However, if your water comes from a private well or a system that serves fewer than 25 people or has fewer than 15 service connections, it is not covered by these standards. The safety of the water from these sources is your responsibility. L. A laboratory report may use either one. If the problem is not dealt with immediately, the baby can die. This problem occurs because human infants have bacteria in their digestive systems that convert nitrate to nitrite, a very toxic substance.
Babies consume large quantities of water in relation to their body weight.
This is especially true when water is used to mix powdered or concentrated formulas or juices. Some feeding practices will minimize the intake of nitrate and nitrite. Breast-feeding reduces risk, because little if any nitrate gets into breast milk. Formula that does not need to be diluted or formula mixed with low-nitrate water is also safe. Feed vegetables only as advised by your physician, because some of them are high in nitrates.