With all the options for healthy water that are available, you may be wondering which are the best ones for you and your family. Water that is being used to mix baby formula needs different attentions than water in general. When it comes to your baby’s health, should you use purified or distilled water for formula? Here, we break down the differences. How do they compare, and what are the pros and cons of each?
Purified versus distilled
Purified water is filtered water, with impurities removed. Distilled water is purified water that has been taken one step further. There are a range of contaminants that are removed from both purified water and distilled water, such as chemical pollutants, chlorine, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In distilled water, however, nutrients and minerals are also removed. This may sound like a negative, but in fact, it's a necessary step in ensuring the correct amount of nutrients and minerals are provided to your baby during their development.
Pros and Cons
Purified water has been filtered and, in some cases, disinfected. This removes chlorine and any harmful bacteria. There are digestive benefits and health benefits to using this water for everyday use, and it can be made from tap water or groundwater, so it is readily available. One of the cons is that fluoride is also removed. Another is that, when it comes to making baby formula, the fact that it doesn't take minerals out could mean your baby gets too many, given the correct dietary amount that is provided in their formula already.
Distilled water is purified water that has been taken one step further and is entirely free of impurities and contaminants. However, natural minerals, such as magnesium and calcium that are needed for good health are also removed in the process, so it may not be the best water for adults to drink all the time, especially if they aren't taking any multivitamins to accommodate this. Distilled water, however, is beneficial for babies and for adults who have compromised immune systems. It is necessary for mixing formulas and cereals, where the vitamins and minerals are in the formula and the water used is more for its liquefying properties.
How is water distilled?
Distilled water is the cleanest and purest water available. It is made through a process of boiling purified water and collecting the steam. The steam returns to water once it has cooled.
Why choose distilled water for formula?
Formulas and cereals for baby are already chosen to be nutritious and healthy. They have a particular balance of nutrients and vitamins. Distilled water, for formula, is the best choice because water that is completely free of everything will not compromise the balance of nutrients in the formula, thereby preventing a mineral overdose. Distilled water is the best option for mixing formula, but purified water is also good water to provide your baby as a drinking water when they get a little older and you want to be sure that the water has nutrients but no contaminants.
Distilled water for formula is safe and convenient
For convenience’s sake, busy parents choosing distilled or purified water for their babies are choosing bottled water in sterilized bottles. This means that the water is always readily available, and it can always be kept with you. Bottled, purified, and distilled water for formula has this in mind when it was produced. The bottles are clear, pure BPA free plastic, and completely recyclable.
When parents are giving water to their babies, whether it is mixed with formulas and cereals or not, the type of water matters. Don’t give regular tap water to your little one. Distilled water for formulas and cereals is the purest water available.
