When storing water for your baby, especially boiled water used for formula preparation or for young infants, it's crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure safety. Boiled water for babies should be stored correctly to prevent bacterial growth.
Why Store Boiled Water for Babies?
Before they are 4 months old, or when using formula, boiling water and storing it is often recommended to kill any potential bacteria or contaminants present in tap water. Storing this boiled water properly maintains its safety until it's needed.
Storing Boiled Water Safely
According to guidelines, boiled water for babies needs careful handling after cooling. It must be kept in specific conditions depending on how long you plan to store it.
Here's how to store boiled water:
- Container: Always use sterilized, properly sealed containers. Sterilization ensures the container itself doesn't introduce contaminants to the cooled, boiled water. A proper seal prevents airborne particles or bacteria from entering.
- Storage Options:
- In the Refrigerator: Boiled water stored in a sterilized, properly sealed container can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- At Room Temperature: If stored at room temperature, it must be kept in a sterilized, properly sealed container and out of direct sunlight. In this case, it should be used within 24 hours.
| Storage Location | Container Type | Maximum Storage Duration | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Sterilized, Properly Sealed | 3 days | Kept cold |
| Room Temperature | Sterilized, Properly Sealed | 24 hours | Out of direct sunlight |
Key Tips for Baby Water Storage
- Always let boiled water cool down before storing it in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Ensure containers are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before each use.
- Label containers with the date the water was boiled and stored to easily track its age.
- Once the storage time limit is reached, discard any unused water.
When Can Babies Drink Unboiled Water?
An important point to note is that the need to boil water for drinking or formula preparation changes as your baby grows. From 4 months on, your baby can drink unboiled water. This simplifies water storage considerably, as regular potable tap water can be given directly or stored in a clean container for a shorter period for immediate use, similar to adult drinking water.
