Feeding infants is a major concern for parents, and the choice of liquids used to prepare a bottle is no exception. In this article, we will attempt to answer these two questions:
- Is it okay to dilute a bottle of breast milk with water?
- And which water should be prioritized to mix with powdered formula?
CONTENTS:
- Breast milk in the bottle? Nothing else to add
- What water to add to a bottle of powdered formula?
- A few precautions when using tap water to prepare your bottle
- Conclusion
Breast milk in the bottle? Nothing else to add!
If you are considering diluting the bottle of breast milk with water, know that this would be nothing more than a waste of time. In fact, breast milk already contains all the necessary components to properly hydrate and nourish your baby.
On-demand breastfeeding allows you to meet your child's needs and is generally sufficient on its own. However, in case of proven dehydration, for example after vomiting or diarrhea, your pediatrician may prescribe a medicinal solution (most often in powder form to dilute) designed to quickly rehydrate your child.
The rest of the time, you therefore do not need to supplement your baby's diet in the first months of life if you are breastfeeding. Also, even though water may seem harmless, repeatedly diluting breast milk could deprive your child of essential nutrients for development by decreasing the amount of milk produced by the mother.
Giving your baby carbonated or sweetened drinks is strongly discouraged. Added sugars and carbonation are not suitable for their developing digestive system. Breast milk or properly prepared formula are the only liquids needed for their well-being. Water can be introduced around six months old, in small quantities and at the same time as the introduction of solid foods.
What water to add to a bottle of powdered formula?
If breastfeeding is not possible or difficult to establish, powdered formula is the ideal alternative. It will then be necessary to mix it with potable water, safe for consumption, to create a proper preparation!
1. If you choose bottled water…
Bottled water can be considered when tap water has quality or safety issues. It's important to choose brands recommended by pediatricians and that meet all the criteria set out by the French decree of 07/14/2007. Options include Mont Roucous, which has been 100% approved for infants.
Be sure to check the labels to make sure there are no additives harmful to babies. Opt instead for water that has a neutral to slightly acidic pH (between 6 and 7), because water that's too alkaline could disrupt the acid balance of your baby's stomach and upset their digestion.
2. If you choose tap water
In France, tap water is subject to strict quality standards and is regularly tested to ensure it is safe to drink. Always check the water quality in your area.
If water quality reports are unsatisfactory or your municipality advises against drinking the water, do not give it to your child, even if you use a filter pitcher. Filtering the water will not make it drinkable. However, it can remove potential contaminants such as heavy metals (lead, copper), chlorine, scale, or even some pesticides.
A few precautions when using tap water to prepare your bottle
- When preparing a bottle with tap water, make sure to let it run for a few moments before collecting it. This helps eliminate any build-up of substances present in the pipes or plumbing. This step is important when you've just moved in or are staying in a place that isn't used year-round.
- If you are traveling abroad, be sure to find out whether the water is potable! Or plan ahead and bring some bottles of water so you don't get caught off guard. A change in water should not affect your child's digestion or behavior. If it does, contact a doctor immediately to rule out any risk of bacterial contamination.
- If you are at an airport or any other transit location when stores are closed, go to the cafeteria or look around the halls and corridors… You're sure to find a vending machine with cold drinks and bottled water to help you avoid a shortage at 3 a.m.! Switching from tap water to bottled water will have no impact on your child's health.
Choosing the best options for your baby’s well-being also includes choosing the right containers! That’s why Elhée created the innovative Bibrond, a medical-grade silicone bottle that does not release plastic particles into the milk.
To conclude
Whether you choose bottled or tap water, the main goal is of course to ensure your baby’s health and well-being by providing a safe, suitable liquid. Never leave your baby without something to drink for too long. Adjust their intake based on the temperature and their age.
If you have any doubts or concerns, don't hesitate to consult your pediatrician for advice tailored to your situation.
➡ Key takeaways at a glance:
- It is best to not dilute breast milk, as it already provides all necessary nutrients.
- If using powdered formula, potable tap water is a viable option, not to mention the importance of choosing appropriate bottles.
- Bottled water can be considered in specific circumstances, by choosing brands recommended by health professionals. However, the additional requirement of recycling plastic bottles should also be taken into consideration.
