Water for Baby Formula

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• • 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.

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!