Around 6 months of age, when your baby starts to eat foods, offer her a small amount of water at a time in a cup. Otherwise, a baby who is breastfed or formula-fed generally does not need to drink water.
All water given to babies under 4 months old must be boiled no matter where it comes from, whether a municipal system, private well, bulk container, or bottle.
Some micro-organisms that are harmless to adults can cause diarrhea or other illnesses in young children. That’s why the water you give your infant, whether in a cup or mixed in formula or purées, must always be good quality. Plus, it must not contain high levels of mineral salts.
Before using tap water for consumption, let it run until the water gets cold, then let it continue to run for a minute or two. This gets rid of any accumulated lead or copper, as well as certain bacteria that are sometimes found in pipes.
You can use water from a private well (surface or artesian well) as long as recent tests show that it meets quality standards. If it is a new well, the water should be tested for chemicals and bacteria by a lab accredited by Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements…
Only two types of bottled water are suitable for your baby: spring water and non-mineralized treated water.
If you drink bulk-packaged water, be sure to get it from a recognized or reliable location (e.g., a grocery store). To reduce the risk of contamination, the containers you use to collect bulk water should be washed in hot soapy water and rinsed well. In addition, be sure to follow the…
If you use a water cooler, be sure to clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, be sure to keep the cooler spout very clean, as it can be easily soiled by children or adults with dirty hands or by pets.
Some people use home water treatment devices to make water potable or improve its aesthetic quality (taste, odour, colour). These devices must be certified. They must also be used and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s best not to give water treated with these…
If you are connected to a municipal water supply, contact the municipality or waterworks operator. If you are connected to a private well, contact your local municipality, a local well specialist, or a laboratory accredited by Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements……
Government of Quebec
Government of Quebec