Are you wondering whether filtered water is better for your baby than tap water? With the growing concern over what’s best to drink and feed our children, it’s understandable that this question pops up frequently among parents. But is filtering your drinking water really necessary when it comes to babies?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of filtered water for infants and young children—including its effects on hydration, nutrition, and safety.
Why Can’t Babies Drink Tap Water?
Tap water is essential for many everyday activities, including drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Although its use has many benefits, it is simply not safe for babies to consume. Babies’ bodies are still developing and their immaturity makes them vulnerable to potential contaminants in the water.
Drinking contaminated tap water can lead to a host of minor health issues such as an upset stomach or vomiting; however, it can also cause more severe conditions like infection or even long-term damage to their organs due to bacterial toxins present in the water.
For these reasons, experts recommend that all babies drink exclusively formula or breast milk during their first year of life instead of regular tap water. Doing so will protect them from harmful agents and help ensure that they stay healthy and strong.
Tap Water vs Filtered Water
When your baby reaches 6 months old, it’s generally safe to introduce them to tap water. However, some parents may prefer to give their children filtered water instead.
Filtered water is any type of water that has been purified through a filtration process in order to remove contaminants and impurities. This type of water is free from additives, salts, and other chemicals that may be found in tap water. It’s also usually improved with minerals and nutrients to provide additional health benefits.
Filtered water can be a great choice for babies because it provides them with all the hydration they need without any risk of contamination. It also has less sodium than tap water and is free of sugar, which can help reduce the risk of tooth decay. Additionally, filtered water is usually rich in beneficial minerals that can aid in a baby’s healthy development. This makes it an ideal choice for mixing with infant formula or solid food, as well as for providing your baby with sips of water throughout the day.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Filtered Water?
While filtered water offers numerous benefits for consumers, it is important to note that there may be some risks associated. Despite being filtered, water from public treatment plants may still contain trace levels of lead, radon or other impurities. Even if filtered using home filtration systems, it is recommended to have the water tested occasionally to ensure that all contaminants have been removed.
Finally, studies have shown that filtering out certain minerals such as magnesium and calcium could result in a reduced intake of essential nutrients. Overall, the risks associated with drinking filtered water are not typically significant but should be considered when choosing what type of water to consume regularly.
What Are the Different Types of Filters Available?
There are a variety of water filters on the market to choose from, depending on what you’re trying to filter out. If you’re looking for something more basic and cost-efficient, then a simple carbon filter is usually sufficient. Generally, these filters take out chlorine and other impurities that give water a bad taste or odour. Some of these carbon filter systems can even be attached directly to your faucet, making it a convenient and affordable option for everyday use.
If you want something more in-depth, then consider investing in reverse osmosis or distillation systems. These remove impurities such as lead, bacteria and protozoa at deeper levels than carbon filters can. They may come with a hefty price tag but could be worth it for those looking for cleaner drinking water.
UV light purification systems are ideal for those who don’t want any chemicals or other materials added to their tap water – they only use ultraviolet light to kill microorganisms like viruses and bacteria without changing the taste of the water. Ultimately, each type of filter has its own benefits and drawbacks, so make sure to understand exactly what each type can do before investing in one.
4-in-1 Taps
A great way to get the best of both worlds – tap water and filtered water – is with a 4-in-1 tap. These taps have four functions for unfiltered hot and cold tap water, filtered cold water and filtered boiling water. This allows you to use whichever type of water you need, depending on the situation.
Can You Boil Tap Water and Use That?
Many people are wondering if boiling tap water to drink is a safe and healthy way to get their hydration needs met. The answer can depend on what part of the world you live in and the quality of the local pipelines. In the UK, it’s perfectly safe to purify water by boiling it and using it for cooking or for giving it to your baby.
On the other hand, in regions where the water sources may be less regulated, boiling tap water can leave behind certain pollutants that would remain in the liquid even after straining out sediment or using a home filtration system.
At What Age Can Babies Start Drinking Tap Water?
It is a common question for most parents: when can their baby safely start drinking tap water? The answer depends on several factors, such as the quality of the water in your area and the age of your baby. Generally, it is safe for babies six months or older to drink filtered tap water. It can be beneficial to use an at-home filter system before giving it to your child – this will reduce chlorine and other minerals that could upset their stomach.
In some cases, you may want to talk to your paediatrician if you have any concerns about the safety of the water in your area. Ultimately, providing clean purified water for your baby is essential for proper hydration and balanced nutrition.
Our 4-in-1 taps come with a technologically advanced filter, designed to remove impurities from tap water. Read more about the benefits of boiling water taps, learn how a boiling water tap works or shop our full collection of taps.
