The quality of formula water for babies is one aspect parents cannot ignore. Water-borne risks can range from temporary annoyances to long-term effects. When it comes to using formula water for kids, parents can never take any chances. They must ensure that they use purified water for babies every single time they feed them.

It is a common confusion for parents to choose the right baby formula water. Many bottled water options are available in the market. Also, as parents, you hear varied opinions about the right water for your baby formula. Thus, confusion in choosing the right formula water for babies is understandable.

In this post, we talk about all that you should know to understand how safe is your baby formula water.

Tap Water for Formula

Sterilized and regulated tap water may be safe for drinking for adults. An important note about tap water is that it contains mineral content that suits an adult human. For instance, fluorine is a vital element of tap water. Authorities make sure that the water comprises adequate levels of fluorine as mandated by food safety guidelines.

On the other hand, infant formula contains added fluorine. Thus, when you mix tap water (even if boiled and sterilized) with the formula, the feed that you give to the baby contains a high amount of fluorine than is required for babies. It can cause a condition called Fluorosis. It is not a disease but can create discoloration in the baby’s teeth.

Thus, tap water can cause mineral imbalances in kids when you use it for preparing formula feed.

Bottled water for formula

Bottled water is safe compared to untrusted sources of water. If you are looking for Purified Water for Babies, you can safely choose bottled water. Note that doctors suggest boiling bottled water and cool it before using it for formula making.

However, understand that all bottled water may not suit your baby. You must check the brand credibility and the safety standards it adheres to. Even among bottled water, the sources do differ. All bottled water brands must adhere to the safety guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration authority. But you are especially looking for bottled water for baby formula, it is safe to choose demineralized and low-fluoride options.

Well water for preparing baby formula

Well water is another widely used water for drinking. It is safe for preparing baby formula after boiling and filtration. However, depending on the location of the well, the water can contain fertilizers or other contaminants that seep into the groundwater.

For example, nitrates used as fertilizers are known to make their way into well water. We are aware that either boiling or filtration do not remove minerals and other chemicals in the water. Thus, when you are looking at making formula feed for a baby, well water might not be the safest choice all the time.

How to choose the best baby formula water?

When you are at home, always boil the water, filter it and cool it for half an hour before preparing the formula. You can boil water well ahead and store it for the day’s usage. However, it is suggested that you don’t store the boiled water for more than a day to retain the flavor.

Also, the formula mixes uniformly without lumps when the water is lukewarm. Hence as much as possible, try to use freshly boiled and cooled water for preparing baby formula.

If you are traveling, carry the boiled water from home if the outing is of short span. In case of long travels, carry bottled water specially made for formula preparation. They have a good shelf life, balanced levels of minerals, and trusted quality. With a few bottles of bottled water for baby formula, you can travel without the worries of finding a trusted water source for your baby’s food.

When in doubt, always seek the advice of your pediatrician. They would guide you to choose the best-bottled water for your baby and clarify your concerns about choosing one.

Summary

Bottled water is safe for adults. However, for kids, it may cause mineral imbalances when used to prepare formula. Hence if you are confused about choosing the best formula water, prefer a demineralized and less fluorinated version of bottled water. The safest bet would be to rely on bottled water specially made for formula making. They are healthy, convenient, and the safest water for your baby.