11mth old - When can you stop using cooled boiled water?

[gemma (jakes_mummy)]

Hi there,

My LO is 11mths old this week and we're still using cooled boiled water for his milk/water drinks. I was just wondering when it's okay to stop doing this and just start using normal tap water?

Thanks
gemma

[Seona1973]

Tap water is fine as a drink from 6 months (in the UK). Water should be boiled for formula as it needs to be hot enough to kill the bacteria present in the formula milk.

[Shiv52]

6 months...i checked with my HV (in UK too) and she said that is current recommendation for drinks. 

Always boiling water for formula!

[Mashi]

I'm also in the UK and my HV says that current recommendations are until 1 year old!   Could be the area and the water quality? I'm in the NW.

[Shiv52]

Typical that HVs disagree! Its also in the yellow weaning booklet they sent us out (it covers all of northern ireland-not sure about rest of uk) and I imagine water quality here varies alot.  I continued boiling water until about 8m months then did half and half up to  a year but its upto yourself.  Maybe check with HV to see what recommendation is for your area.  Am going to check with mine again but i imagine i'll get a different answer!

[Seona1973]

The UK food standards agency says this (and it would cover the whole of the uk):

For babies under six months old, take water from the mains tap in the kitchen and boil it. Remember to allow the water to cool before giving it to your baby.

The UK babycentre website also says this:

Tap water should be boiled for babies up to six months of age. After that it can be offered straight from the mains supply. If you wish to use a filter that is your personal choice, but do follow the filter manufacturer's instructions and keep filtered water in the fridge, as the filtering process removes some of the additives, such as chlorine, used to keep tap water fresh

[gemma (jakes_mummy)]

Thats great thanks guys, i couldn't find any info in any of my booklets etc!!! Typical.