Question

Which of the following does a newly born need with breast milk?

• A. Honey
• B. Glucose
• C. Water
• D. None of these

Hint:

Newborns need ONLY breast milk for first 6 months—no water, no honey, no glucose. Breast milk is 87% water and provides complete nutrition. Honey can cause infant botulism and is dangerous under 1 year.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To address the question of what a newly born needs along with breast milk, let's explore the reasoning and eliminate incorrect options:

1. Breast Milk: Breast milk contains all the essential nutrients a newborn needs, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and antibodies, to support its growth and immune system. It is the ideal and complete food for infants.
2. Honey: Honey is not recommended for infants under one year of age. There is a risk of botulism, a serious illness that can occur if infants consume honey. Therefore, honey should be avoided.
3. Glucose: While glucose is a source of energy, breast milk already contains lactose, a form of carbohydrate that provides necessary energy to newborns. Hence, additional glucose supplementation is unnecessary.
4. Water: Breast milk contains around 88% water, which is sufficient to fulfill the hydration needs of a newborn. Additional water is not needed, as it can also interfere with the infant's consumption of breast milk.

Based on the explanation above, the correct choice is None of these. Breast milk alone is sufficient to meet all the dietary and hydration needs of a newborn in the first six months of life.