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Should I let my baby drink bottled water?
Bottled water is a familiar drink for adults. However, in situations where bottled water is needed, is this drink safe for children and can be used to make milk? aFamilyToday Health will help you answer this question.
You are outside with your baby on a hot, sunny day. Your baby is very thirsty and asks you to give him a drink, but you discover that you forgot her bottle at home. With no other option, you have to go to a nearby convenience store and buy a bottle of mineral water. So is bottled water as safe and as pure as home-boiled drinking water?
Should I let my baby drink bottled water?
You can give your baby bottled water when he is over 6 months old. However, you should choose water that is low in fluoride. In addition, if you want to use bottled water to make formula for your baby, you should boil it before using it. This is because bottled water may not be sterile and contain too much sulfate or sodium.
Bottled water
There are three types of bottled water: mineral water, purified water, and distilled water.
Mineral water contains many dissolved minerals. These minerals may be available in water when taken from the ground (groundwater) or obtained from a natural groundwater spring (spring water). In addition, some manufacturers can add minerals to make the water taste better and healthier.
Purified water is usually sourced from lakes, rivers or tap water. This water will be treated with UV rays to clean. Purified water contains some natural minerals that will make water taste different.
Distilled water is water in its pure form, free from any minerals. It is mainly used for industrial purposes. Therefore, when you buy water in the supermarket, it is usually mineral water or purified water.
Requirements for bottled water for children
Bottled water for babies must meet the following requirements:
Low sodium (Na): Sodium content less than 250mg / l.
Low sulfate (SO4): below 250mg / l.
Choose water with a low fluoride content. Most bottled water today contains about 0.11mg of fluoride / l. This is quite safe for the baby. If there is a water with a lower fluoride content, then you should choose that water.
Can bottled water be boiled?
This is not necessary if it is manufactured by a reputable brand. However, if you are unsure about the quality of the bottled water, you should boil it. Boil and wait for the water to boil for one minute to make sure the bacteria are removed. However, if you are outside then it's best to buy bottled water from a reputable brand.
Bottled water can replace tap water?
Tap water is good enough and doesn't need to be replaced with bottled water unless tap water contains contaminants. Only give your baby bottled water when you don't have clean tap water.
Can bottled water be used to make baby formula?
You can use bottled water to make baby formula . Experts say it's safe to use bottled water to make baby formula if it's been pasteurized or boiled for at least a minute. If bottled water is marked as sterile by the manufacturer and meets FDA standards, you can use it to prepare baby formula without further boiling.
Drinking water is very important for children 6 months of age and older. Bottled water may be the safest alternative when you're outside and don't have clean drinking water. However, you need to check the composition of water on the package before giving it to your baby.
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