If you are travelling abroad with a baby, boiled tap water in most parts of Europe and North America are considered safe for making a baby's feed. However, be aware that a change in the water can still cause tummy upsets due to the difference in mineral content and chemicals used in the purifying process.
Outside Europe and North America, it is safer to use bottled water but the mineral content must be checked first, so do look at the label carefully. The water should be still, not sparkling. Good examples of suitable waters are Evian or Volvic, which are available all over the world from Andorra to the West Indies and are easily digestible.
When using bottled water to make up a feed, make sure the seal is still intact. Boil the water in a kettle in exactly the way you would boil tap water at home, wash and sterilise your feeding equipment as usual. Large bottles of mineral water should be stored in a fridge after opening. For convenience, you may prefer to use smaller bottles of mineral water when travelling from place to place.
Rather than taking your bottle sterilising unit abroad, it's easier to take a large, clean container with a lid and use handy cold water sterilising tablets. Alternatively, if you know you will have a microwave in your accommodation, a compact microwave steam steriliser with a clip-on lid is perfect for travelling.
If you don't have much access to sterilising equipment, or indeed a microwave, it may be best to use disposable pre-sterilised bottle liners and sterile packs of teats. If you shop around, you can buy pre-sterilised disposable single-use bottles but these could work out a bit pricey. Some companies even sell a disposable travel kit which has all the bottle-feeding equipment you need for two weeks in one small box, which doubles up as a cold sterilising unit for the teats and bottle caps. Another innovation is a pack of disposable steriliser bags and sterilising tablets, each bag holding and sterilising one feeding bottle at a time.
If you are out and about for the day, milk powder can be carried in a special sterile dispenser so that feeds can be made up fresh, with just-boiled water that ideally should not be allowed to cool below 70 degrees C.
For extra convenience, ready-to-feed milks are available in cartons, so you do not have to carry bulky tins of powdered milk away with you. Although more expensive, this cuts down on the amount of work you have to do and means you can be sure of good hygiene in the absence of adequate facilities.
Reviewed March 2006
The information above is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.
