healing process.

The question now is, is it okay if the baby drinks coconut water? Well, the short answer is, of course okay, only it’s just that there are certain age rules you need to understand first.

Babies are allowed to drink coconut water when they are more than 6 months old after starting to consume drinks and baby food like grapes,  in addition to exclusive breast milk.

Interestingly, coconut water is considered to contribute a variety of good benefits for the health of the baby’s body. Coconut water is good to prevent dehydration due to illness or diarrhea because it is rich in electrolyte content.

Coconut water is also rich in electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which help contribute benefits and support the functioning of the organs of the body. Its low sugar and calorie content also adds to the list of benefits when providing coconut water for babies.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water for Babies

1. Best Source for Rehydration

Infants and children are prone to dehydration. When your little one is dehydrated, he can’t talk to you. In fact, this condition of lack of bodily fluids can be dangerous for him, especially if not handled properly. Let’s know the signs of a dehydrated baby here.

Dehydration occurs when the body does not get enough fluid so that the performance of the body’s organs is disrupted. This condition is easiest to approach the baby, because his body weight is still low, plus the metabolic rate in babies is higher when compared to adults. Thus, making it sensitive if it loses fluids, even if the amount is small.

In addition to some of the above, babies whose immune function is still weak and developing are prone to infection. It’s even worsened when the baby’s sick, which makes the risk of dehydration higher.

That’s why it’s important to make the baby stay hydrated by giving healthy drinks like the benefits of almond milk. But it’s better if you’re using coconut water.

Coconut water is the best natural source of electrolytes for rehydration, especially when the weather is hot. Infants, even children and the elderly are prone to dehydration in this sweltering weather and the best way to quench your thirst is not with sweet drinks, but with fresh coconut water. Although coconut water is sweet, it only has a few calories and also plus vitamins, minerals and salt that are highly beneficial for the baby.

2. Treats Digestive Diseases

Coconut water can also be useful to help treat indigestion, stomach acid, diarrhea, dysentery, bloating and constipation. It is also useful in treating vomiting and dyspepsia.

When we suffer from diarrhea, coconut water is useful to restore body fluids that disappear quickly. Loss of bodily fluids is a problem resulting from the greatest diarrhea. Same benefit also works in babies.

3. Helps to Overcome Cholera 

Diarrhea in children should not be underestimated. Especially if the diarrhea in children until it is liquid because there is a possibility that your child is infected with cholera bacteria.

Cholera is an acute diarrhea infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with vibrio cholerae bacteria. Diarrhea in children caused by cholera bacteria is a health problem in many developing countries. However, there are some options to overcome this problem.

The fact that has been proven by the researchers stated that coconut water can actually be an option to treat this problem. Coconut water mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of lime juice or salt can be very helpful against cholera problems.

This not only maintains electrolyte balance, but also reduces acidosis in the body. Young coconuts are very easy to find in the area, and the water already contains salt and sterile.

4. Has Antibacterial Properties

Coconut water can kill all species of bacteria. Certain biochemicals called antimicrobial peptides are also known to use coconut water ingredients.

There has been an emphasis on urgently finding new natural cures for microbial infections in recent years. Many bacterial species are becoming increasingly immune to commercially sold antibiotics.

5. Helps Urinary Tract Infections 

Babies are still prone to urinary tract infections. This infection can be reduced by giving them coconut water. Coconut water is a diuretic, helping infections in the bladder and urinary tract quickly excrete – and ultimately reducing urinary tract infections. In addition, coconut water is also very helpful in reducing stones in the kidneys.