What’s the best water for baby formula? Here is everything you need to know about water types to use with our formulas.
We know when parents feed babies, it builds a special bond. From loving and caressing them to talking and nursing, it’s an incomparable moment. Unfortunately, feedings can be stressful if your baby has a sensitive stomach or is not getting the right nutrients needed to grow healthy and strong.
What you feed a baby needs to be just as special as the bond. Your formula brand should be just as pure as the moment you and your baby experience during feedings. With that being said, in order to give your baby formula, you have to consider the water used to mix it. We discuss the formula and water - and hopefully answer all of your questions.
What Is Infant Formula?
Infant formula is the closest substitute for breast milk as it is usually made from preserved cow’s milk. Babies with upset stomachs also prefer goat’s milk or sensitive formula. There are three formula alternatives to breastfeeding: ready-to-use, concentrated liquid, and powder.
Infant formula also is available in different formula brands and varieties to meet the needs of different newborns and babies. Nutritional value is also as important as calming the stomach.
My Organic Formula first introduced American parents to the benefits of European baby formula because of the organic quality produced on biodynamic certified farms. European formula brand manufacturers also offer several important advantages to bottle feeding. European formulas come in different consistencies and ratios, including ready-to-feed, concentrated, and powder.
Bottle-feeding parents will find that using powder or concentrated baby formulas from leading brands like HiPP, Holle, Loulouka, and Lebenswert requires an exact formula to water ratio.
That is why parents need to know about the available water sources. Is your water source safe for infant and toddler consumption? Let’s take a good look at the different types of baby formula and then decide which water is best for formula.
#1 Skimmed Milk Baby Formula
Loulouka Stage 1
Age: 0-6 Months
Size: 900g / 32oz
Why Choose?
Coconut Oil instead of Palm Oil, Milk from Grass Fed Swiss Cows
#1 Goat's Milk Formula
Holle Goat Milk Stage 1
Age: 0-6 months
Size: 400g / 14oz
Why Choose?
Biodynamic Organic A2 Whole Goat Milk, Organic Maltodextrin, No Palm Oil
Types of Baby Formula
Powder formula:
There are several benefits to powder formula. It is easy to mix because of its scoop and canister packaging. It is also convenient for parents on the go since you just need water to mix.
You get more for your money since powder makes more formula ounces than other types and have longer lifespans. Ready-to-use formulas must be used within days of opening. Powder is safe for up to thirty days after opening (as long as it is stored properly).
Concentrated liquid formula:
This formula requires mixing with water. It is easy to prepare and store in the refrigerator. You can also sterilize and prepare your baby’s bottles for the day after mixing it.
Once a concentrated formula is opened, you must refrigerate it and use it within one day. You also want to ensure you mix the formula as instructed so your baby gets the exact nutritional value.
Ready-to-use formula:
This formula is pre-made. It is convenient because of its easy preparation. This formula type is best when you do not like concentrates that require water to formula ratios.
You should store this formula in the refrigerator to stay fresh. You must use the unused portion within 24 hours of opening the formula container.
What Kind Of Water Should Babies Drink?
Newborns and infants rely completely on nutrients from breastmilk or bottle-feeding. Parents often wonder what kind of water should babies drink from infancy to twelve-months old.
Infants do not need water not mixed with formula to remain healthy and hydrated. As babies transition to solid food, you can give your baby water with meals in addition to baby formula.
Best Water For Baby Formula?
What is important to remember is that water sources differ worldwide. Some use tap water while others buy bottled water. The type of water you choose can significantly modify a baby formula.
Well Water
Well water is produced by digging or drilling into the earth to create a cavern for pooling groundwater. Can you use well water in baby formula? It depends on the water itself.
There is a possibility that contaminants and microorganisms are in well water. It is usually safe for baby formula since local health departments provide testing that certifies the safety of well water. Remember to purify it when using to further encourage safety.
