Distilled water is a safer option for making infant formula. Check this article to learn more about boiling water for formula, and if you need to boil distilled water for babies.
Are you wondering what kind of water is best for babies? Well, you're in the right place! Essentially, most types of water look the same, but they are certainly not. The composition is different; the levels of minerals are different. In this blog, we will discuss if boiling water for formula is a good option or not. We will also look at the minerals and chemicals present in tap water. Read on.
Boiling water for formula
Tap water is regularly monitored and checked for contamination risks and issues. However, babies with weak immune systems are at a greater risk for infections due to contaminants that can get into tap water.
Health experts believe that boiled water can be used to prep baby formula but recommend using distilled water instead. The source of water does not matter. Whether it's well water, bottled water, or tap water -- it's crucial to boil it unless you use distilled water. Boiling the water can kill off any harmful pathogens that could be lurking in the water. But when you boil water the water turns into vapor and the remaining water left in the pot will have sediments of minerals including calcium and magnesium carbonate. These minerals can not be boiled out of water. This causes the concentration level of these minerals to be greater than it was previously. Possible side effects of too much mineral intake can be upset stomach, headache, or an after taste left in the mouth. In some serious cases with a large amount of mineral dosage, it can cause tooth staining and increased urination.
Can you give newborn babies boiled water?
As mentioned earlier, it's best to use boiled water or distilled water to prepare infant formula. It's not safe to give ordinary water to babies younger than six months of age as it contains naturally occurring bacteria and microorganisms. Tap water, well water, and bottled water are not sterile. Parents must use boiled water or distilled water that is cooled down to room temperature for optimal and safer use.
How to avoid water filled with lead?
Toxins are a massive concern for newborn babies and exposure to lead can cause poisoning in your little one.
We recommend not using the hot water from the tap as it pulls more metal contaminants (like lead) out of pipes. Before you use the water for drinking and cooking purposes, make sure to run the cold water for at least five minutes in the morning. You can use certain water filters available in the market that are certified to remove lead effectively. Also, it's a good thing to get your water tested a couple of times a year.
What are the necessary sterilization steps to prepare baby formula?
You must sterilize the surface and containers to store boiled water as well as baby bottles. Clean all feeding equipment and bottles with hot soapy water. Parents should use pre-measured boiled water and pre-measured infant formula according to the manufacturer's instructions. If infants consume over-concentrated or under-concentrated formula, it can lead to adverse health effects in their bodies.
How to prepare boiled water for formula for newborn babies?
Wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap to disinfect. You can boil water in a number of ways, but the easiest way is to boil on the stovetop. Fill the pot with water and heat it on the stove. After the water starts boiling, keep it boiling for at least one minute. Cool the boiled water to room temperature for no more than 30 minutes, or you increase the chances of bacterial contamination. Finally, pour the boiled water into a clean, sterilized bottle.
It's important to note here that you must never use a microwave for boiling water. It can create hotspots in the water that can scald the baby's mouth.
How to store boiled water for baby formula?
You should transfer boiled water to sealed sterilized containers before storing it in the refrigerator. The boiled bottled or tap water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If boiled water is kept at room temperature, it's fit to use for the baby for 24 hours.
Boiling distilled water for formula
Distilled water is unarguably the cleanest version of water with no contaminants. There is no need to boil distilled water before using it for baby formula. Some parents, however, choose to boil the distilled water. Ultimately, it comes down to the parent's comfort level and what they think is best for their child. Some prefer to sterilize both water and bottles before using.
One thing to keep in mind -- distilled water is completely purified and does not contain the minerals and nutrients present in tap water. You can use distilled water but be sure to balance it out with breast milk or formula, which are nutrient-dense in the appropriate amount for babies.
When can I stop boiling water for formula?
No evidence supports the appropriate infant age to stop boiling water for formula. Age is not the only factor to predict infant vulnerability. Historically, it's been said to use boiled water for infant formula until your baby is four to six months old.
Conclusion
You can use boiled tap water or bottled water to make baby formula for your little one. In all cases, make sure to bring the water to a boil for proper sterilization unless using distilled water.
Distilled water does not need to be boiled, saving you time and money on your electricity bill. It conveniently comes free of any contaminants including fluoride, chlorine, pesticides, minerals, viruses, mold, fungi, parasites, bacteria, lead, chloramines, mercury, herbicides, aluminum, ammonia, arsenic, barium, radium, uranium, silver, selenium, perchlorate, cadmium, nitrates, nirites, copper, and chromium.
To make your lives easier, Bay Bay Water has created specially formulated distilled bottled water. We use distilled water that is run through many strict quality checks. The BPA-free bottled water is conveniently packed and easy to carry.
Your baby formula or breast milk already has the minerals and nutrients required for an infant and does not need water with extra minerals. Excess minerals can create an imbalance in the infant's body.
Our bottled water is the one of the safest out there for baby formula. Click here to browse through our website and learn more about our product.
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