Water sources for children: the most important information
Many people wonder about the best sources of water that are safe to use when they want to prepare formula milk for children, as water for children is not available in all places and conditions. What are safe sources of water for children?
The following is the most important information regarding the sources of water for children:
Water sources for children: allowed
The following are the most important sources of water for children with the most important information related to each of them:
1. Bottled water
When choosing bottled water because there are no other sources of water, it is advisable to make sure that the bottled water is intended for children or can be given to children.
Bottled water is not sterile, so it is recommended to boil the water first in order to ensure that the water is sterilized before giving it to the child for drinking or for preparing formula milk.
2. Tap water
Can tap water be used as a source of water for children? Tap water can be used when you are sure that it is sterile, but it is also recommended to boil the water in order to ensure that there are no germs or impurities.
Sources of water for children: prohibited
Well water can be contaminated with toxic substances resulting from dirt inside wells, plants, or surrounding water, so it is advised to avoid using well water for children.
It is not possible to be certain if well water is safe for children, so it is not recommended to use it at all.
Tap water and fluorine :
The possibility of using tap water for children depends on the country in which you live, as some countries, such as the United States of America, add fluorine to the water in order to reduce cases of tooth decay in the community.
Fluorine is not harmful, but regular use of fluorine-containing tap water may cause an increase in fluorine levels in a baby's body.
It is not possible to get rid of fluorine by boiling water or using a household water filter, so it is advised not to use tap water that contains fluorine constantly, but to alternate between its use and the use of canned water with little fluorine.
Different phrases can be noted on the water bottle to tell if the water is low in fluorine, such as: Purified water, or Demineralized, Purified, Distilled, Deionized Water, it is also possible to purchase baby water bottles that are ready to be used for preparing formula for babies .
It is advised to tell the doctor who is following up on the child's condition of any of the water sources that you use for the child, so that the child may be exposed to a deficiency of minerals when using pure water for a long time.
It is worth noting that the doctor may advise giving the child food supplements containing fluorine when he is over six months old, especially if water is used with little fluorine.
When should the water be boiled?
Often it is written on all formula milk packages that the water must be boiled before using it to prepare the milk, or some write that the doctor should be asked whether the water should be boiled or not before using it to prepare the milk.
It is recommended to boil water if you are not sure that the water is safe for children. It is recommended to boil the water for one minute and then leave it for 30 minutes before using it.
It is worth noting that boiling water does not help to get rid of chemicals, but it would help get rid of germs, impurities and bacteria.
Is it recommended to give water to newborn babies?
It is not recommended to give water to newborn babies, as infants get water from breast milk and formula.
It is worth noting that it is recommended to introduce water into the child's diet when he starts eating solid food.
