What Water to Use for Baby Formula?
If you’re thinking of feeding your baby formula, one of the most important questions to ask yourself is, what kind of water should be used? Here, we review some of the common options and what you should be aware of when choosing:
Tap Water
Tap water is the most common water used to mix up formula. Many experts advise boiling the tap water for a minute or two to sufficiently purify it and reduce potential contaminants. If you have fluoridated tap water, you can introduce it to your child’s diet at around 6 months of age.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is another option you have when it comes to preparing formula. Most bottled waters are not fluoridated and should be avoided for infants under 6 months. But if you have to use them, you should make sure that the water has gone through some form of disinfection process and is free of contaminants and minerals.
Filtered Water
You can also use a water filtration system like Brita or Pur to filter tap water. The advantage of filtered water is that it helps reduce any contaminants while being free of minerals. Be careful not to over filter the water as certain impurities like fluoride are beneficial to babies.
Final Remarks
To make sure that your baby is safe and healthy, you should always consult with your pediatrician before making any decisions about their nutrition. Regardless of the water you use, make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging when preparing formula.
Key Takeaways
- Tap water is the most common water used to mix up formula and can be boiled to purify it.
- Bottled water should be free of contaminants or minerals and typically should not be used for infants.
- Filtered water reduces contaminants while being free of minerals. Be careful not to filter out any beneficial impurities.
- Consult with your pediatrician before making any decisions about your baby’s nutrition.