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Whether you choose to breastfeed, bottle feed, or do some combination of the two, one thing is for certain: your baby’s health is your number one priority. In the early stages of development, it is crucial to ensure that your child is getting the right nutrients to help their growth. For those that choose to bottle feed, mixing water and baby formula is a common part of your day. This begs the question: Can alkaline water be used in baby formula?
Alkaline water, sometimes called “pH water,” is water with a higher pH than regular drinking water. This is due to a process of alkalizing the water, where healthy minerals are retained in the water after purification. The water is then free of any harmful contaminants, but it keeps in minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium–all minerals the body needs to function properly. In comparison, distilled and purified water all typically filter out every contaminant and mineral found in the water, including healthy minerals, which results in a lower pH value.
Early studies show that alkaline water has many benefits to the body. Alkaline water may prevent acid reflux, help quicken blood and oxygen flow throughout the body, and promote better stool production. It also can balance the body’s equilibrium and improve athletic performance.
Typically speaking, it is recommended to stick to breast milk for the first six months of your child’s life. The nutrients found in breast milk are necessary for your child’s development. During these six months, it is not recommended to mix baby formula with alkaline water, but to use the recommended bottled or clean tap water (1). There is no current evidence suggesting alkaline water would be harmful to a child that young, but research is still being conducted on the subject (2).
That being said, once the baby turns six-months-old, alkaline water can be introduced to the child in small doses. At this point, filtered alkaline water may be the safer choice to mix into formula, as the proper filter will remove heavy metals from water while also alkalizing. This is important in some regions where tap water lead is prevalent. If recommended by your water district, boil alkaline water before mixing it with baby formula.
By the time your baby is a toddler, alkaline water is more highly encouraged. It is thought that alkaline water allows the toddler to “consume more minerals, thus satisfying their growing needs” (3). By this point, they can drink alkaline water by itself or mixed with formula. Alkaline water allows their body to absorb additional minerals that are not found in regular drinking water, and thus is beneficial to toddlers.
While alkaline water has proven beneficial to babies and small children, it is important to follow suggested guidelines concerning alkaline water. First, alkaline water is not suggested for children under six months. It is important to consult a pediatrician before mixing formula with alkaline water at that young of an age. Next, alkaline water should not be given to a child 30 to 45 minutes before or after a meal (4). Lastly, avoid giving your baby alkaline water while he is taking prescribed medication (3). Following these guidelines will allow your child to reap the most benefits of alkaline water in the safest possible manner.
Always consult a doctor before changing any part of your baby’s diet. Alkaline water, when consumed correctly, can be a nutritious drink for your baby. Alkaline water is recommended for babies over six months of age and can be mixed with baby formula once boiled. It allows for babies and toddlers to absorb helpful nutrients that their bodies need to grow. To provide yourself and your child with easy access to alkaline water, consider investing in an alkaline water filter. This is an easy and cost effective way to always have alkaline water at your fingertips.
Is alkaline water safe for babies?
Yes, alkaline water is safe for babies, but it is recommended that alkaline water be given to children over six-months-old.
What kind of water is safe in baby formula?
For infants, bottled water is safest for baby formula. As the child grows, however, boiled alkaline water can be used in baby formula.
Is alkaline water good for a 6 month old baby?
Yes. Babies over six months are able to drink alkaline water with some restrictions.
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