Welcoming a new member of the family is always emotional and exciting. To be honest, no matter how many kids we have, we always are a bit afraid for our newborns, wishing to protect them from everything that may potentially harm them.
When speaking or reading questions from new parents on forums, I often run into discussions about which type of water is best for preparing baby formulas. Many moms start their discussions with – “Help! Can I use distilled water for baby formula?”
So, I decided to create this article with a wish to help all parents who have doubts and fears about their infant’s health and safety.
Can I Use Distilled Water for Baby Formula?
Most baby powder and liquid formulas contain various nutrients and minerals, so distilled water is recommended because it’s free from trace elements typical for regular water. This way, you’ll avoid excessive mineral intake, especially fluoride, a mineral found in most types of water.
Baby formulas are formulated with various nutrients because they have to be able to replace breast milk or complement breastfeeding. However, vitamin and mineral intake has to be controlled, especially in infants and small children, since overdosing can have some side effects.
Of course, this is not an issue if you use a brand that follows quality regulations and recommendations. However, why is the water you use for the baby formula so important?
Well, the water carries its amount of minerals inside. All types of water, except distilled or demineralized water, have a particular level of fluoride, calcium, magnesium, etc. Therefore, once you prepare the baby formula, you should make sure that your baby takes only the necessary amount of minerals. Let’s discuss this in more detail!
Studies on powder and liquid formulas
Over the years, numerous scientists all around the globe analyzed baby formulas and researched their structure, nutritional value, and potential benefits and side effects on infants. The goal was to determine whether these products could successfully replace breast milk or complement breastfeeding where necessary.
Of course, I can’t quote or talk about all of the analyses made since we’ll need a two-week presentation. Moreover, we shouldn’t bother ourselves with graphics, calculations, and a bunch of nerd words. Still, if you want to learn more, I recommend you start with PubMed Central.
Shortly, many studies and examinations showed that many baby formula brands provide solid products, following all regulations and creating their formulas and drinks with various nutrients, including but not limited to calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and fluorine.
The purpose of the study I shared above was to determine whether the levels of these minerals are sufficient and healthy for our loved ones to be safe. It concluded that even though levels of elements in question were higher than recommended, body absorption will be far lower than consuming breast milk because they come from artificial products. So, as you saw, baby formulas are safe with a safe amount of minerals.
Read more: Can I Use Spring Water for Baby Formula?
How Does Water Change Baby Formulas
Technically speaking, the baby formula doesn’t change regardless of the type of water you’ll use. However, it’s crucial to understand that almost every water type has its minerals, meaning adding water to the powder or liquid will increase the mineral value of the meal.
In a study, researchers from the Department of Biological Sciences in Sao Paulo, Brazil, researched the potential risks of diluting infant formulas with bottled water. They conclude that some bottled water brands may increase the level of fluoride to the point where it can lead to fluorosis.
On the other hand, the same department conducted another study, preparing infant formulas with deionized, bottled mineral, and fluoridated drinking water. The results confirmed that mineral-rich water it’s not suitable for infant formulas, as they already contain an appropriate amount of nutrients that can replace or complement breast milk.
Types of water
There are nine types of water:
- Tap water
- Mineral water
- Spring water
- Sparkling water
- Distilled water
- Purified water
- Infused or flavored water
- Alkaline water
- Well water
Each of these types has its advantages. However, it may also cause some side effects, depending on the person who drinks it, age, physical activity, and sex. Of course, the most important factor for most types is the environmental factor.
That being said, the well water is always fresh, but it may come with many risks because it hasn’t been treated. On the other hand, infused water is tasteful, but it often contains artificial sweeteners. Be as it may, none of these types is better than distilled water for diluting a baby formula.
Distilled water
If you do a little research on distilled water, you’ll notice that not many people are fond of this type. That’s expected, given that it doesn’t have a taste or smell, something we’re not used to.
The thing is, the minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, etc., are the reason why tap water has a taste. However, distilled water goes through a process where all those minerals and other compounds are stripped off. Therefore, this water can’t add nutritional value to any product, including baby powder or liquid formulas.
The reason why doctors don’t recommend it is that it can’t provide any benefits. However, when you prepare a baby formula, you’ll use distilled water only to dilute the powder or the liquid. Since the formula already has many lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, your loved one doesn’t need additional fluoride sources.
Also read: How Is Baby Formula Made
Conclusion
Well, I hope you have found the necessary answer in my article and that this particular question, “Can I use distilled water for baby formula?” won’t bother you again.
It’s very important to remember that distilled water doesn’t contain minerals, and thus, it won’t increase the fluoride value of the baby formula.
However, it’s crucial to remember that you should always consult with a professional pediatrician before you decide to give something to your baby.
