When you’re caring for a baby—especially if you’re formula-feeding or traveling—it’s completely normal to wonder: “Can babies drink purified bottled water?” You’ll hear a lot of mixed advice online, and many articles only talk about formula mixing instead of actual drinking.

This guide gives you the complete answer:
✓ Whether babies can drink purified bottled water
✓ Whether it’s safe for formula
✓ Fluoride facts
✓ Tap vs bottled comparisons
✓ What labels really mean
✓ When purified bottled water is the better choice

Everything is broken down by age, which is the part most articles skip—but makes all the difference.

The Short Answer: When Can Babies Drink Purified Bottled Water?

Here’s the quick breakdown:

0–6 months: NO — babies should not drink any plain water.

But purified bottled water can be used to prepare formula as long as it’s from a reputable, safe source.

6–12 months: YES — small amounts (4–8 oz/day)

Purified bottled water is okay in a cup once solids start, alongside breast milk or formula.

12+ months: YES — plain water becomes their main drink

Purified bottled water is safe, but fluoridated tap water is still recommended for long-term dental health.

Now let’s break down why these guidelines exist.

What Exactly Is Purified Bottled Water?

Not all bottled water is the same, and the label can be confusing.

Purified water is water that’s been processed through systems like:

Reverse osmosis
Deionization
Demineralization
Distillation

These processes remove:

Salts
Minerals
Bacteria
Contaminants
Most fluoride

Purified vs Distilled vs Spring vs Mineral Water

Purified water
– Very low mineral content
– Usually no fluoride
– Safe for formula and drinking at the appropriate age

Distilled water
– A type of purified water boiled, collected as vapor, then condensed
– Zero minerals
– Often recommended for formula preparation

Spring water
– Natural source
– May contain varying minerals
– Safe if it meets federal bottled water regulations

Mineral water
– NOT recommended for babies
– Too high in sodium and minerals for immature kidneys

“Baby water” or “Nursery water”

Often just purified or distilled water with optional added fluoride.
Safe, but not necessary—it’s mostly marketing.

When Can Babies Have Any Water at All?

This is where most parent confusion comes from.

0–6 Months: Absolutely No Plain Water

Why?

It fills their tiny stomachs without nutrition
Can cause water intoxication (dangerous sodium dilution)
Breast milk and formula already provide the perfect fluid balance

The ONLY exception:
Using water to prepare formula exactly per instructions (not as a drink).

6–12 Months: Yes, Small Sips Are Okay

Once solid foods begin, babies can have:
✔ 4–8 ounces (½–1 cup) of plain water per day
✔ Offered in a cup or straw cup
✔ As a complement to breast milk/formula—not a replacement

Purified bottled water is safe to offer in this age range.

12+ Months: Water Becomes Their Main Drink

Toddlers can drink purified bottled water safely, but keep in mind:

Most pediatric dentists prefer fluoridated water
If your baby only drinks purified water long-term, they may receive little or no fluoride

You don’t need to switch completely—but mixing in some fluoridated tap water is beneficial.

Using Purified Bottled Water for Baby Formula

This is the most common reason parents ask the question.

Is purified bottled water safe for formula?

Yes. Reputable bottled water that meets safety standards is safe for:

Mixing powdered infant formula
Travel situations
Areas with questionable tap water

Fluoride in formula preparation

A key detail:
Purified/distilled/deionized bottled water usually contains little to no fluoride.

Why this matters:

Babies who drink only formula mixed with fluoridated tap water may have a slightly higher risk of mild fluorosis (cosmetic white spots on teeth).
Purified bottled water helps lower this risk.

Using both (tap sometimes, purified sometimes) offers a healthy balance.

Do you need to boil bottled water?

You may need to boil water for newborn formula if:

Your pediatrician recommends it
Your baby is premature or immunocompromised
You live somewhere bottled water regulations are inconsistent
You’re unsure of the water source

For healthy, full-term infants in countries with strict bottled water regulations, boiling isn’t always necessary—but always follow your pediatrician’s guidance.