Fluoridated Tap Water
Tap water is the most common form of water used for baby formulas. Many parents ask, when can you use tap water for baby formula? The big thing a parent needs to consider is the tap water fluoridation - which controls the amount of fluoride present in a city’s water supply to prevent children from having acidic decay and cavities.
The ADA supports the use of fluoridated infant formula although, with regular usage of concentrated or powder infant formula, there is a low risk of fluorosis, which is a cosmetic issue that can cause white lines to appear over time on a baby or toddler’s teeth.
Especially for babies and toddlers who are starting to grow teeth, fluoride helps to harden enamel. The ADA defines the optimal fluoride level is between 0.7 and 1.2 ppm per liter.
For infants, a ready-to-feed formula may be used if you are unsure of the level of fluoride in your regular drinking source. If you use powder or concentrate formulas, make sure that you utilize a purified water source as they are fluoride-free or have low levels in it.
Filtered Tap Water
Can you use filtered tap water for baby formula? Sure! Having a filtration system in a home is healthy for the entire family, but it is especially good when used in baby formula as it improves digestion and nutrient absorption. It also supports your baby’s immune health.
Distilled Bottled Water
Distillation is a purification method that boils liquid into vapor and condenses it into purified water. The process removes harmful contaminants as well as its natural minerals.
Can you use distilled water to make baby formula? The EPA highly recommends using distilled water as this purification system removes more than 80 contaminants.
Is bottled water safe for baby formula? It is only recommended by experts when the bottled water is labeled as sterile and does not contain high levels of sulfate or sodium.
Choose bottled water with less than 200mg of sodium and 250mg of sulfate per liter. The best bottled water companies recommended for formula include Evian and Aqua Pure.
Baby Formula FAQ
How do I choose a formula for my baby?
A pediatrician usually recommends a baby formula brand at birth. Some infants and toddlers also require a hypoallergenic formula or a baby formula for a sensitive stomach. Parents tend to turn to My Organic Company because our formulas are made in Europe.
They do not contain harmful chemical, biological, physical, or radiological contaminants. U.S. water sources often include harmful contaminants like arsenic, cadmium, or lead. American baby formula companies often use tap water during manufacturing practices.
Is powdered formula safe for newborns?
A powdered formula such as HiPP Dutch is completely safe for infants. Always use the best water for baby formula recommendations. You should adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a powdered formula is safe for newborns, babies, and toddlers.
Is there a difference between powder formula and ready to feed?
Ready-to-use formulas are already mixed for immediate usage. Liquid formulas are convenient. They do cost more than powder. They also last a short period. On the other hand, powdered formulas are less expensive. They also have a much longer shelf life.
Is powdered formula better than liquid?
Powdered formula is better than liquid when bottle-feeding parents want a budget-friendly option. It’s also a good option if you travel globally or send children to daycare.
Parents also do not have to worry about finding a regularly-used baby formula maker when on the go. You also don’t have to worry about formula spoilage when traveling.
While ready-to-use and concentrated formulas are sterile, the powder formula is not. You’ll need to follow our recommendations and use purified water in this baby formula.
How Do You Mix Powder Baby Formula?
Sterilization is the first step of mixing baby formula properly. How do you sterilize powdered formula? Using clean bottles and water for the formula is the best method.
You need to disinfect the bottle, nipple, and cap first with hot water. Start by bringing cold water to a boil. Next, turn it off after the water boils for two minutes. Next, let it cool for twenty to thirty minutes or until it is below 155 degrees (68 degrees Celsius).
Pour half of the water over the bottles, nipples, and caps. Continue to let the water cool down for the formula. Mix the powder in water below 75° Fahrenheit (23C). When making powdered baby formula, mix one scoop of the formula for every ounce of water.
How do I use ready-to-use baby formula?
You must shake the ready-to-use or concentrated formula before opening it. With ready-to-use, you simply need to fill a sterilized bottle with the appropriate amount of formula.
You do not need to blend in any water. Attach the cap and nipple for usage. If you use concentrated baby formula, you need to add the appropriate amount of liquid and mix it.
Do you need to boil water for baby formula?
