Is it necessary to boil water to bathe a newborn: rules for bathing a newborn at home, sterilizing water, adding decoctions, folk recipes and recommendations from pediatricians

When a child appears in a family, parents are faced with many questions, and one of them is what kind of water to give the baby? Due to a simple lack of time, new mothers and fathers cannot study the topic sufficiently, so they make mistakes - for example, they decide to give the child the same water that they drink themselves, or not to give it at all.

Meanwhile, clean drinking water (one that does not harm the baby’s intestinal microflora and does not change the composition of infant formula) is the basis for the health and harmonious development of the child. High-quality water helps prevent constipation, dehydration, overheating, colds, dry mucous membranes, and other negative conditions that young children are so often susceptible to.

Where can you get such water?

Let's figure it out.

Tap water is scary...

In Russia, the quality of tap water is deteriorating from year to year. According to the state report “On the state of sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the Russian Federation in 2015,” the number of water samples that do not meet sanitary and technical indicators and hygienic standards exceeded 14% - that is, this is every seventh sample.

And in 2021, mortality from contaminated drinking water in Russia tripled, and for the first time exceeded the number of deaths from violence and road accidents - according to Rospotrebnadzor, about 19 thousand people died from various diseases caused by the consumption of poor-quality water.

Of course, after the publication of such frightening statistics, the question of feeding a child with raw tap water does not even arise. Definitely not.

Benefits and harms

Giving boiled water to a baby who is exclusively breastfed can cause:

1. Dyspepsia.
2. Diarrhea.
3. Feeling of false saturation (fullness) of the stomach.
4. Reducing sodium content in the body.
5. Lack of oxygen in the body, as its content in water decreases when boiling.

Useful properties include:

1. Preventing intestinal infections that develop under the influence of bacteria.
2. Improved digestion in general.
3. Removing harmful substances from the body.

Fruit drinks, juices, tea cannot replace water. The body perceives any such drinks as food. The only exception is mother's milk in the first 6 months of life.

Probably there is water left in the bottles?

Many parents spend a lot of money on bottled water, which, according to manufacturers, is of high quality and safe for the child.

However, it also has significant problems.

• The first is that even high-quality bottled water deteriorates if stored improperly - for example, in the light, so preservatives are added to it, which is unacceptable for children.
• And second: according to a study by Roskontrol*, most brands of children's water do not pass the test for compliance with GOST standards.

Plus, the plastic container itself can release toxic substances directly into the water.

What water to use for preparing baby formula

This is one of the most common questions among mothers who transfer their babies to artificial feeding. To prepare the mixture, it is recommended to use high-quality bottled water, the packaging of which is marked “Children’s”. This means that the manufacturer guarantees quality and compliance with the requirements of SanPiN 2.1.4.1116-02*. What is included in these requirements?

• The presence of visible inclusions in the water is not allowed.
• The harmlessness of water is determined by its chemical composition (the content of toxic metals, non-metallic elements and halogens, salt components and organic substances of anthropogenic or natural origin).
• Water safety and quality indicators are set individually for each source.

The same SanPiN notes that water can be either artesian, extracted from a well, or tap water, which has undergone additional purification. Of course, the second option is absolutely not suitable for baby food (and, in general, it’s not recommended for adults either).

The simplest, most mobile and affordable - jug filters

Their advantages: compactness, ease of use, ease of module replacement. Which is very important for a mother with a baby in her arms.

When choosing, you should pay attention to well-known brands. Before purchasing, study the information that manufacturers provide on their websites: cleaning technologies, certificates, patents, Russian and international, and other important information.

For example, does the filter have recommendations from the Federal State Institute of Toxicology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, which can recommend filters for use in preparing food for children.

Among the most famous brands are Aquaphor, Barrier, and Geyser .

Drinking or for mixtures

Baby water labeled “for drinking” may not be suitable for preparing powdered milk formula. The fact is that it contains more minerals than water produced specifically for preparing baby food. Such components are really needed by the child's body, but they can upset the balance of the mixture itself. Therefore, manufacturers can produce baby water for drinking and cooking, or universal water. Good news: now it is almost impossible to find low-quality baby water on store shelves. Most brands actually meet the stated requirements, as Roskachestvo employees were convinced of by conducting a test purchase and a series of tests**. However, pediatricians still recommend purchasing baby food products in appropriate stores, designated sections of supermarkets or pharmacies. In addition, you should not take the cheapest water from an unknown brand, because in this case the labeling may not correspond to reality.

