What Is Better for Infant Formula, Tap or Bottled Water?
Generally speaking, either tap or bottled water can be used when preparing infant formula. To ease any concerns about using one or the other, consider the following: • When using cold tap water, bring it to a boil for one to two minutes, or as directed on the label of the infant formula, and let it cool before mixing with the formula (this applies to using bottled water as well). • If using tap water, let the water run for a few minutes if you have not used the faucet for more than several hours — this helps reduce the amount of lead and contaminants. Proceed to boil and let cool down. • When using tap water, contact your local water utility to check the fluoride level. Consistently using fluoridated tap water may result in fluorosis — a cosmetic issue that creates white spotting or streaks on both baby and permanent teeth. Be aware that boiling water with high levels of fluoride concentrates it, in which case using distilled bottled water is an alternative. • You can decrease your b
