Baby Water vs Distilled Water for Babies

When it comes to deciding which type of hydrating is the best for your baby, many parents get confused by “Baby Water vs Distilled Water.” Both are purifying, but they are pretty different, and those differences can affect your baby’s health.

Baby water is purified with added minerals that are designed to fit the developmental needs of babies, while distilled water is processed to remove any impurities and minerals.

It is very important to know the differences between these two types of baby carriers to make the right choice for your baby’s health and happiness. This article delves into the pros and cons of each water type to help parents decide which is best for their child.

What is baby water? 

Baby water is made for infants and little kids. This type of water is prepared through a careful process to make sure it is safe and free of pollutants. Some baby water manufacturers strengthen the water with fluoride which assists to keep children’s teeth healthy, while others do not include fluoride for parents to choose. You can see baby water branded as “nursery water” in the shop or on the website.

Key features of baby water:

• Purification method: Baby water is purified through processes such as reverse osmosis or distillation to rid any impurities like bacteria, lead, nitrate, and more possible contaminants.
• Optional fluoride: Baby water is available with and without added fluoride, depending on the brand, so parents can choose according to their preference.
• Convenience: Baby water is prepared and ready for mixing, so no need to boil, cool down, and then sterilize water before for formula.

Benefits of using baby water:

1. Safety assurance: The rigorous purification ensures it’s free from pathogens and harmful chemicals that could harm your baby. 
2. Fortified options: The inclusion of fluoride in certain baby waters supports early dental health. 
3. Ease of use: Baby water is ready to go, saving you time and giving you peace of mind. 

What is distilled water? 

Distilled water is a type of purified water that has been distilled. In the process of distillation, water is boiled into vapor, and as it converts back into a liquid, impurities are left behind. This process the water to:

Key features of distilled water:

• Full purity: After the distillation process, there are no other further substances or minerals left in the water.
• Versatility: Distilled water is utilized in different fields, from the disinfection of medical devices to automotive and home equipment.
• No extra materials: As opposed to water produced for babies, distilled water does not contain extra fluoride or additives. Therefore, water is a hollow canvas for parents who want to control completely what their child is ingesting.

Benefits of using distilled water:

• Sterile option: The distillation process makes it virtually sterile, which is ideal for formula mixing and baby food. 
• Mineral-free: It avoids the inclusion of unnecessary minerals that might interfere with a baby’s delicate system. 
• Easily available: Distilled water is widely available in grocery stores and pharmacies.

Key Differences Between Baby Water vs Distilled Water

Although both forms of water prioritize purity, there are distinct differences:

Feature	Baby Water	Distilled Water
Purity	Highly purified but may include added fluoride or minerals	Extremely pure, with no minerals or additives.
Readiness for Babies	Marketed with babies in mind, often prepped for direct use	Needs to be confirmed safe before use, sometimes boiled.
Added Nutrients	May have fluoride or minerals for healthy development	No added nutrients, completely neutral.
Price	Often more expensive due to branding and packaging	Generally affordable and widely available.

Should You Choose Baby Water or Distilled Water?

The right choice for your baby will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and recommendations from your pediatrician. Below, we’ll explore the key factors to consider.

Safety concerns: Baby and distilled water are safe for formula preparation. However, you should consult your pediatrician, particularly if your local tap water may have known contaminants. If you are unsure, baby water is the safer bet due to its marketing for infant use.

Fluoride: Fluoride is a double-edged sword; it promotes dental health by strengthening teeth, while too much fluoride is linked to dental fluorosis, which leaves white streaks on teeth. Baby water often comes in fluoride and non-fluoride versions. Alternatively, distilled water contains no fluoride unless added separately, allowing you to control your child’s intake.

Taste and preference: As explained above, distilled water is taste-free to form a neutral canvas for formula preparation. Although baby water’s added minerals may create a slight mineral taste, this aspect depends entirely on personal preference.

Convenience: The baby water is marketed as prep- and grab-and-go. Especially for on-the-go busy parents, it can be a valuable investment since it does not need to be boiled nor filtered. On the other hand, distilled water may be as pure as baby water but may need to be cooked and cooled in some cases for additional peace of mind.

Cost: Lastly, budget is always a key factor for most families. Baby water’s exclusive marketing and branding often inflate the price compared to distilled water, which is widely used for other purposes. The recommended choice for distilled water is typically the most cost-effective.

When to use baby water 

Baby water is a great choice in the following scenarios:

• Convenience: If you are among the busy parents, baby water should be prepped and ready. While tap water needs boiling or sterilizing, baby water can be used immediately, saving you time.
• Fluoride concerns: If you prefer added fluoride for better dental health but do not want to drink tap water, baby water can give you this advantage.
• Brand trust: Some parents are ensured to use a product made particularly for babies.

When to use distilled water 

Distilled water is a great choice in certain situations:

• Affordability – If a budget-friendly alternative is all you can go for, distilled water is typically less expensive than water for babies.
• Non-Fluoridated option – If you do not want fluoride in your water, distilled gives an empty slate.
• Full control – For parents who want absolutely no additional additives or ingredients in their child’s water, distilled water is the simplest of all solutions.

Tips for Preparing Formula Safely

Regardless of whether you choose baby water or distilled water, follow these safety tips to ensure your baby gets the safest and healthiest bottle possible:

• Always wash your hands and sterilize bottles and utensils before preparing formula.
• Follow the specific instructions on your formula packaging; there is a ratio of water to powder that is generally accepted.
• Remember that tap water should be boiled and then allowed to cool down to around 98 °F or 36.6 °C if distilled. Refrain from adding any substance to the water, even sugar, before mixing with the powder unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
• Store the formula in the refrigerator and be sure to throw away the leftover formula after 24 hours and always feed your baby warm formula.

What Pediatricians Say

Doctors and health experts generally concur that for babies, clean and pure waters are best to lessen the risk of contracting an illness. Many warn that either baby water or distilled water will work, provided the parents do not use unsafe tap water or untreated healthy water.

If a parent is on the fence about fluoride release, it is mandatory to consult with their pediatrician. Additionally, for some families, the drinking water is already fluoridated, so adding more of this substance would be additional excess.

Is tap water an option for babies? 

Usually, tap water is saved for babies, but the issue depends on the water supply in your area. The tap water may have minerals and fluoride, which is beneficial for older and adult children.

However, if the water has an excessive mineral content, it may not be good for your baby, particularly if you live in an area with hard water or there is some dirt in it.

Thus, if you decide to use tap water, then consult your pediatrician first. If the pediatrician cannot decide, it is always possible to boil the water before you use it in baby formula feeding.

Conclusion

While baby water contains added minerals that may be beneficial for the development of your baby, the distilled water is pure and totally devoid of any impurities. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

However, while opting for a choice, it is necessary to always consider the safety of your child, and wherever possible, to refer the matter to the pediatrician.

RELATED: Can Babies Drink Alkaline Water?

Can Babies Drink Spring Water?

FAQs About Baby Water vs Distilled Water