Dr Hilary Jones has backtracked after he was accused of sharing 'dangerous advice' about feeding babies during the unprecedented UK heatwave.
The Good Morning Britain regular, sparked fury among viewers on Tuesday's instalment of the ITV morning show when he advised breastfeeding mothers to give their babies extra water during the sweltering temperatures as he discussed how best to look after newborns and tots during the heatwave.
Dr Hilary advised mums to keep their babies in the shade at all times, and insisted that they need extra water if they are being breastfed.
"Their heat regulation mechanisms don’t work as effectively, so babies need to be kept in the shade at all times at the moment," he advised.
“They need extra water if they’re being breastfed probably. They could be tepid sponged just if they do if they have a temperature through infection.”
However, Dr Hilary's heatwave advise drew much criticism from Good Morning Britain viewers and health experts such as Lucy Ruddle - an International Board Certified Lactation consultant.
The Good Morning Britain star has now backtracked on his advise following the heavy criticism.
During an appearance on the ITV show, Dr. Hilary clarified that babies simply need more fluid or more milk - not necessarily water.
"Just to recap, babies who are exclusively breastfed under the age of six months, they just need more breastmilk and the mums will need to drink more water," he told.
Following Dr. Hilary's initial incorrect advise, a statement on Facebook Ruddle said Dr Hilary’s comments were: “Yet another example of why the UK has such low breastfeeding rates”.
Dr Hilary's comments were described as 'incorrect and dangerous'.
Lucy Ruddle went on to share 'correct' advise with mums as she urged them to disregard what Dr. Hilary had first suggested.
"Exclusively, breastfed babies do not need water. Giving them water displaces nutrition and increases the risk of electrolyte problems. You should feed them more often. Every time they ask. Even if that’s a lot.”
Lucy also added that babies may be given small amounts of water between feeds according to the NHS.
