All about water
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), until your baby starts eating solid foods, he’ll get all the water he needs from breastmilk or formula. If you choose to formula feed, you may wonder what type of water is best to use for mixing—should it be boiled? Bottled? Or come right from the tap?
If sterilizing water is recommended by your baby’s physician, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises:
- If using tap water, run cold water for at least 30 seconds before using it. This precaution may help flush impurities that have collected in the standing water inside the pipes.
- Heat bottled or tap water until it reaches a rolling boil, continuing to boil for 1 to 2 minutes, then let it cool.
If you choose bottled water for mixing, consider one specially designed for infants. The AAP states that babies do not require fluoride during their first six months of life. Also, the American Dental Association (ADA) states that infants fed formula prepared with fluoridated water may be getting too much fluoride. In some cases, this might lead to a condition called enamel fluorosis. Talk with your doctor about the sources of fluoride in your baby’s diet, including water used for mixing formula.
GERBER® PURE™ purified water* is a fluoride-free choice specially designed for mixing with infant formula. Gerber recommends breastfeeding as the best start for babies. However, if you choose formula always follow the instructions on the infant formula and GERBER PURE labels.
GERBER PURE is not sponsored or endorsed by the AAP or the ADA.
*Minerals added for taste.