Ask Our Expert - Giving Distilled Water to a 13-Month-Old

November 22, 2009

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Ask Mary Silva Giving Distilled Water to a 13-Month-Old

QUESTION


Dear Ms. Silva, Hello. Is it safe to give a child distilled water? My son is 13 months old, and my husband and I plan to take a trip with him. We plan to buy a few bottles of distilled water from the supermarket to take with us. Since my son normally consumes about 15 ounces of water per day, would this much distilled water upset his physiological mineral/nutrient balance? Thank you very much and congratulations on a wonderful site. — Yolanda

ANSWER	March 22, 2001


Dear Yolanda, Distilled water is the product of the steam that comes off boiled municipal water. Most contaminants are eliminated during processing. It is considered safe when traveling in areas without a safe water supply (not to mention convenient) to carry bottles of distilled water when traveling in a car. Most thirteen month old children need about thirty four ounces of fluid a day; this includes milk, water, juice, and any other beverages or foods that are mostly water, like soup. Like adults, children need more fluids in hot weather or if they have a fever. — by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D.

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