If you’re a new parent, you’re probably obsessing over every little detail when it comes to your baby’s health—because let’s be real, keeping a tiny human safe is no small task! One of the biggest concerns parents face is what kind of water to use for baby formula. You might be wondering, Can I just use bottled water? Is it safe? Does it need to be boiled?

I totally get it—when my sister had her first baby, I remember her standing in the baby aisle at the store, staring at the shelves of formula and water, completely overwhelmed. She called me, asking, Do I need special water for this? It’s a question so many parents ask, and today, we’re breaking it all down.

Is Bottled Water Safe for Baby Formula?

The short answer is: it depends. Not all bottled water is created equal, and some types may not be safe for your baby. Here’s what you need to consider before using bottled water for formula:

Check the Label for Fluoride Content

Fluoride helps prevent cavities, but too much can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which causes white spots on developing teeth. Some bottled water brands add fluoride, while others do not.

• If your baby is getting fluoride from other sources (like tap water or supplements), using bottled water with low or no fluoride is best.
• Look for labels that say “deionized,” “purified,” “demineralized,” or “distilled“ with no added fluoride.

Look for Sodium and Sulfate Levels

Bottled water often contains minerals for taste, but some brands have high levels of sodium (salt) or sulfates, which can upset a baby’s delicate system. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends choosing water with:

• Sodium (Na) less than 20 mg per liter
• Sulfate (SO4) less than 250 mg per liter

Most bottled water brands list mineral content on the label, so check before using it for formula.

Still Need to Boil? Maybe!

Even if you use bottled water, the CDC and WHO recommend boiling water and letting it cool to at least 158°F (70°C) before mixing with powdered formula. Why? Because powdered formula is not sterile and could contain bacteria.

• If the bottled water is labeled “sterile,” you may not need to boil it.
• If unsure, boiling is the safest option.

What Types of Bottled Water Are Safe for Formula?

If you’re set on using bottled water, here are some options that are generally safe for babies:

• Distilled Water – No minerals, no bacteria, and perfect for baby formula.
• Purified Water – Similar to distilled, but filtered to remove impurities.
• Spring Water (with low sodium and sulfate levels) – Natural but still should be boiled.

Avoid Sparkling, Mineral, or Alkaline Water – These contain too many minerals for a baby’s kidneys to handle.

What If You’re Traveling?

When you’re out and about, you may not always have access to safe tap water. In this case, bottled water can be a convenient choice, but here’s what you should do:

• Choose a safe bottled water brand (distilled, purified, or low-mineral spring water).
• Boil the water if necessary and let it cool before mixing formula.
• Pre-make formula and store it in a cooler if you’re on the go.

When my friend took her baby on a road trip, she packed pre-boiled water in a thermos and used it to mix formula throughout the day. It made things so much easier and saved her from stressing over bottled water options at every stop!

Final Thoughts

As a new parent, you want to do everything right, and something as simple as choosing water for formula can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—there’s no need to stress! The safest option is to use distilled or boiled tap water unless your doctor advises otherwise.

If you ever find yourself staring at bottled water options in the store, wondering which one is best, just remember: low minerals, no fluoride, and boiling when needed.