Do I Need to Boil Distilled Water for Baby Formula?
Are you parents of a new baby and wondering what water is safe for their formula? Let’s explore what is safe and what is not when it comes to mixing baby formula.
1. Helpful tips for safe preparation of baby formula
5. Filtering water for your home
6. Future-Proofing Your Filtration
A great place to start is getting your water quality checked. We want to equip you with the right tools and information to keep your water safe and keep you and your kids healthy.
Contact the local experts at WaterSmart today to check your water quality.
Do I Need to Boil Distilled Water for Baby Formula?
No. Both distilled and purified water do not need boiling before mixing with your baby formula. Tap water, on the other hand, should be boiled for one minute and then left to cool to room temperature with the lid on.
1. HELPFUL TIPS FOR SAFE PREPARATION OF BABY FORMULA
Whether you have chosen formula or need to supplement with formula because breastfeeding isn’t going as planned, it is important to pay careful attention to the safe preparation of your baby’s formula.
Sterilization
It is crucial to emphasize cleanliness before, during, and following the preparation of the formula.
The bottle and all equipment should be sterilized using distilled (boiled) water before using.
Boiled Water
For the formula, it has been shown that you should use distilled water.
Boil your water and let it cool to 70 C, then add the formula mixture.
According to Health Canada, any water you give a baby under four months of age should be brought to a boil for two minutes and then cooled to make sure it is sterile.
You should always boil water to make powdered formula milk, whatever age your baby is.
Once your baby is over 6 months old you can give them tap water to drink, but be sure to use distilled cooled water for formula.
Store Properly - Never Freeze
Do not store the bottle of formula in the back of the refrigerator where it is coldest, and never freeze the formula.
BE AWARE OF WATER MAKE-UP
The American Dental Association recommends that you do not use water that contains high levels of fluoride when mixing powdered or concentrated formulas.
Too much fluoride can put babies at risk for enamel and gum problems. Distilled water is known to be low in fluoride.
babies don’t need to consume straight water until at least six months of age.
2. TYPES OF WATER
There are 3 main types of water: spring, distilled and purified.
Springwater has all the naturally occurring minerals in the water. It is good for drinking straight because the minerals in the water give it a little more taste.
Distilled water has all the minerals or impurities removed. It is excellent for use in appliances because it won't cause any mineral build-up. Some people also enjoy drinking it.
Purified water is a happy mix between spring and distilled. It is very close to the same quality as distilled with the impurities removed but still has oxygen in the water. It makes excellent tea, coffee, and juices.
All water given to a baby under four months of age should be brought to a boil for two minutes and then cooled.
3. WELL water VS. CITY water
If your home’s water supply is provided by a well, you are responsible for the water quality and treatment.
While city water is treated before it reaches your home.
Either way, both city and well water can have calcium, magnesium, fluoride, iron, etc.
Be sure to have your water checked.
4. HARD WATER VS. SOFT WATER
Hard water is defined as water that "contains an appreciable amount of dissolved salts of calcium and magnesium," according to freedictionary.com.
The Encyclopedia Brittanica describes it as "water that contains salts of calcium and magnesium principally as bicarbonates."
Testing the pH level in the water will show the hardness level of the water. Another measurement frequently used is the ppm or (parts per million) measurement scale. The higher the number, the harder the water.
Rainwater is soft water as it is pure, other than some acidic elements that it may have picked up in the air. However, when soft water comes into contact with the ground it picks up some of the elements present as it flows through an area.
Distilled water is also soft as it has had the levels of calcium and magnesium significantly reduced. The levels of minerals in the water can be measured scientifically.
Soft water is recognized as having a mineral content of less than 17.1 mg/l.
If you live in the Kitchener - Waterloo, Cambridge or Guelph areas, check your water here.
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5. Filtering Water for Your Home
Filtering water at home is an essential step to ensure the water you and your family consume is safe and clean.
Types of Home Water Filters:
Pitcher Filters: These are affordable and easy to use. Popular brands like Brita and Pur provide convenient options for improving water taste and removing common contaminants.
Faucet-Mounted Filters: These filters attach directly to your faucet, offering on-demand filtration without the need for separate pitchers or jugs.
Under-Sink Filters: For a more permanent solution, under-sink filters provide high-capacity filtration without taking up counter space.
Whole-House Filters: These systems filter all the water entering your home, ensuring that every tap delivers clean water. They are particularly useful for homes with hard water or specific contaminants.
Benefits of Home Water Filtration:
Improved Taste and Odor: Filtered water often tastes better and smells fresher than unfiltered water, encouraging more water consumption.
Reduced Contaminants: Effective filters can remove or reduce harmful substances like chlorine, lead, pesticides, and bacteria.
Cost-Effective: Over time, using a home filtration system can be more economical than constantly buying bottled water.
Environmental Impact: Reducing reliance on bottled water decreases plastic waste and helps protect the environment.
While distilled water is often used for baby formula, having a reliable filtration system at home can provide peace of mind for all your water needs.
6. Future-Proofing Your Filtration
Investing in a filtration system is a significant step towards ensuring clean water, but it's also important to consider the future. Here are some tips for future-proofing your home water filtration system:
Regular Maintenance:
Filter Replacement: Regularly replacing filters as recommended by the manufacturer is crucial to maintaining the effectiveness of your filtration system.
System Check-Ups: Schedule periodic inspections of your filtration system to ensure it's functioning correctly and efficiently.
Upgrading Systems:
Advanced Filtration Technology: As technology evolves, newer and more efficient filtration systems become available. Stay informed about advancements and consider upgrading your system when beneficial.
Scalability: Choose a system that can be expanded or modified to meet changing needs, such as increased water usage or new types of contaminants.
Professional Services:
Consultation and Installation: Work with professionals to ensure your filtration system is properly installed and suited to your home's specific needs.
Ongoing Support: Engage with a reputable service provider for ongoing maintenance, troubleshooting, and updates.
By filtering your home water and planning for future needs, you can provide the best possible water quality for your family now and in the years to come.
WATERSMART - WE TAKE WATER SERIOUSLY
Since 1994, WaterSmart Systems has consistently offered its customers in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and surrounding areas innovative, quality products and excellent service.
We are a water softener and full plumbing service company that you can trust.
Along with our products that will serve all of your home water softening needs, we value our customers and get them what they need without pressuring them for sales.
At WaterSmart we take our role in providing our customers with an adequate supply of clean drinking water seriously.
If you have a baby and are looking to be sure you have a ready supply of distilled water, drop by one of our locations or give us a call to find out how we can help improve the quality of your water.
If you are concerned about your water supply, don't hesitate to contact us immediately. Trust WaterSmart, we know good water, and we know how to make sure you get it.
Location:
14-105 Lexington Road, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4R7
Phone: 519-886-7331
Fax: 519.886.8021
info@watersmartsystems.com
“Watersmart installed a softener at my daughters new house and I was there during the process. The installers were fast, friendly and courteous. They explained the process to install it and gave her clear instructions on how to use it. They did not leave until they were sure that there were no issues. They did a thorough clean up after they were done. My wife and I were looking for a new softener at the same time so we went to their store on Davenport. We had the same friendly service with no effort to sell us up to a larger model. We got a great deal and they installed it the next day, removing our old tank and unit. Great service, great prices and very skilled technicians. I would recommend them to anyone considering a new or replacement unit.”