Can Babies Drink Purified Bottled Water Plain? (Detailed Age Breakdown)

0–6 Months: No

Purified bottled water may be used for formula, but babies should not drink it plain.

6–12 Months: Yes, in Moderation

Purified bottled water is safe to drink during meals or after solids, but breast milk and formula remain the primary source of nutrition.

12+ Months: Yes

Purified bottled water is safe, but don’t rely on it exclusively because your child may not get enough fluoride for their teeth.

Fluoride: One of the Most Important Factors Parents Overlook

Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.

Purified & distilled bottled water usually:

Contains little to no fluoride
Does not support cavity prevention long-term

Fluoridated tap water usually:

Contains the optimal fluoride level
Helps prevent early childhood cavities

So what’s the best balance?

Use purified bottled water as needed (formula, travel, preference)
Use fluoridated tap water when safe, especially after 12 months
Ask your dentist/pediatrician if fluoride supplements are needed

You’ll rarely find this explained clearly in competing articles.

How to Read Bottled Water Labels for Baby Safety

Most parents have no idea what to look for—this is where your article will stand out.

Look for:

“Purified,” “Distilled,” “Deionized,” or “RO”
Sodium levels (should be low)
Fluoride line (with or without added fluoride)
Certification that it meets federal bottled water standards

Avoid:

Mineral water (too high in sodium/minerals)
Sparkling water
Flavored or sweetened waters
Waters with high total dissolved solids (TDS)

Do you need “baby water”?

No—safe tap water or purified bottled water works just as well.

Purified Bottled vs Distilled vs Tap: Which Is Best?

Purified bottled water

Great for:

Formula mixing
Travel
Households with questionable tap water
Reducing fluorosis risk in babies exclusively formula-fed

Distilled water

Similar benefits, especially for formula because it’s ultra-pure.

Tap water

Best for:

Daily drinking after 12 months
Fluoride intake
Cost savings
Lower environmental impact (no plastic waste)

What about mineral water?

Skip it. Babies don’t need the extra mineral load.

When Purified Bottled Water Is Especially Helpful

You may want to rely on purified bottled water if:

✔ Your home uses untested well water
✔ Your tap water has high nitrates
✔ You’re under a boil advisory
✔ You’re traveling to a region with questionable tap water
✔ Your baby has special medical circumstances
✔ You want to reduce fluorosis risk during infancy

Environmental & Cost Considerations (Most Articles Ignore This)

Purified bottled water is:

Safe
Convenient

But:

Long-term use is expensive
Plastic waste adds up
Tap water + a certified filter is cheaper and more eco-friendly

Use bottled when needed; use filtered tap when you can.

Age-by-Age Quick Reference Chart

0–6 months

No plain water
Purified/distilled okay for formula prep

6–12 months

4–8 oz/day plain water
Purified bottled is okay
Fluoride from tap is still beneficial

12+ months

Water becomes main drink
Mix purified bottled + fluoridated tap for best balance

FAQs

Can babies drink purified bottled water at 6 months?

Yes—in moderation (4–8 oz/day) once solids start.

Is purified bottled water safe for making baby formula?

Yes. It’s considered safe if the water comes from a reputable, regulated source.

Does purified bottled water need to be boiled?

Sometimes. Follow pediatric or local health recommendations.

Is purified bottled water better than tap water?

It depends. Tap is best for fluoride; purified bottled is good for formula or when tap is questionable.

Will my baby miss out on fluoride if they only drink purified bottled water?

Possibly. After 12 months, balance purified water with fluoridated tap water.

Final Thoughts

Purified bottled water is a safe, practical option for babies—when used at the right age and for the right reasons.
For formula-fed babies, it may even help balance fluoride intake. For toddlers, it’s perfectly fine as long as they also receive some fluoride from other sources.

As long as you follow age-based guidelines and read labels carefully, purified bottled water can fit seamlessly into your baby’s feeding routine.

Can Babies Drink Purified Bottled Water?