Preparing Baby Formula
Q. Can I use warm or hot water from the tap to make my baby’s formula? Cassie, Dallas, Texas A. Since few babies like cold baby formula and you do usually have that extra step of warming the formula after you make it, using warm or hot water to start with from the tap does seem like it could save an extra step. You shouldn’t do it though. Instead, follow the directions on your baby’s formula package and if using tap water, start with cold tap water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you should “never cook or mix infant formula using hot water from the tap.” What’s wrong with hot tap water? Many homes have plumbing with lead or lead solder and hot water can concentrate the lead. Running the water for 15 to 30 seconds and only using cold water can help reduce your baby’s exposure to lead from tap water. Boiling the water doesn’t get rid of the lead either. Many home water filters, including pitcher and faucet filters, do remove lead from drinking water though.
