Q: What Is The Best Water For Babies To Drink (WATER & HEALTH)

Are you getting ready to transition your baby from breastmilk to drinking water?

Are you a little concerned with whether or not your baby is getting the right type of water?

When is it okay to start giving babies water to drink, anyway?

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In this article, we’ll help break down several different types of water so you can better understand which one is right for your baby. We know that, as a parent, you are concerned with giving your child the best possible experience and offering only healthy, safe food and drinks to your little one. But sometimes, it can feel overwhelming trying to pick the right option.

Who knew there were so many different types of water out there, anyway? Isn’t it really just okay to give your baby the same water you drink?

You might be surprised to find out just how different these water options can really be. Some of these are better for babies than others, so be sure you read through the information we have listed below to help you narrow down the choices and make the right decision for your child.

Remember, too, that you should never start your baby on water sooner than six months of age. Some healthcare professionals recommend waiting even longer than this, and it’s always important to talk to your child’s pediatrician for more specific, individualized information about your baby.

If your child has any health concerns, make sure you ask his or her pediatrician for more information as well. And keep in mind that your little one is getting all the hydration he or she needs from breastmilk or formula until the age of 6 months.

Okay, that all makes sense, but what is the best water for babies to drink? Read on to find out more!

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1. Tap

Pros

Tap water is one of the most affordable options out there, and if you happen to have a well on your property, it’s more or less free.
Tap water is usually treated for pollutants and bacteria when it comes from a city or county’s water supply.
Many pediatricians feel it’s best to expose babies to tap water from an early age to prevent them from becoming ill due to exposure to it later in life.

Cons

Tap water can, sometimes, be very badly contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other types of pollutants that simply can’t be filtered out of it.
It’s best to boil tap water and let it cool before giving it to your baby, and this can be a complicated process that takes too long.
Tap water may have a strange taste, depending on where you live.

2. Filtered

Pros

Filtered water is almost as cheap as tap water, since the only additional expense is the filter itself.
Water can be filtered and stored in the refrigerator for many days in advance with no risks.
It’s possible to remove a lot of contaminants with a household filter alone.

Cons

Not all contaminants and bacteria can be removed by home filters.
It may cost quite a lot of money to get a high-quality filter installed in your home.
Filtered water can be a challenge to come by when you’re traveling.

3. Mineral

Pros

Mineral water is easy to find in well-packed and safe containers, even when you’re traveling abroad.
Mineral water can give your baby a lot of nutrients he or she may need.
This type of water is generally considered better at hydration than other types listed here.

Cons

Mineral water is usually carbonated, which is bad for babies, and it can be hard to find a non-carbonated version.
Mineral water can easily overbalance the mineral levels in your baby’s body and make him or her sick.
It can be very expensive to buy a lot of mineral water regularly for your child.

4. Distilled

Pros

Distilled water is put through a process that removes the vast majority of contaminants from it before it’s ever sold to the public.
This type of water is highly recommended by many pediatricians.
Although it is an added expense, distilled water isn’t very pricey in comparison to some of the other options listed here.

Cons

Distilled water often has a strange taste that babies may not like much.
This type of water can be tough to store without exposing it to plastic.
It may be hard to transition your child to other types of water after being on distilled.

5. Alkaline

Pros

Alkaline water is good for hydration and replacing electrolytes in the body.
This type of water helps balance the body’s pH very well.
Alkaline water has a good taste that many adults are fond of.

Cons

Alkaline water is not usually recommended for babies at all, and especially not babies under twelve months of age.
Alkaline water can unbalance a baby’s body too much and can be very dangerous in some instances.
This type of water is much healthier for adults than it is for babies, and many pediatricians are adamantly against giving it to children at all.

Conclusion

Were you able to find the right water for your child? As you can see, there are pros and cons to each choice, and it’s entirely up to you to decide which one is right for your needs. Your pediatrician can help you make the right call, too, if you find yourself feeling a little confused along the way. Just remember to get as much information about each type of water you’re considering as possible!

What are the risks of giving babies unsafe water, anyway? Is it really that big of a deal if you pick a type of water that isn’t quite right for a baby? Unfortunately, the risks can be very serious, depending on the type of water you choose. Some babies may be given tap water that is polluted with contaminants like bacteria, heavy metals, or even poisons, and this water can make them very sick. In other instances, babies may be given mineral water that is too high in one type of mineral, and this can cause the baby to become very ill as well.

In the end, it’s best to pick a type of water that isn’t going to have too many contaminants in it and that is going to be easy enough for you to prepare for your child, too. Some pediatricians say tap water is the way to go, while others swear by distilled. The choice is entirely up to you, but keep all of this information in mind so you’ll be better able to make a decision when the time comes. In no time, you’ll be giving your child healthy, safe water!