What to pay attention to:

1. Of great importance is the safety of the material from which the jug itself is made. Therefore, when choosing a brand of filter from which you plan to give water to your child, pay attention to the BPA free icon (it can be seen on the packaging). The certified food-grade plastic of these jugs does not release any substances into the water during any shelf life. For example, Aquaphor jugs have such a mark. The new product, Aquaphor Provence A5, is made of special eco-friendly polymer glass that is difficult to break, unlike conventional plastics. If the child manages to drop it, the jug will not break into pieces with sharp cutting edges, but will become covered with cracks, like a car windshield.

1. The first months of a baby’s life are the most hectic for parents, who try with all their might to follow child care advice as closely as possible, including the requirements for maximum safety . In Barrier and Geyser filters, modules are screwed into the filter receiving funnel. This type of fastening leaves room for untreated water to seep through the spiral thread channels. Greater safety is provided by the butt fastening of the filter module (as they say, “in the lap”). It ensures that dirty water does not enter purified water. This type of fastening is used in Aquaphor modules.

1. the dimensions of the sorbent carbon in the filter instructions or on the manufacturers’ website . Why is it important? The smaller the size of the sorbent particles, the better the water is filtered. The Geyser and the barrier have a coal particle size in the range of 0.6-0.7 microns. Aquaphor has 0.4 microns.

1. The Geyser and Barrier jugs use a classic mixture of activated carbon and ion exchange resin. Passing through such a mixture, water can push these particles apart and form channels through which it flows quickly, but is less cleaned. In Aquaphor, the filter mixture is firmly held in place by special Aqualen fibers. These fibers do not allow water to break through channels, but also additionally remove heavy metals. You can clearly see the difference if you cut the modules and pour out the contents. (Be careful! Do not conduct this experiment if you do not know how to handle cutting objects or are not confident in your abilities. Never open the modules in the presence of a child!) At Geyser and Barrier, the mixture will look like a sand slide. Aquaphor will create a dense cake.

1. Mom has a lot of worries, she has no time to wait. Therefore, an important indicator is the filtration speed. For Geyser and Barrier filters, the filtration rate is 0.2 l/min, for Aquaphor - 0.5 l/min.

1. Aquaphor, Barrier and Geyser filters are equipped with mechanical module replacement counters. For Barrier and Geyser, the calendar time of module use is taken into account. Aquaphor's counter counts liters of filtered water.

What you need to prepare before swimming

When faced with bathing a child for the first time, parents wonder what needs to be prepared and what items to use. In the first weeks of life, you should definitely boil water for bathing your newborn baby. To begin, prepare:

• Baby bath. Currently, only plastic containers are used. It is easy to clean, durable and very light. It is used only for bathing a child and is under no circumstances used on the farm. It is better to avoid using galvanized iron baths. You can also bathe your baby in a large bathtub, but before doing so, wash it well with special products (soda, baby soap).
• Thermometer. It is not necessary to use an ultra-precise thermometer; it is enough to purchase an indicator that changes color if the water has cooled.
• A container of clean water, which is useful for washing the child’s face.
• A washcloth. It should be made from natural materials that are not afraid of high temperatures and boiling. Experts do not recommend using a sponge, as it may contain microbes, and it should not be boiled.

• Towels. You can use them in different sizes, the large one will be intended for the body, and the small one will be exclusively for wiping the face.
• Shampoo and soap. Only specialized detergents are used to wash the baby. Some of them are designed for both hair and body cleansing.
• Cotton swabs, sticks for cleaning the navel, ears, nose.
• Clothes for the child after bathing. It must be fully consistent with the season and room temperature. Avoid wrapping your newborn too tightly.
• Children's cosmetics. Special body cream, oils and powder.
• Children's cosmetic tools: scissors with rounded ends and a nail file.

All of the above items should be located near the bathing area or on the changing table.

Let's summarize some points that can be used when choosing a jug filter:

Baby bath water

Pediatricians do not prohibit the use of tap water for bathing. However, it should not contain large amounts of chlorine and have a sharp, unpleasant odor. For better cleaning, you can use sea salt.

If a mother is very concerned about the question of whether it is necessary to boil water for bathing a newborn, then experts answer that this is necessary if the water from the tap is dirty, rusty and has many impurities. You should monitor the temperature very carefully, as the water cools quickly and requires constant dilution.

Experienced parents and users of pitcher filters advise:

• Do not forget to change filter modules on time.
• Give your child only fresh, filtered water.
• Choose replacement modules in accordance with the characteristics of tap water in the region where you will use them: hard water, soft water, ferrous water, etc. Pay attention to additional properties that are important for children. For example, mother-of-pearl dolomite has been added to the Aquaphor A5 module, enriching the water with magnesium. This valuable microelement will help the child’s body strengthen blood vessels and bone tissue.

