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As news parents, there is nothing more important than keeping your baby safe. Whether breastfed or formula-fed, the question will come up eventually regarding your baby’s drinking water: How much water is appropriate? What type of water can they drink? Can they drink tap water?
First and foremost, it is not recommended for babies to drink any water for their first six months. Breastmilk or formula will supply your baby with all the nutrients it needs, and even in hot climates, it is important to stick strictly to milk to hydrate your baby. Once solids are introduced, water can also be introduced in small amounts, with milk still taking priority over water (1).
Because many formula brands are sold as a powder, you will need to add water to make it drinkable. Be sure to follow the directions precisely, as adding too much water to the formula can put the baby at risk of water intoxication (2). The water added in the formula should be bottled water or tap water that has been boiled and cooled (3). This will ensure the water your baby is drinking is sterile. After 6 months of age, you can begin mixing formula with water straight from the tap, as long as that water is tested and clean.
While some tap water in the United States is safe to drink, it is important to ensure that your water is safe before offering it to a baby. Across the United States, there have been cases of heavy metals, man-made elements, and PFAS infiltrating tap water sources.
Heavy metals are toxic elements that occur naturally in the earth’s crust. They typically enter a water supply due to human activities, like industrial runoff. Agricultural manufacturers can unintentionally leak heavy metals into groundwater supplies through pesticides, as well. However, even old pipes in a house or sewer system can cause lead–the most dangerous of the heavy metals–to enter tap water. Symptoms of heavy metal exposure can vary depending on the metal, but they can range from cardiovascular diseases, to fevers and trouble breathing, to nerve damage and muscle pain.
One dangerous man-made element that has been found in tap water supplies is Chromium 6. Chromium 6 is a chemical created by industrial processes like stainless steel production and textile manufacturing. Areas where manufacturing is common are at a higher risk of Chromium 6 exposure, as industrial runoff can find its way into nearby bodies of water, eventually making it into the tap. Chromium 6 exposure can cause asthma, kidney and liver damage, skin burns, and lung cancer.
Lastly, PFAS are often found in tap water supplies. These “forever chemicals” stem from industries that create the “nonstick” function on pots, pans, raincoats, etc., and they can seep into the soil. Because the chemicals last for lifetimes, rain can carry PFAS from the soil into water sources. Research is continually being conducted on the lasting effects of PFAS in the body, but their consumption is connected to “liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues and cancer” (4).
Since there is a plethora of harmful elements that can sit in your tap water undetected, it is crucial to get your tap water tested. Especially if you or someone you know is expecting, testing your tap water is important to ensure the safety of the mother and her developing child. In the United States, it is fairly easy to get your water tested, especially if your water is purchased from a public water system. Public water systems are monitored by the government to ensure the water meets national drinking standards. If any contaminant is found, your water company will notify you. Additionally, aConsumer Confidence Report will be sent to you annually to inform you of any contaminants and potential health effects (5).
If you receive your water from a well or other private water source, it is up to you to have your water tested for contaminants. Call the Drinking Water Hotline to help you locate a laboratory that can test your water quality (6).
Because the water quality of tap water can be unpredictable, there are measures that can be taken to improve your tap water. Tap water can be filtered to remove harmful contaminants, but it is important to ensure that your water filter is high quality and tested to remove chemical, aesthetic, and inorganic contaminants. For example, Seychelle’s Regular Water Pitcher is ideal for families that need safe, pure drinking water. It is boasted to be a “water bottle replacement,” so this water pitcher makes water safe to use in even baby formula.
As the child gets older and begins to need more minerals, you can try an alkalizing water pitcher. These will also remove all harmful contaminants from your tap water, while also keeping in healthy minerals and increasing the water’s alkalinity. However, it is important to ask your doctor before introducing your baby to alkaline water. While there is no evidence suggesting it is unsafe to babies, research is still being done on the subject, so it is best to talk to a medical professional.
During the first six months of their life, babies should be drinking primarily breastmilk or formula. If the formula requires adding water, ensure that your tap water is boiled first, or use bottled/filtered water. Once the baby reaches six months, you can add tap water straight to the formula as long as the tap water is tested and contaminant free. Otherwise, consider a water filter to ensure your tap water is free of harmful metals and other contaminants before giving it to your baby.
Can my baby drink water from the tap?
Before 6 months old, your baby’s diet should consist of milk. If you are using a formula that requires adding water, boil your tap water (and let it cool), or have your tap water tested before offering it to a baby.
Should I give my baby tap water or bottled water?
Either is safe to mix with baby formula, as long as the tap water is tested and contaminant-free. If not, tap water should be boiled and cooled before giving it to your baby.
Is distilled or tap water better for babies?
Distilled water is, by its nature, already filtered and contaminant-free, so it is a safe choice for babies. If the tap water is tested and safe, then it can also be given to babies.
References
Poonam Sachdev,WebMD,https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-you-need-to-know-water-infants
Pampers,https://www.pampers.com/en-us/baby/feeding/article/when-can-babies-drink-water
National Childbirth Trust,https://www.nct.org.uk/information/baby-toddler/feeding-your-baby-or-toddler/when-can-my-baby-have-water-drink
European Environment Agency,https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/about/contact-us/faqs/what-are-pfas-and-how-are-they-dangerous-for-my-health
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-11/documents/2005_09_14_faq_fs_homewatertesting.pdf
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-hotlines
