For example you might use ready to feed formula which contains little fluoride or alternate between using fluoridated tap water and low fluoride water such as purified demineralized deionized or distilled bottled water to prepare concentrated formula.
Boil distilled water for baby formula.
Then mix the water with formula.
It s also important to consider the amount of fluoride in the water you use to prepare your baby s liquid concentrate or powdered formula.
To kill bacteria that might be present in municipal water use tap water that has been boiled for one minute and cooled quickly to body temperature 98 6 f 37 c.
Distilled water has gone through a specific purification process so it s a good option to use for your baby s formula.
Well or spring water isn t recommended as they can contain too many minerals and possible contaminants.
Boiling water kills any germs like bacteria or viruses that might get into the water.
Remember though early exposure to fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.
The american academy of pediatrics aap recommends that if you have any concerns about whether your tap water is safe you should boil it for up one minute and then use the boiled water within 30 minutes to mix the formula.
Don t boil the water more than once or for too long since that can increase the concentration of impurities.
Let the boil roll for no more than one minute.
If you do use one of these you must boil it.
These bottled waters are labeled as de ionized purified demineralized or distilled.
Before mixing it with formula let it cool but not for longer than 30 minutes.
If your baby s healthcare provider or local health department has advised you to boil the water you use for formula be sure to bring the water to a rolling boil for about one minute.
For formula it has been shown that you should use distilled water.
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 and you should always boil water to make powdered formula milk whatever age your baby is.
When ingested regularly by infants such as through formula nitrates can lead to methemoglobinemia a dangerous and potentially fatal condition that causes interference with the circulation of oxygen in the blood.
However it is still best to boil tap water and let it cool before you use it to make your baby s formula.
The center for disease prevention suggests that using distilled water is safe to use for baby formula.
You must pick the best water available for your baby s formula.
To lessen this chance you can use low fluoride bottled water some of the time to mix with infant formula.
Once your baby is over 6 months old you can give them tap water to drink however be sure to use.
