For a parent, it is a major concern to ensure that the baby gets the best nutrition, and this is why preparing baby formula with the right water for it. There has been a general concern about which water type is better, distilled or purified water, for a baby formula. Water type might affect your baby’s health concerning water intake as well as the formation of his or her teeth.
What Is the Difference Between Distilled Water and Purified Water?
Distilled water and purified water go through treatment processes to remove impurities, the treatment and final composition in distilled water and purified water are different. Here’s a more detailed information difference between distilled water and purified:
Distilled Water
Distilled water results from boiling water to steam and gathering the steam in a clean collection container. The filtration process removes all unwanted mineral elements together with bacteria and separates only pure water molecules H₂O from the mixture. The absence of minerals has led experts to question if such water should be consumed on extended timelines. Distilled water serves as an ingredient for baby formula production because it contains no dangerous substances during preparation.
Purified Water
Purified water, therefore, undergoes various filtration procedures such as reverse osmosis, deionization, or carbon filter. It reduces most of these impurities, including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals. Some purified water may contain some amount of minerals, and such products may be taken as an option for babies since they lack the necessary minerals in their bodies.
What Water Can You Use to Make Baby Formula?
The choice of water for preparing baby formula depends on its purity and mineral content. Here are the recommended options:
- Purified Water– This type of water is free from impurities, but it may contain essential minerals. Purification process removes most dissolved minerals. It is a safe choice for mixing with baby formula.
- Distilled Water– Generally considered safe, but it should be checked to ensure it does not contain harmful substances. Some pediatricians recommend it because it is free from contaminants and minerals.
- Tap Water– If distilled or purified water is unavailable, tap water can be used. However, it should be boiled for at least one minute and then cooled to a safe temperature before mixing with formula. If your area has fluoridated tap water, consult a pediatrician about fluoride exposure.
- Bottled Water– When using bottled water, check the label for terms like "purified," "distilled," or "processed through reverse osmosis." Ensure that it meets FDA standards for infant consumption.
When Can Babies Drink Water?
Water should not be given to newborns and infants up to six months because their kidneys are not well developed to handle large intakes of water. If a person drinks too much water, this can cause a condition as water intoxication, and this may be lethal and will cause irregularity in the level of electrolytes.
Babies should not take any other food or beverage except plain breast milk or infant formula up to half a year of age.
- Six to twelve months: Although there are no issues with giving small amounts of water (2-4 ounces) during hot weather.
- 12+ months: Although water can be given freely to the baby, it is advisable to feed them with milk or formula milk.
What Water Can a Baby Drink?
Here are your best choices and what you should avoid kinds of water to drink:
Best choices:
- Purified, distilled, or boiled tap water in that order and exclusively for formula preparation.
- Small portions of tap water that have been purified (starting from the age of 6 months).
Avoid:
- Well water (risk of contaminants like nitrates and bacteria).
- Mineral water (too high in sodium and minerals).
- Sparkling or flavored water.
Water for Baby Formula and Dental Fluorosis
Fluoride is needed for b teeth, but too much intake may lead to dental fluorosis, which results in the appearance of white patches on erupting teeth. It's an addition that many cities add fluoride to the tap water to address the issue of cavities.
Another option is distilled or purified water, which contains zero fluorides and eliminates the risks of fluorosis. If tap water is fluoridated, consider consulting a pediatrician about changing to non-fluoridated.
Signs of Fluorosis in Babies:
- White or streaky spots on teeth.
- Mild discoloration of enamel.
How to Prepare Baby Formula
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare baby formula:
Step 1: Wash your hands.
Step 2: Rinse the used bottles with the Baby Bottle Washer – Baby bottle washers like the Momcozy KleanPal Pro minimize the risk of contamination by effectively cleaning the bottles.
Step 3: Boil Water (If Needed) – If using a tap, filter the water for one minute and allow the water to cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Measure Water and Formula – Pour the correct amount of cooled, boiled water into the bottle. Then, add the exact formula to the water ratio recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 5: Take a shake – Make sure to shake the bottle quite vigorously in order to allow the formula to dissolve properly.
Step 6: Warm the bottle – to do it properly, choose the Momcozy 6-in-1 Fast Baby Bottle Warmer.
FAQs About Best Water for Baby Formula
Is it safe for the baby to take purified water with the formula?
Yes, as long as you are using water that is safe for consumption, especially when mixing with baby formula. But first, it is recommended to determine whether the water contains minerals, as some of them are not desirable to drink because they will cause an upset stomach.
Is it safe for babies to take spring water to prepare their formulas?
Consuming spring water should be discouraged in making formula for the baby especially if it contains high levels of sodium and fluoride. Some of the spring waters are mineralized and should not be administered to an infant since they can be dangerous.
Can you use bottled water for formula?
Yes, you may use this kind of water in preparation for the formula as long as it is either marked as ‘fits for infants’ or contains low fluoride levels. In any case, it is safe to bring water to a boil to get rid of any impurities that may be present.
Do I need to boil distilled water for baby formula?
The mixture of baby formula does not need distilled water to undergo boiling before preparation. Applied properly, distilled water remains sterile and cancer-free thus providing safety for baby consumption.
Can you use fluoridated water for baby formula?
Yes, but with caution. Too high fluoride concentrations in infant diets result in dental fluorosis development. The consumption of distilled or low-fluorescent bottled water should be used instead of tap water when preparing baby formula because high fluoride levels exist.
Can you use well water for baby formula?
The preparation of baby formula using well water is not considered a secure method. The water has not received testing for determining its content of bacteria pollution as well as nitrates and heavy metals. Wells are allowed for making baby formula, but the water must be boiled first followed by regular testing to confirm its safe condition.
Conclusion
Using safe water in formula preparation directly affects your baby's health status. Your best water choices for consumption are distilled water alongside tap water or bottled water, which contains minimal fluoride. If you have doubts about selecting the right water, consult your pediatrician.
