Breast is the Best, but…
We are moving to formula. Sarah’s boobs and Tony don’t seem to get along. He can’t be my kid…
So, here’s a subject I know nothing about, formula. I mean, powdered food…sounds like Tang to me. Cow’s-milk-based formula, soy-based formula, protein hydrolysate; what does it mean? I’ve been looking up things, and it’s OBVIOUS that breast milk is the best. Many pages are militant about the stance and make you feel like a horrible parent for considering other options. So, wading through all those, I’ve found a few more gentle sites with information that is helpful. But I still have a question.
Why do you need to boil the water first? Can it just be filtered water?
I emailed Enfamil to see what their answer is. I know well water and some city water has high levels of metals and such, but I figured a good filter would knock those out. Anyone have an answer.
Also, any other suggestions? We have been using the Enfamil, with, we think, good results. Does anyone have an opinion?
December 26th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Do you use well water? If you’re in a city with a municipal water system tap water should be fine. You don’t even need to specially sterilize bottles if you have a dishwasher. Extreme sterilization measures are usually only necessary if a baby’s premature and their immune system is underdeveloped or compromised.
December 26th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
I don’t know where my comment disappeared to. I swear I left it, but I don’t see it. If my other comment appears please delete this repetitive ramble.
Tap water from a public water system is fine. It’s usually regulated by the EPA. Well water generally isn’t. If you have a regular water system in your town you don’t need to boil it. You don’t even need to sterilize bottles if you have a dishwasher.
Most of the time you only need special water or sterilized feeding equipment if a baby is premature and/or has a compromised immune system. The rest of the time tap water is perfectly safe.
December 26th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Hey,
We had to supplement Matthew around month 5, and then he was completely on formula by month 6th. My body was just tired.
Anyhoo, as long as you use warm water it doesn’t matter. Just use the tap. But don’t microwave the formula once it is mixed as it takes out the nutrients.
Ignore the sites. Breast is best blah blah. But, it doesn’t work all of the time. Just do what makes everyone happy and comfortable, cause y’all are good parents and know what is best.
December 27th, 2007 at 9:42 am
That’s kinda what I figured. We have a Brita Filter that we run the water through. Figured that would do fine.
December 27th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Both of my kids ended up on formula by 3 months (I had to go back to work and my work schedule wasn’t condusive to pumping)…both are fine. City water is fine and if you filter it you will be fine as well. I like Enfamil as a formula though. They make “sticks” that you carry with you and mix with 4oz of water per “stick” so you just take the bottle(s) full of water and the “sticks” you need and mix only when needed.