Babies need nutrients to grow and a homemade water, and it’s definitely not a shocking revelation. In fact, the most important nutrient for your baby is water. You may have heard about how water is essential in your body, but you may not be aware that it’s also integral for babies as well.
Babies need water for their healthy growth and development, especially for babies born prematurely. However, there are significant differences between drinking water, purified water, and bottled water. But not all water is created equal, with some being cheaper or providing more nutrients than others. With so many options available, it can be tricky to know which is the best for you, your family, and especially your little one.
In this blog post, we will learn about the different types of homemade water safe for babies.
Importance of Using the Right Type of Drinking Homemade Water for Your Baby
Water is one of the most abundant substances on earth, but many different types are available. Some varieties are safe for adults, and others aren’t safe! That means that when it comes to children, especially preparing formula for babies. It’s not enough just to give them a glass of water; you need to ensure that they drink clean water.
Water is one of the most important things you can give your baby. It’s not only necessary for hydration, but it also helps with the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Water is the most crucial ingredient in a prepared formula and essential to your baby’s diet.
When it comes to the safe preparation, storage, and handling of powdered infant formula, the World Health Organization (WHO) has specific guidelines to be followed. It is also advised not to use plain cold tap water and well water because they may be contaminated with bacteria and parasites that may expose the baby to slightly increased risk. The WHO recommends using only boiled or bottled water with a pH level of 6.5 or higher when mixing the baby formula.
Different Types of Water
There are significant differences between drinking water, and not all are created equal. Some water is cheaper or provides more nutrients than others. So, it’s crucial to use the correct type of water when preparing baby formula. There are a few different options out there, so let’s take a look at them.
Tap Water
Tap water is water supplied through a tap or a water dispenser valve. In many countries, tap water is usually the primary water source.
However, the quality varies depending on where you live and who services your home’s pipes. It also matters how often the US Environmental Protection Agency gets the water tested. Tap water is usually treated with chlorine and other chemicals to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli, protozoa, and other germs. Though these treatments are essential for safety reasons, they can also cause unpleasant side effects such as stomach pains or diarrhea if you drink too much over time.
If you’re bottle-feeding your baby, boiling tap water before using it to prepare their formula is essential. That way, you can avoid infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or other germs carried by water supplies. According to the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this precaution is necessary because of the risk of bacterial contamination in water supplies that can cause illness in infants and young children.
If your baby is six months or younger, always boil water and let it cool down before using it to prepare infant formula.
Additionally, always test the temperature of the mixed infant formula first by pouring a few drops into the back of your hand before handing it to your baby.
Lastly, tap water contains fluoride, called “fluoridated water.” The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that tap water should not be used in formula preparation to prevent babies from too much fluoride exposure. Excessive fluoride can lead to a higher risk of dental and skeletal changes in the infant over time. One chance is called dental fluorosis, which causes faint white lines in a baby’s teeth. Boiling water removes the fluoride in water as well as other impurities and contaminants.
Well Water
Well water is simply water that comes from a well, a hole in the ground that taps into an aquifer. It is used for drinking, bathing, cooking, and more. Water from wells differs depending on where it comes from and how deep it goes.
Well water has many advantages over other types of drinking water. The main one is that it is much less expensive than other water sources. Well owners also have control over the quality of their supply since they are directly responsible for maintaining it. If they keep an eye on their well water, they can ensure that it remains clean and free from bacteria or other contaminants, which could make it unsafe for use by humans or animals alike.
Spring Water
Spring water is sourced from underground springs, natural sources of fresh water. Unlike other bottled water, spring water has no additives or chemicals. It usually contains more naturally occurring minerals than other sources of water.
Spring water is a great alternative to bottled water because it’s all-natural and comes from a spring flowing for thousands of years. It’s also less expensive than other types of bottled water, but it still has the same great taste and health benefits.
However, if you’re making formula or using nursery water, don’t use spring water. Pediatricians advise against using spring water when mixing with formula because it can lead to a mineral overdose in infants. You should boil this type of water before using it as nursery water.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is exactly what it sounds like. It’s water that comes in a bottle, which you can then drink or use for cooking or other purposes. It comes from many different sources, including natural springs and municipal water supplies, then processed to meet the FDA requirements for purity and safety. Bottled water can be purified, distilled, or mineral water.
You should note that some bottled water brands contain chemicals that could harm babies if ingested regularly over time (i.e., BPA). Be sure to look for brands that say “BPA-free” or “phthalate-free” on their labels before purchasing any form of bottled or canned water for your baby’s consumption. Not all bottled water brands for baby formula preparation fits all. It is better to ask your baby’s pediatrician for the best option.
Best Types of Homemade Water For Babies
The best types of water have a neutral pH balance and are free from harmful minerals. Homemade water can be done through distillation, purification, and boiling.
Distilled Water
Distilled water comes from a purification process that removes all impurities through boiling. The steam is collected, cools down again, and becomes purer than the water before boiling. It contains no minerals or chemicals, making it perfect for homemade infant formula.
