Water

[Smellen]

A simple question:
Am I right in thinking that after 6 months, you don't have to boil UK tap water before giving it to a baby?

I don't think that's the case as you are still meant to sterilise everything until 1yr, and our tap water is far from sterile! I still give ds bolied at 9m.

think you're right smellen...

you actually don't have to sterilise at all either, in fact a lot of professionals are now recommending NOT sterilising.

It all comes down to common sense really. When ds started rolling on the floor and grabbing the dog, I didn't see the point in being ott, weaned him off sterilising soon after, now only do the breast pump and bottle. Warm milk is quite a breeding ground for bacteria imo. Want him to build up a sensible immunity.

so why give boiled water?

\link{http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/childrenshealth/203080.html\snippet of info}

Who me? Because last night his bath was browner than my tea, our water is bad for that. We're in the back of beyond and have a bad mains. For the mo anyway.

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.

Ta. Seems quite directed at me! I rinse things under the tap, he eats food that has been dropped, I'm so not ott but as I say our water aint good.

no, just general info for smellen!

can understand boiling if you have manky tap water thoug

Thanks! Have always been scrupulous about sterilising anything used to contain milk, but started weaning at 19 weeks, and didn't sterilise spoons or utensils - just washed them in hot soapy water and usually rinsed them under a freshly boiled kettle before use. So far, DS has been fine .

I'd imagined the main route for infection would be from his hands, as he seems to have found his tinkle during nappy changes, but also likes to shove his hands in his gob (especially if there is a nice bit of veggie mush to rub around his face!), so have to make sure I wash his hands very carefully before putting him in the high-chair!