Baby & infant guide
Best Water for Infants
Babies are far more sensitive than adults to minerals, sodium, fluoride and microbial contamination in drinking water. This guide explains which water is safest, when sterilization matters, and how to prepare formula correctly.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical, pediatric or nutrition advice. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance on water for infants, formula preparation and any water choices related to a medical condition. For infants under 6 months, consult a healthcare provider before switching water sources.
What water is safest for infants?
The safest water for infants is sterile, low in fluoride, low in sodium and low in total dissolved solids. Sterilized nursery water meets all four criteria. Distilled water and low-TDS purified water are also widely recommended once sterilized by boiling.
Is bottled water sterile?
Most bottled water is not sterile. Only products explicitly labeled "sterile" or "sterilized" (such as nursery water) have been heat-treated to destroy microorganisms. For infants under 3 months, boil any non-sterile water for at least 1 minute and cool before use.
Is spring water okay for babies?
Occasional use of low-mineral spring water (Deer Park, Poland Spring, Crystal Geyser) is generally fine for older infants, but spring water is not the first choice for daily formula because mineral and fluoride content varies by source. High-mineral spring or mineral waters such as Gerolsteiner or San Pellegrino are not appropriate for infants.
Should you use distilled water?
Distilled water is a popular default for formula prep because it has near-zero minerals and near-zero fluoride. It is safe long-term when mixed with infant formula, which provides the minerals your baby needs. Don't give plain distilled water to a baby to drink on its own in large quantities.
Fluoride considerations
The American Dental Association recommends rotating in low-fluoride water (under 0.3 mg/L) for formula-fed infants to reduce dental fluorosis risk. The FDA limits added fluoride in bottled water to 0.7 mg/L, but naturally occurring fluoride can be higher. Distilled, purified and nursery water are all low-fluoride choices.
Formula preparation safety
- Wash hands and sterilize bottles before each preparation.
- Boil non-sterile water for 1 minute (3 at altitude); cool to body temperature.
- Add water first, then powder, in the ratio specified on the formula tin.
- Use prepared formula within 1 hour at room temperature or 24 hours refrigerated.
- Discard any formula left in the bottle after a feeding.
Frequently asked questions
What water can newborns drink?
Newborns should not drink plain water at all. Water is only used for mixing formula until around 6 months, and should be sterile or boiled and cooled.
Is tap water safe for infants?
In most regulated municipal systems, yes — but boil it for infants under 3 months and check your local fluoride level. If above 0.7 mg/L, rotate in low-fluoride bottled water.
Can babies drink mineral water?
No. High-mineral waters like Gerolsteiner, San Pellegrino or Vichy contain too much sodium and other minerals for infant kidneys.
How long can boiled water be stored for formula?
Boiled and cooled water can be stored in a sterilized, sealed container for up to 24 hours at room temperature or 3 days refrigerated.
Does the FDA regulate fluoride in bottled water?
Yes. The FDA caps added fluoride at 0.7 mg/L in bottled water. Brands labeled for infants are typically fluoride-free.
Instant PDF. Every major brand ranked by pH, minerals, source and taste.
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