Ideally, it is advisable to worry about choosing a system for water purification even before childbirth, and better yet, during pregnancy planning, since the lifestyle of future parents largely influences the conception and formation of the fetus. Taking care of your child's health is much cheaper than the money saved on buying a filter and replacing the module.

As the child grows up, he begins to imitate his loved ones. It is good practice to consume clean water for the whole family. When mom and dad drink high-quality water, the growing child will do the same, which will help him avoid many health problems in the future.

* Results of Roskontrol’s examination within the framework of the quality control program, published on the organization’s website on August 29, 2016.

Different views on the meaning of bathing for a child

Bathing a baby has nothing to do with hygiene, even though water plays a major role in these two processes. They wash the baby to make it cleaner. To do this, you need warm running water or special wet wipes, baby soap and just a few minutes.

But bathing is a process that requires more time and creativity. Parents bathe their child in order to:

• give him pleasure and return psychological comfort (after all, not so long ago the baby swam in the womb);
• provide him with minimal physical activity;
• promote the development of tactile, communication and emotional skills in a newborn;
• improve digestive processes and awaken appetite;
• contribute to hardening and disease prevention.

But whether it is necessary to boil water for bathing a newborn, each parent will have to decide for themselves.

How is the drinking product produced?

Water is obtained from an artesian well protected by layers of Jurassic clay and limestone. Artesian springs do not participate in the natural cycle, and therefore are not contaminated with bacteria.

After drilling, the well is concreted to prevent precipitation from entering.

The tightness is controlled by an electronic system. The drink is bottled at a factory far from the sanitary protection zone .

The flow from the well enters a reverse osmosis filter, where it is purified to a set value of impurities. At the next stage, the liquid is enriched with fluorine and iodine.

On another line, the machine blows PET bottles and transfers them along a conveyor to the bottling unit. After rinsing, the machine fills the container with water and screws on the lid. Next, the product goes to the labeling line, then to packaging. Having received the barcode, the products are sent to the warehouse.

Hydrogen water for children

Hydrogen water is water specially enriched with hydrogen. She has long gained popularity abroad. So, in America, Europe, Japan, literally every third family drinks it, both adults and children, and they even call this liquid living water. Its peculiarity is in its composition; this water is saturated with unrelated hydrogen molecules. What effect does molecular hydrogen have on humans? It counteracts oxidants, which are known to be detrimental to health and can cause inflammation in the body.

This is interesting!

“9 ways and 6 tips on how to strengthen your immune system” Read more

Hydrogen water is very useful for children, and doctors recommend giving it to a child to drink literally every day, and here’s why it’s good:

• for children under three years of age (when the immune system is not yet fully operational), such water can replace immune medications, plus children who drink hydrogen water get sick less often;
• the body becomes less susceptible to infections and fights more actively if the disease does occur;
• during the cold season, the risk of contracting acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections decreases;
• Regular consumption of hydrogen water promotes greater activity and development (both physical and intellectual).
• schoolchildren find it easier to study, this is especially important, again, in winter, when daylight hours become shorter;
• During adolescence, the process of puberty occurs more calmly. Hydrogen water has a beneficial effect on the endocrine system, making young people feel more balanced and less prone to eccentric, unpredictable reactions;
• The physical health of children who regularly drink hydrogen water improves noticeably.

The great value of hydrogen water is that it contains many antioxidants that are so necessary for humans. Of course, some of them must enter the child’s body with food, but taking into account hydrogen water, the body receives even more of them, and this is an undeniable plus.

Hydrogen water for children

The molecular hydrogen contained in this water strengthens children's antioxidant system. The process of reducing radicals with reactive oxygen starts, which slows down oxidative processes in the tissues and cells of the body. Thus, hydrogen water for children is a life-giving liquid for all organs, increasing enzyme activity and allowing cells to generate more energy.

The recommended daily intake of plain water is 30 ml per 1 kg. For hydrogen water - the same. It is best to drink it on an empty stomach, half an hour before meals, or half an hour after. It is also great for external use (for example, for washing and rinsing hair). Molecular hydrogen helps beneficial components penetrate the skin more actively, due to which its hydration improves six times.

You can saturate ordinary water with hydrogen molecules yourself, at home. For example, use an alkaline ionizer or a hydrogen generator for this.

First, plain water must be passed through any filter used in everyday life. Or take bottled water (only without gases). It takes literally minutes to make hydrogen water.

To date, no contraindications or harmful factors from hydrogen water have been identified (neither for children nor for adults). Hydrogen is an integral element of all human systems and organs. The properties and principles of action of this element are such that it helps to normalize metabolic processes and strengthen the immune system. In addition, it prevents the destruction of DNA and generally triggers the restoration of the body from the inside, at the cellular level.

