Mother’s milk is the best liquid for babies. After a certain age when baby needs to consume solid foods, water becomes a staple part of their diet. This article discusses if bottled water for babies is safe and the safest water for babies.

When do babies need water?

Till six months, babies best rely on breast milk. Post this age, it is good to introduce water to them in smaller sips. Adequate water helps in their digestion and bowel moment. It also regulates their body temperature in hotter climates.

For parents that use formula, water for babies is a critical concern. Admittedly, the water composition varies from place to place in minerals and quality. Also choosing water for babies means taking care from end to end – boiling, filtering, and letting it cool to the right temperature before preparing the formula.

Understanding bottled water

Bottled water comes from various sources like springs, taps, and well. The processes involved in bottled water include reverse osmosis, deionization, and distillation.

However, all these processes are costly, and the number of bottled water makers that adhere to them is countable.

With that said, the number of reliable bottled water for babies is minimal. The plastic seepage and expiry of bottled water are also other related concerns.

Another worrying fact about bottled water for babies is its mineral content. Bottled water contains fluorine. Beyond certain levels, fluorine can be harmful to babies.

If you are looking for safe water for babies, bottled water may not be the go-to choice. Given their fluoride content, when mixed with infant formula, they can lead to fluorosis. We all know the fact that infant formulas come enriched with fluorine.

In case you must pick bottled water for babies, read the label for fluorine details. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that bottled water labels indicate if fluoride is present.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children be fed fluorine-free water to avoid the risks of fluorosis. If ignored, fluorosis can also trigger ADHD and reduced IQ in children.

For infant consumption and formula preparation, always pick fluorine-free bottled water.

Here are additional precautions to consider while choosing bottled water for babies:

• Bottled water with natural water may be rich in sodium and sulfate. These minerals are not beneficial for babies.

• The safe levels of sodium and sulfate per liter are respectively 200 milligrams and 250 milligrams.

• In cases where you must use bottled water for babies, always boil it and cool it before using it for formula or baby’s consumption.

Safest water for infant formula

As parents are aware and pediatricians suggest, the water for baby formula or consumption must be free from added minerals and contaminants.

The distillation process includes boiling water and collecting the steam thus obtained. The steam is further cooled and demineralized making it safer for human consumption.

Distilled water might be bland due to the removal of minerals. However, it helps in avoiding mineral overdose and related health concerns.

Besides, distilled water can be used directly from bottles without further boiling and filtering.

Though tap water might appear safe after boiling and cooling down, the mineral content does not change even after boiling.

The ultimate safest water for infant formula is distilled water. Distilled water undergoes stringent processes that eliminate contaminants and minerals, making it the safest water for babies.

When parents choose distilled water for babies, they enjoy benefits that come along with the peace of mind:

• Purest water that any baby can consume.

• Eliminates the hassle of boiling and cooling.

• Easy to carry and prepare a formula on the go.

• Protect babies from excessive minerals and related health issues in the long run.

There are many variants in distilled water – commercial, adult consumption, and infant-safe. When looking for distilled water for babies, always pick water designated for baby formula. It is void of excess minerals, making it the safest bet for your baby.

Conclusion

Bottled water may contain fluorine that can trigger fluorosis in babies. Prevent fluorine-related health concerns for your baby by choosing distilled water. Seek the advice of your pediatrician and support community to know how to pick the best-distilled water for infants.