Is fluoride in water safe for my child?

Yes. The American Dental Association (ADA) continues to support water fluoridation at the optimal range of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (ppm), as determined by the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). According to the ADA, infant formula can be mixed with water that is fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride. Babies less than one year old need less fluoride than everyone else. That’s why Nursery® Water has a fluoride level of 0.7 ppm or less.

Other sources that contain fluoride, according to the ADA, are fluoride toothpaste, fluoride mouth rinse, doctor prescribed fluoride dietary supplements, or naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water.

What is the purpose of adding fluoride to distilled drinking water?

The primary purpose in adding fluoride to distilled drinking water is to help strengthen teeth. Nursery® Water is purified water that is steam distilled for purity. Drinking water with added fluoride in the proper amounts has been shown to be so effective that the ADA supports municipal water fluoridation and refers to this as the single most effective measure to prevent tooth decay. This has also been endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, labeling municipal water fluoridation as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. 1

1 http://www.fluorideinfo.org/kids_effectiveness.html

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Your Baby's Skin

Nothing is as soft and silky as a baby’s skin, but it can also be very sensitive, especially for the first few months. Soaps, detergents, perfumes, sun exposure, frequent baths and the chemicals in new clothes can all cause irritation and dryness.
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Share and Share Alike

It’s normal for toddlers to resist sharing, but you can help your little one see the benefits. Teach her games or puzzles where everyone works together toward a common goal. Encourage taking turns so she learns sharing isn’t the same as giving things away. Before play dates, put away toys she’d rather not share and bring out those they can play with together. Set an example by offering to share your snack or magazine. Use positive reinforcement rather than punishment to avoid feelings of resentment. Eventually, she’ll learn sharing is more fun than keeping things to herself.

Source: “How to Teach Your Preschooler to Share,” by Karen Miles, www.parentcenter.babycenter.com, accessed August 13, 2007

Have a Happy Haircut

A trip to the hairdresser or barber can be traumatic for a toddler. Ease the way by making it part of a fun day that includes lunch and a movie or playtime at the park. Schedule the appointment at a time she’ll be fed, happy and alert. If she's afraid it will hurt, snip a piece of your own hair or let her watch someone get a haircut while waiting her turn. Bring along a favorite toy or doll to preoccupy her while she’s in the chair.

Source: “Teach Your Kids Listening Skills (the Real ABC's),” by Jodie Lynn, www.family.go.com, accessed October 15, 2007.