You should always use cold tap water from the faucet since hot water has lead in it. You should also boil water to sterilize the bottle and purify the water for mixing baby formula.
What happens if I put too much formula in the water?
You must level out each scoop to ensure the baby bottle has the recommended nutrient levels a baby needs. If you put too much or too little, it causes an electrolyte imbalance.
Too few nutrients in the bottle can cause health risks, dehydration, and malnutrition. Before mixing each bottle, read the formula’s label and prepare it as recommended.
What kind of water is used in ready-made baby formula?
Ready-to-feed and concentrated baby formula tend to work best with water that is fluoride and sodium-free. You can also use low-fluoride, distilled, purified, or deionized bottled water. These water types undergo stringent testing and are safe for consumption.
What temperature should baby formula be?
Baby formula should be made and served in water below seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit (23C). Always test a bottle of formula to ensure it is cool enough before feeding it to your baby.
Can cold formula upset a baby's stomach?
It is normal during feeding time for a baby to experience digestive responses such as gas. Babies tend to prefer warm milk because cold formula can upset a baby’s stomach. This can be a benefit when using powder formula since you can heat the water as needed.
However, this is based on your baby's individual needs. If your baby drinks the milk cold and has no issues, it's perfectly safe to consume! Plus, it saves you time if you decide to prepare the formula in advance for the whole day and don't have time to warm it up (due to a screaming, hungry baby!!).
Do you need to warm up baby formula?
This depends. In the process of preparing the baby formula, you should have boiled the water and mixed the water with the formula powder. This kills the bacteria in the water, as well as any that could have ended up in the formula.
Once the formula is prepared properly, there is no need to warm it up before giving to baby. If your baby does well with cold formula, it is safe to consume.
How to know if a baby is allergic to breastmilk but not formula?
It is not usual for babies to develop allergies to breastmilk and react normally to baby formula. Sometimes, babies require specialized baby formulas because of developing allergies to dairy. Mothers can also pass along allergic ingredients while breastfeeding.
My Organic Company carries formulas that are free of GMOs, wheat, soy, nuts, and gluten. To see if your baby is allergic to breastmilk but not formula, look for signs of diarrhea, blood in the stool, upset stomach, constipation, rash, and malnutrition.
We highly recommend that you consult your pediatrician if you notice prolonged digestive problems. You should also note when babies continue to fuss after feedings.
How to Prepare Baby Formula
You can follow our nifty chart and check out our formula preparation guide for your specific formulas.
Here are some basic steps to follow regardless of brand:
Step One: Wash Your Hands
Step Two: Boil Cold Water And Let It Cool between 104-122 degrees Fahrenheit
Step Three: Sterilize The Bottle In Hot Water
Step Four: Follow the Directions on the Label.
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- Shake ready-to-use and pour it in the bottle appropriately.
- For concentrate, mix the formula with the appropriate water blend.
- For powder formula, measure the scoops precisely and add water.
Step Five: Attach the nipple and cap. If you use concentrate or powder, blend well.
Step Six: Since you heated the water, test the temperature on your wrist before serving.
Step Seven: Refrigerate the remaining liquid immediately. If you have any formula left in the bottle, use it within one hour or place it in the refrigerator. If it is left out for more than one hour at room temperature, dispose of the unused formula for safety’s sake.
Where to Buy European Baby Formula
My Organic Company carries leading powder baby formula brands. We also recommend that you contact us to learn more about the formulas we carry.
HiPP Dutch is a powdered formula available in stages one, two, and three.
HiPP UK is available in HiPP Combiotic stages one, two, three, or four.
HiPP German is available in Combiotik, Pre-Bio, Bio, Anti-Reflux, and Comfort.
Holle includes stages one through four and Holle goat milk formula.
Lebenswert is grass-fed cow milk available in stages one, two, and three.
Loulouka powder is made from Swiss milking cows in stages one, two, and three.
Visit https://myorganiccompany.store/ and learn more about My Organic Company powder formulas that you can customize by type, brand, stage, or age. Your baby will thank you for it!