Can I Use Tap Water to Make Baby Formula

Your formula-fed baby may occasionally need extra water, especially in hot weather, when they're likely to be thirstier than usual. However, only give them small amounts of water at a time. You don't want water to replace a formula feed and make your baby too full for their milk.

Is it safe to give my baby tap water?

Tap water is fine to use, as it's cheap, safe, and readily available. If your baby is younger than six months, you need to boil the water first and allow it to cool before offering it to your baby.

Should my baby use a beaker or a cup?

A health visitor talks about whether you should give your baby drinks in a beaker or a cup. More weaning videos

Can I give my baby mineral water?

It's best not to give your baby bottled mineral water, unless you are on holiday abroad or you have no alternative. Bottled waters can contain high levels of minerals, such as salt (sodium) and sulphates, which aren't good for your baby.

If you need to use bottled water, choose one that's low in sodium and sulphates. Look for Na on the label, which means sodium, and choose one that contains 200mg or less of Na per litre. Sulphates are usually indicated by the symbol SO or SO4. The sulphate levels should be no higher than 250mg per litre. Some bottled waters are labelled as suitable for baby feeding, so go for these.

When you're buying bottled water, remember to always check that the seal of the bottle is intact. This is especially important if you're buying water in another country.

Just as with tap water, boil and cool the bottled water before offering it to your baby, or using it to make up a feed.

My baby is constipated. Should I offer them extra water?

You may need to offer your formula-fed baby water if they become constipated. Extra fluids can help to soften their poo if they haven't been getting enough liquids. Try offering your baby extra water between some feeds to see if it helps. It may take a few days before things start moving again.

Check that you've been measuring out and mixing up your baby's formula correctly, too. Formula with too much powder in it can cause constipation.

It's also important not to add too much water to your baby's formula. This is because if it's watered down, it may not give your baby enough energy and nutrients.

Your baby will also need extra water if they're ill or feverish. Water alongside their usual milk will help to rehydrate them.

More formula-feeding tips and advice

• Can your baby drink fruit juice?
• When should you give your baby cow's milk as their main drink?
• Should you give your seven-month-old drinks in a beaker or a sippy cup?
• How much formula milk does your baby need in their first year?
• Can you combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding?
• Find out more about introducing solid foods.

References

FSNT. 2017. Eating Well: the first year. A guide to introducing solids and eating well up to baby's first birthday. First Steps Nutrition Trust. www.firststepsnutrition.org [Accessed July 2021]

NHS. 2018. Drinks and cups for babies and young children. Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed May 2021]

NHS. nd. Constipation. Start4Life, NHS. www.nhs.uk [Accessed May 2021]

BritishRedCross. nd. Learn first aid for a baby or child with a fever. British Red Cross. www.redcross.org.uk/[Accessed May 2021]

Francesca Whiting is an editor at BabyCentre. She's responsible for making sure BabyCentre's health content is accurate, helpful and easy to understand.

Can I Use Tap Water to Make Baby Formula

Source: https://www.babycentre.co.uk/x562087/does-my-formula-fed-baby-need-extra-water

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