Is there a need to dechlorinate the baby's formula water?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Doan Ngoc Quynh Tram - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
It is important when preparing infant formula to follow the instructions on the package with safe water for formula. Anyone caring for a baby needs to learn how to prepare formula and know the principles and recommended methods to ensure baby's safety.

1. WHO Guidelines for the preparation and storage of infant formula

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidance on the safe preparation, storage and handling of infant formula. In particular, boiling water when making baby formula is very important, especially in developing countries that do not have a safe water supply. WHO also recommends cleaning and sterilizing dispensing equipment, as well as making a new bottle of infant formula with each feeding. The recommended formula preparation steps are:
Clean and disinfect all items and surfaces (table tops) that you will use and come into contact with. Wash hands the right way . Boil water, including bottled water. Let the water cool (no longer than 30 minutes), then pour it into a cleaned and sterilized bottle. Add the exact amount of powdered milk according to the instructions in the water. Assemble the milk jug and mix the powdered milk well. Cool the flask quickly by holding it under running water or placing it in a container of cold water or ice. Dry the outside of the jar with a clean cloth. Check the temperature of the formula so you don't burn your baby's mouth. Follow baby formula instructions carefully and do not dilute or thicken unless directed by your pediatrician.

2. Safe type of milkshake

Everyone knows that safe water must be used to prepare infant formula. However, the phrase "safe water" is very vague and general. Therefore, many parents question whether tap water is safe or not? Should water be boiled and dechlorinated before use? The answer depends on whether the water you are using is contaminated or not.

2.1. Use cold tap water to avoid lead contamination

When using tap water to make baby formula, always use cold tap water that has run for 15-20 seconds instead of warm or hot tap water. The reason is that many homes have lead or lead solder plumbing, and hot water can concentrate lead, which is a risk factor for lead poisoning.
Hot water available in a container can be contaminated with lead, so tap water should be used to ensure freshness and only cold water should be used to reduce lead exposure from tap water.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, you should not mix baby formula with hot water from the tap. In addition, boiling water does not remove lead, so families can use a specialized water filter to remove lead from drinking water.

2.2. Boil water to avoid infection

The heat when boiling water can kill most microorganisms. You can rest assured that public water supplies will be constantly monitored and alerted if there is a risk of contamination. However, bacteria or viruses can enter the water if the pipes are old or leaking, if there is heavy rain or flooding, there is a problem with the plumbing or the reservoir in your area.
Also, using freshly boiled water can kill any bacteria that might be present in the formula. However, if the formula contains probiotics, boiling water cannot be used.
Because babies have weaker immune systems, if you are concerned about the safety of the tap water you are using, you can choose to boil the water for 1 minute and then use it within 30 minutes for making milk (let the water cool to about 37°C body temperature).
Especially when you travel abroad, boiling water before preparing formula will protect baby more safely. The reason is because water in another area where you are familiar can contain strange infections. If you are using well water, boiling will not remove impurities and chemicals. Therefore, you should check the quality of the water source before using it.

2.3. Pure water

Purified, filtered or bottled water has fewer impurities and contaminants than tap water, including lead. However, this water can still contain bacteria (which will be killed when boiled).
In general, high-risk infants, especially premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, are encouraged to breastfeed. If you are using formula to feed a premature or sick baby, use sterile liquid formula or formula mixed with sterile water.

3. Find out about chlorine in baby formula water

Chlorine is known to be a bactericidal substance, so chlorine is widely used in life, including the use of chlorine to kill bacteria in water. Usually chlorine does not have a great effect on the health of the user. However, today many domestic water sources are considered unsafe when the chlorine content is too high. Excess chlorine can create by-products such as trihalomethanes and other harmful substances that are not good for young children. Therefore, the use of assistive devices to reduce excess chlorine is being applied by many families. To reduce the risk of chlorosis in children, you can use water with low chlorine content when mixing. infant formula milk. Water that has been purified, deionized, demineralized, distilled or filtered, dechlorinated water is a good choice. The Moaz BéBé MB - 002 smart de-chlorinated water kettle can help you get truly safe water and completely sterilized dispensers. Trusted by Vietnamese mothers, the Moaz BéBé MB - 002 kettle has outstanding features such as:
Easy milk mixing, temperature standard Boiling water quickly in just 4 minutes, automatic water dechlorination 2 minutes, keep the desired temperature for up to 24 hours Luxurious, delicate design High-grade, safe Borosilicate glass bottle design 12 months gold warranty 1 for 1 exchange.

It can be seen that the application of modern devices in life will help mothers save time and effort and bring greater efficiency in taking care of young children. To have more knowledge about raising children and taking care of children by age, you should regularly visit the website https://vinmec.com and make an appointment with the leading doctors, pediatric specialists - Nutrition when needed. please advise.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: healthline.com - verywellfamily.com