Purified Water
Purified water is the most basic form of water, and it’s best for babies. All water contains a variety of minerals: some good and some bad. Purified water has been treated to remove all minerals, so it’s safe for your baby to drink. This may be done through a number of different methods, including distillation, reverse osmosis, or deionization.
Babies are particularly vulnerable to contaminants in their drinking water because they’re still growing and developing. You must give them the safest possible drinking water so they can grow strong and healthy! Purified water for babies is the best thing for formulas. Not because they don’t need minerals but because they do. They just need those minerals in the balance that the formula intended.
Boiled Tap Water
Boiled tap water is the best for babies because it’s sterile and removes harmful impurities and contaminants. It’s also a great way to ensure that your baby’s bottle or sippy cup isn’t full of germs! The CDC recommends boiling tap water for at least one minute before using it.
Safe Homemade Water Intake for Babies
Safe drinking water is one of the most important ways to protect your baby from disease. However, knowing how much water is appropriate for a baby’s age and weight can be difficult. Here are some guidelines to help you determine how much water your child should be drinking each day:
Homemade Water for Newborns 0-6 Mos.
Under six months old, breastmilk or formula should be your baby’s primary source of nutrition until he reaches six months old. At this point, you can begin adding more water, but only an ounce at a time.
Homemade Water for Babies 6-12 Mos.
At 6-12 months old, your child will need about 2 cups of water throughout the day. The best way to determine how much liquid your baby needs is by keeping track of his wet diapers, which should be changed every 3-4 hours. If your baby has not had a wet diaper for 12 hours, he may need more fluid intake.
Homemade Water for Toddlers
The amount of water your toddler should drink depends on age, weight, and activity level. To stay well hydrated, children ages 1-3 years need approximately 4 cups of beverages per day, including water, milk, and other fluids.
Understanding the Impact of Dehydration in Babies
While the above blog post extensively covers the different types of safe homemade water for your baby, it’s equally vital to understand the impact of dehydration in babies. Dehydration, in simple terms, means that the body lacks enough fluids, predominantly water, for it to function optimally. This can happen when your baby doesn’t take in enough water or loses too much fluid.
How Dehydration Occurs in Babies
Babies can become dehydrated for several reasons. An increase in body temperature due to fever or other illnesses, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or simply not drinking enough fluids can cause dehydration.
Furthermore, babies are more susceptible to dehydration than adults. This is because babies have smaller body weights and higher turnover of water and electrolytes. They are heavily dependent on the caregiver for fluid intake, and their high metabolic rates could escalate dehydration if fluid loss occurs.
Symptoms of Dehydration in Babies
Awareness of the signs of dehydration in babies is key to ensuring their hydration needs are met. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Mild to moderate dehydration can manifest as:
- Few or no tears when crying
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- A decrease in the frequency of urination (fewer wet diapers)
- Dry or sticky mouth and tongue
- Irritability or general discomfort
- Cold and blotchy-looking hands and feet
In severe cases, you may notice:
- Sunken eyes and/or soft spot (fontanel) on the baby’s head
- Deep, rapid breathing and/or fast pulse rate
- Increasing drowsiness and unresponsiveness
- Very few or no wet diapers within 12 hours
Preventing Dehydration in Babies
Prevention is always better than cure. A regular intake of appropriate fluids for age and increasing fluid intake during hot weather or times of illness is imperative in preventing dehydration.
For young infants who are exclusively breastfed or formula-fed, extra water is usually unnecessary. However, during extreme heatwaves, a small amount of water – around two ounces – might be necessary. For older babies, from six months and above, who have started on solids, sips of water throughout the day would be beneficial. Beverages like unsweetened juice can also contribute to their daily fluid intake.
Treating Dehydration in Babies
If you suspect dehydration, it’s essential to act promptly. For mild to moderate dehydration, giving small sips of water or a rehydration solution over time would help restore the hydration balance. However, for severe dehydration, immediate medical intervention is required. Intravenous therapy might be used to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
It is also a good practice to monitor your baby’s weight and the number of wet diapers routinely, especially during the sick days, as an early indication of dehydration.
Final Thoughts for Homemade Water
In conclusion, understanding the importance of hydration, the dangers of dehydration, its causes, symptoms, preventions, and treatment options should be a crucial part of baby care. Being aware of the signs and knowing how to respond appropriately can help prevent serious health complications.
Stay vigilant and remember always to consult with your medically trained professional or pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions regarding your baby’s health and hydration needs. With the right balance of nutrients and water, your baby will be on the path to healthy growth and development.
Takeaway
There are many kinds of homemade water, most of which are safe for your baby. However, knowing what kind of homemade water you are feeding your baby is vital. Some types of homemade water may contain bacteria or viruses that can make your baby sick.
It’s important to remember that when making any homemade food for your child, you should test it out on yourself first and ensure that it doesn’t cause any bad reactions before giving it to your baby.
We hope this article helped you. If you have a question, comment down below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