Restrictions that are important for parents to know about

For drinking or cooking?

Experts divide baby water into two types - for cooking and for drinking. It's all about the composition, which you should pay attention to before use: mixtures, as a rule, are already balanced in microelements and minerals, so it is important not to upset this useful balance. When you use bottled water, you have to rely on the honesty of the manufacturer, who indicates the standard mineral composition (200-300 mg/l). It is wiser to use drinking water that has been treated in a household filter for preparing baby food. It will be much softer and safer for your child's health. The microelement composition recommended by experts that water for infant formula should have is only 64-107 mg/l.

Every age has its own water

Here the question also lies in the composition of the water: the same concentration of trace elements and minerals is suitable for a 5-year-old child, but completely unacceptable for a 6-month-old baby. For the same reason, medicinal and therapeutic-and-prophylactic water containing a high level of salts is excluded from the children's diet. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers indicate age restrictions on the label. If there is no clear information on the packaging, it is better not to purchase such water. Here BARRIER children's filters will come to your aid, which are conventionally divided into categories “0+” and “4+”. This way, you can choose a water purifier to prepare formula for a baby from 3 months or a child 4 years of age and older.

Do I need to boil water for bathing a newborn?

Just a few years ago there was a strong opinion that you can only bathe a child in boiled water and a special bath. But today experts are sure that:

• Too much time will pass before the start of swimming, the water will have time to cool down, and this can have a detrimental effect on the child’s health;
• a large bathtub can give the child more opportunities for movement and maneuvers; in turn, active movement in the water helps strengthen muscles and the cardiovascular system.

It is necessary to boil water only if the umbilical wound has not yet healed. Pediatricians note that it is not covered with epithelium, so it needs constant treatment. When the wound has healed, the baby can be bathed in regular running water and in a large bathtub.

Artificial or mixed feeding

There is a difference between formula baby food and breast milk. The protein content in infant formula is higher than in mother's milk. Therefore, the artificial baby needs to be given additional water. If the body does not have enough fluid, especially when the mixture is very rich, the baby may suffer from constipation. Water helps the intestines to empty and has a positive effect on the well-being of the little one.

It is necessary to introduce water into baby food during mixed or artificial feeding earlier than when feeding with mother's milk. The temperature of drinking water should be lower than that used for preparing formulas: +26...+30 °C in the first two months of life, and for older children - approximately +20 °C.

Artificial or mixed feeding

Doctors are unanimous in their opinion that with the introduction of complementary foods, water becomes an important component of a baby’s nutrition. If the child is not used to drinking water, but received liquid only with milk, then at first he will refuse it.

"Children's" mineral water of other brands

1. Agushi's direct competitor is FrutoNyanya. Artesian water of this brand is produced by Progress JSC in the Lipetsk region. The brand is recognized by the pink cap of the bottles 0.33; 1.5 and 5 l. Laboratory tests of FrutoNyanya 2021 revealed an excess of mercury standards. In addition, when heated, an odor appeared, which indicates contamination of the liquid or low-quality container.
2. The spring product from Hipp is made in Austria and is suitable for preparing mixtures. Available in volumes of 0.25 and 1.5 liters. A 2014 examination showed that the amount of fluorine in Hipp was less than 0.1 mg/l, and potassium was 0.4 mg/l, instead of the minimum 2 mg/l.
3. Drinking water “Holy Spring “Firefly” is produced in Kostroma. The drink is available in 1.5 and 5 liter containers and is suitable for diluting the mixture. Roskontrol did not reveal any violations in the composition of Svetlyach.

Does a small child need water?

Mother's milk, which acts as food and drink, contains 90% water, which ensures the correct balance of fluid entering the baby's body. It contains all the necessary enzymes that help the child’s digestion. Depending on the situation, the mother’s body adapts to the needs of the child, and accordingly, the composition of the milk changes. If the baby asks for the breast more often than usual, it means that his body does not have enough fluid. Then he receives unsaturated foremilk, with the help of which thirst is quenched and electrolyte balance is restored.

Knowing this, you might think that water is not needed to feed newborn babies, but this is not true. There are situations in which baby water must be present in the baby’s diet. It is better to follow your doctor's recommendations in this matter.

How to give water to babies correctly

But starting from 4 months, children can drink water without any problems. There is no need to worry about anything, this will not lead to exhaustion or refusal of mother's milk, as is often said. There are no contraindications for drinking liquid if the baby does it with pleasure. But its deficiency can be harmful for the child. Infants have a high metabolic rate and fluid loss is significant.

Parents need to understand how much water and with what regularity can be given to newborns, as well as how much fluid the child’s body needs.