[Archived] Health Department Warns Parents About the Dangers of Diluting Infant Formula

A recent news report about an infant becoming ill from consuming diluted infant formula should serve as a warning to parents that doing so is unsafe and could pose considerable health risk to your baby.

The Virginia Department of Health and the Alexandria Health Department are reminding parents to follow the manufacturer's directions when preparing their baby's infant formula and NOT add extra water.  Babies who drink diluted formula can suffer from "water intoxication," whereby the baby's blood sodium levels become diluted, which can lead to seizures and possible death.  Drinking watered-down formula also prevents your baby from receiving all of the nutritional benefits they need for growth and development.

Parents are urged to contact the Alexandria Health Department's WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program to inquire about their Special Supplemental Nutrition Program.  Please call (703) 838-4400 ext. 332, 216, or 202.