You know that running joke about how parenting is really just a lot of panicking and Googling things? Well, it's 100 percent true and, as a mom, I've found myself Googling all kinds of things, mainly if something was safe for me to have while pregnant, safe to have while breastfeeding, and safe to give my daughter. Some are pretty obvious, but when it comes to the safety of your child, you're concerned about everything and find yourself wondering if even bottled water is safe for babies.
Bottled water is convenient and a must-have when you're on the go, so it's no wonder moms are curious about its safety for their children. But it's water, right? Why wouldn't it be safe?
Well, water in general for babies under six months isn't recommended. According to What to Expect, before eating solid foods, your baby gets all the water they need from their formula or breast milk. Too much water can actually be harmful and can even dilute the electrolytes in their bloodstream and shouldn't be introduced until they're about six months old. (And even then, only about four ounces a day.)
However, while you're mixing up those bottles of formula, you're probably thinking that bottled water is what's best for your baby and is the safer option. According to Parents, it's actually safe to use bottled water, but it might be better for your baby if you use tap water instead. Bottled water often lacks fluoride, which is important for your baby's dental health. Without it, your little one's pediatrician might recommend fluoride drops to make sure their teeth are healthy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does note that too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, a cosmetic issue that leaves white markings on tooth enamel. If you're concerned about it, you can alternate between preparing formula with bottled water that has no fluoride and fluoridated water. Be sure to speak to your child's dentist or doctor to make sure they're getting an appropriate amount of fluoride as well.
