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

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Many parents don't know what kind of water is safe and healthy for newborns to drink when it comes to this topic. Can I drink tap water? What about water in bottles? Is the water's filtering status important? Is distilled water a viable alternative? These are all crucial issues to take into account when determining the finest sort of water for your infant. Although there are certain myths about the safety of particular types of water, it is crucial to realize that access to clean, safe drinking water is crucial for a baby's development and health. Continue reading to find out more about the many types of water that are available and which one is best for your infant.

TL;DR

The best water for babies to drink is filtered, purified, and free of contaminants.

  • Filtered water removes impurities like chlorine, lead, and bacteria.
  • Purified water has been treated to remove minerals and other contaminants.
  • Contaminant-free water is free from any harmful substances that could be dangerous for babies.

By choosing the right type of water for your baby, you can ensure they are getting the safest and healthiest hydration possible!

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

***NOTE: Take control of how much water you drink per day with a high-quality personal water bottle. Lifestraw bottles can filter water from practically any source, giving you clean drinking water wherever and whenever you need it.

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?

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!

1. Tap

best bottled water for baby

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.
is bottled water safe for babies to drink

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.
best water for babies to drink

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.
what type of water is best for baby formula

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.
distilled water for baby

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!

best bottled water for babies

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!

BONUS VIDEO!


5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Best Water for Babies to Drink

  1. Choose a water that is free of contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, and nitrates.
  2. Look for a water that has been tested and certified by an independent laboratory.
  3. Opt for a water with low sodium content, as too much sodium can be harmful to babies.
  4. Choose a water that is free of fluoride, as it can cause dental fluorosis in young children.
  5. Look for a water that is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need.

ALSO: Consider using filtered tap water if you are unable to find a suitable bottled option!

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About The Author

Joseph Bartley
Editor-In-Chief
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Joseph Bartley, also known as the WaterFilterFanatic, is a seasoned content writer who specializes in water filtration and water quality topics. On AllAboutWaterFilters, he has written a range of water filtration system reviews, water health and quality articles, swimming pool, hot tub and aquarium filtration guides, DIY methods to assist people clean their drinking water, and much more. Joseph enjoys spending his time working with the #AllAboutWaterFilters Editorial Team to provide some of the best quality water filtration content available on the web.

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