Caring for your baby or toddler is a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. While bonding with your little one is one of life’s greatest pleasures, looking after your child and tending to all aspects of their everyday routine requires a lot of attention and countless decisions to be made.
And their dietary needs are no exception. Take baby formula. It seems fairly simple. Measure out the formula and add water, right? But what kind of water? Does anyone even drink tap water these days? Do you need to boil it first? Can you use bottled water for formula? What about filtered water for baby formula? It’s a minefield!
Ensuring the safety and purity of the water used is of utmost importance. After all, tap water can be contaminated, depending on where you live, and boiling it may do more harm than good. Meanwhile, some bottled water can be too high in mineral content. Here, we explore these options and discuss why filtered water can be a safe, healthy and reliable choice.
Can I use boiled tap water for formula?
Boiling tap water for at least one minute is a common practice to make it safer for formula preparation. Boiling water kills bacteria and can reduce some contaminants, but it may not eliminate all of them.
In addition, boiling doesn’t remove chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, chlorine, or other dissolved impurities. It can even concentrate some contaminants if the water evaporates during boiling.
What are the risks of using tap water for infant formula?
While tap water in many developed countries is generally safe to drink, it may contain trace amounts of contaminants like lead, copper, PFAS (forever chemicals) and microplastics. (Find out more about the top contaminants and chemicals found in US tap water).
These contaminants can be especially concerning when preparing infant formula, as they can harm your baby’s developing body. Some common contaminants include:
Heavy metals (lead and copper)
Although lead water pipes were outlawed in 1986, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates between 6 and 10 million homes in the U.S. still get water through water service lines that predate the ban. Lead can also come from the water supply itself, or from a home’s plumbing, faucets or fixtures.
High levels of lead and copper in tap water can be harmful to a baby’s developing nervous system and other organs. These heavy metals can lead to brain damage and stomach troubles.
Ingesting even small amounts of lead over time can lead to lasting health problems because it accumulates in the body. Those problems include reduced IQ and academic performance, as well as attention deficit disorder and behavior problems.
Lead and copper exposure is especially concerning for infants fed powdered formula that’s mixed with tap water because they drink a far greater volume of water per pound of body weight than older children or adults.
PFAS (forever chemicals)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent chemicals found in tap water that can have adverse health effects.
It is estimated that across 49 states, more than 200 million Americans’ drinking water could be contaminated with some level of PFAS, which have been widely used to make hundreds of products.
The risks of PFAS exposure are well known and have been linked with high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension, testicular and kidney cancers, and learning delays in children.
Microplastics
Microplastics are another substance that are prevalent in water supplies around the world. These tiny plastic particles present in tap water may be ingested by infants, whose systems are already 10 times more exposed to microplastic particles than adults. Long term, microplastics can influence changes in lung cells, which can lead to respiratory ailments, and exacerbate symptoms in those who suffer from asthma.
The best way to ensure these substances are removed is by using a trusted water filter.
Can I use bottled water for baby formula?
Bottled water is generally safe for formula preparation, but it’s important to check the label. Look for bottled water labeled as purified, distilled, or deionized. They typically have fewer impurities. Avoid using mineral water or water labeled as “spring water” because they may contain minerals that could be harmful in large quantities.
Can I use filtered water for formula?
Yes, you can use filtered water for baby formula. Choosing a high-quality filtration system that effectively removes common contaminants will ensure the water you use is safe for your baby.
Reverse osmosis filtration systems are extremely effective in removing a wide range of contaminants, making filtered water a reliable choice.
Why choose Brio filtered water for making infant formula
Filtered water is gaining in popularity for good reason – it can effectively remove substances and impurities that have been linked to both short- and long-term health issues.
Opting for filtered water for your baby’s formula is a proactive and responsible choice that can significantly reduce their exposure to harmful substances in drinking water.
As an informed and empowered parent, you have the ability to pave a healthier path for your child, ensuring their well-being from the very start of their life.
1. Reduced contaminant exposure
A reverse osmosis water filtration system removes pollutants like lead from old water pipes, pesticide run-off in rural areas, and by-products of chemicals like chlorine that are used to treat drinking water. It gets rid of arsenic, nitrates, and PFAS, as well as trace amounts of drugs including antibiotics and hormones.
2. Improved safety
Filtered water offers a higher level of safety compared with tap water, as it undergoes rigorous filtration processes to ensure the removal of impurities. This peace of mind is invaluable.
3. Informed parenting
By educating yourself about the benefits of filtered water over tap water, you can make informed decisions that prioritize your child’s well-being. Knowledge is a powerful tool in safeguarding your family’s health.
4. Healthier future
Choosing filtered water for your baby's formula is an investment in their long-term health. By providing them with cleaner and purer water, you contribute to a healthier future for your child.
Brio’s reliable filtration systems effectively remove contaminants, ensuring the water you use to prepare infant formula is of the highest quality and free from harmful impurities.
Here are our top two recommendations for bringing filtered water into your home:
1. Brio Amphora Reverse Osmosis Undersink Filtration System
- Compact, space-saving design
- Tankless
- Magnetic system activates autofill automatic water dispensing when the pitcher is placed on the base
- 5-in-1 reverse osmosis filter reduces water impurities, including rust, dirt, dust, chlorine, and more.
2. Brio Moderna Touchless Bottleless Water Cooler
- Touchless technology
- 3-stage filtration
- Tri-temperature controls - hot, cold and room temperature
- Bright night light
- Also available in black stainless
The choice of water for preparing baby formula is crucial for your child’s health and development. Using high-quality filtered water can provide peace of mind, knowing that you are offering your baby the purest and safest water possible.
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