Distilled or Purified Water for Baby Formula

Water is a foundational part of your baby's feeding journey. When mixing it with formula you are helping shape your child's early development. With the help of water, each feed delivers a delicate balance of nutrients, offering the perfect nourishment for a growing baby.

However, there are steps that you must take to ensure that you are using safe, uncontaminated water, as contaminated water may introduce harmful substances that can affect the nutritional quality of infant formula.

Bacteria, chemicals, or impurities in contaminated water can disrupt your baby's sensitive digestive system, potentially causing discomfort or more serious health issues.

Keep reading to learn how to avoid complications as a result of water quality, tips for choosing the best water for formula and to discover which is preferred- distilled or purified water for baby formula?

Is Purified Water the Same as Distilled Water? What's the Difference?

Let's cut to the chase: both purified water and distilled water can be perfectly healthy and safe for babies; however, how you use them matters.

When deciding between purified vs distilled water for baby formula, you'll find many similarities between the two types, as both are nearly 100% free from impurities and minerals. Notably, a range of contaminants, such as chemical pollutants, chlorine, bacteria, viruses, and parasites, are removed from both types of water.

The main difference is that small amounts of some healthy minerals (such as magnesium and calcium) may still be found in purified water, whereas distilled water is mineral-free.

To break it down further, purified water is filtered, with impurities removed. Distilled water is purified water that has been taken one step further.

Distilled water is the best water for baby formula and vitamin-fortified cereals because the removal of minerals ensures that your baby receives all of the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development from the formula or cereal itself without receiving an excess amount from the water. This is especially relevant when it comes to feeding babies who have compromised immune systems.

What is Purified Water?

Simply put, purified water has been filtered or processed to remove impurities like chemicals and other contaminants. Through purification, many types of impurities are removed, including bacteria, algae, fungi, parasites, metals like copper and lead, and chemical pollutants.

So, can you use purified water for baby formula? As mentioned above, distilled water is the preferred choice, as purified water contains some minerals already provided by the formula; however, using purified water for baby formula is still safe in most cases, with the main risk being the potential of taking in an excess amount of certain minerals. You'll also want to avoid mixing it with baby formula if your little one was born prematurely or if they have a weakened immune system.

What is Distilled Water?

On the other hand, distilled water is one of the purest forms of water you can get because all impurities, chemicals, bacteria, and minerals are removed from the water via a process known as distillation. Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the steam that is produced. This steam is then cooled to return it to its liquid state.

So, can you use distilled water for formula? Since distillation removes over 99.9% of the minerals found in water, it is perfectly safe to mix with baby formula or other baby food products with added minerals.

What Water to Use for Formula: Distilled vs Purified Water for Babies

Since both distilled water and purified water are safe for most babies, deciding what kind of water for formula comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your baby.

If your little one has specific health conditions which require highly purified water, then the best baby water for formula is distilled.

Let's take a deeper look at some of the advantages of each water type.

Purified Water for Baby Formula: Pros and Cons

Here are some of the benefits of using purified water for little ones:

• Purified water undergoes processes like reverse osmosis, deionization, or carbon filtration, which remove harmful contaminants.

• Purified water contains some healthy minerals.

• Purified water is free from fluoride.

• Purified water can be an excellent choice for babies as they get a little older, as it contains added minerals while being free from contaminants.

Distilled Water for Baby Formula: Pros and Cons

Here are some of the benefits of using distilled water for babies:

• Distilled water undergoes a process of distillation, which removes impurities and 99.9 % of minerals, making it a safe option for baby formula.

• Using distilled water for baby formula will protect your baby from fluorosis.

• Distilled water is the best choice for infant formula because it will not compromise the balance of nutrients in the formula, thereby preventing a mineral imbalance.

Importance of Paying Attention to Dental Fluorosis

Water suppliers in the United States often add fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. The problem with this is that babies under the age of 6 months are at risk of experiencing dental fluorosis as a result of their fluoride intake.

The National Institute of Health states that the "long-term ingestion of excess fluoride in infancy and childhood, when the teeth are being formed, can lead to dental fluorosis. The characteristics of this chronic condition usually vary from almost imperceptible white lines or flecks to white or brown stains on teeth. Severe dental fluorosis can lead to pitting in tooth enamel."

Due to these concerns, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that if an infant is exclusively consuming baby formula reconstituted with fluoridated water, parents should use de-fluoridated water (like distilled or purified water) at least part of the time, if not always.

Answering Your Questions About Distilled & Purified Water for Babies

Here, we cover a few quick questions commonly asked about what water to mix with formula. By exploring these FAQs, parents will feel more confident about their feeding routine!

Is Purified Water Safe for Babies?

Yes, similar to distilled water, purified water also has the fluoride removed from it. Purified water undergoes a thorough filtration process, eliminating impurities and contaminants, making it suitable for formula preparation.

Is Distilled Water Good for Babies?

Distilled water is not only safe, but it is the ideal choice for preparing formula, especially for premature babies or those with weakened immune systems.

Can Babies Drink Distilled Water?

Yes, distilled water is perfectly safe for infant formula preparation as it is free from impurities, chemicals, bacteria, and minerals.

Do You Have to Boil Distilled Water for Formula?

It is recommended that all water, even distilled and purified, be boiled before mixing with infant formula, as this is the safest option for babies.

Choosing the Right Water for Baby Formula

Both purified or distilled water for baby formula are good choices, as they are safe and free from harmful bacteria or contaminants. When choosing what kind of water to use for formula, it is important to consider your personal preferences, along with the status of your baby's health.

Now that you know what water to use for baby formula, you can take this knowledge and apply it to your bottle-feeding journey!