Is tap water really safe to use for newborns? Or how long can boiled and then cooled water be stored in fridge

Question

I just had my baby on 2/20th. She was given some ready to feed Similac formula at the hospital, but I also recieved a big canister of Similac powdered formula as a gift from some relatives. For the powdered stuff I will need to mix it with water and what I've been doing is boiling water, then letting it cool to room temperature before mixing it w/ the powder in the bottle. I stored the rest of the cooled/boiled water in pitchers in the fridge. How long is this water good for? Or should I boil a new batch every day? Also, just wondering about the tap water, some replied the other day saying that they use plain warm tap water to prepare their babies bottles. Is this really safe for newborns? I'll probably just go ahead and keep boiling my babies water just to be safe but was just curious about how many of u actually did use water straight from the tap for your newborns.

Answer 1

I use straight from the tap because my pediatrician told me it was fine (you should have a 10-14 day checkup coming soon so make sure to ask). If you decide to keep boiling, make sure that you only let the water boil for one minute. If you boil longer you could actually be concentrating the levels of lead in the water (because some water evaporates as steam leaving everything that's left in higher concentrations). Also, you can mix a days worth of formula at one time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. That can be a huge timesaver, and by using hot water when you mix, it helps eliminate clumps in the formula. Our son would take formula straight from the fridge, our daughter likes it a bit warmer so we nuke it in the microwave for a few seconds with the lid off, then replace the lid and gently shake it well to elimiate hot spots.

Answer 2

I also use the Nursery water. I live in Las Vegas and the water is horrible here.I wont even use tap water to cook with but thats just me. I like the nursery water because of the floride and its not that expensive. Also when I am leaving for the day or have to take my daughter to the doctors I take a bottle of arrowhead water with me so I know I don't have to use the tap water. I think if you boiled water and put it in the fridge it should be fine as long as nothing else contaminates it. Good luck and congrats on the new baby!

Answer 3

US, Canadian, UK water is all treated. It is safe to use tap water to mix your babies formula. However if your tap water is "hard" you may want to use bottled water as "hard" water can slightly constipate the baby.

You can boil the water if you wish but it is not deemed neccessary (assuming you live in a developed country with good water).

I boiled the water for the first 2 months (cause Im one of those paranoid types) then switched to bottled water. When I boiled, I used to put the water in a sealed container and used it from there instead of re-boiling everytime I made a bottle. The water will keep fine if in a sealed container and you will use it up pretty quick so you dont have to worry about keeping it for too long.

Answer 4

In the United States, all municipal water supplies are chlorinated, and should be free of any biological contaminants that might be harmful to your baby. Boiling the water should only be nescessary if you suspect there is an ongoing problem with your water supply, or if your water comes from a well or a cistern.

In answer to your other questin - Water in open pitchers in the refrigerator should be ok for several days at least. The only contaminants that could get into it are from the dust that is in the air, and that exposure is minimal.

If you want to be sure, you should boil the water then transfer it to a freshly washed, sealable container. Water in such a container should be safe for weeks.

Of course, I think you're being paranoid if you are boiling municipal water - but that's me.

Answer 5

You can store boiled water in the fridge as long as it's clear. Shake it every time before use, and if you see floating pieces, then it's time to get rid of it. I wouldn't use tap water - too many additions (like chlorine) and minerals, and it can be unsafe for the baby. CVS and other similar stores sell water called "Nursery" - it's made specifically for babies, as it's pure, distilled and has added fluoride for their gums and teeth. I use that for everything, from formula and juice to cereal.

Now that my baby is older (8,5 months) I also give him filtered water from the door in the fridge sometimes (couple of sips), but I still do try to stick with Nursery as much as I can.

Answer 6

I always boiled fresh water each day for the next 24 hours bottles and I think that's the best way ....just to be on the safe side. Your doing good. Good luck and enjoy Mummyhood...it's hard work but the best thing in the world...wait till you get that first smile and first arms out for you....nothing like it.

Answer 7

u can carry a thermoflask with u with the water temperature u want so u dont need to use microwave again and again. when u are at home u can boil water and keep it in a properly washed glass flask to cool and also keep hot water in the thermoflask so when ever you want you can just mix the two. So u will get the work done faster. Then u can mix the formula. U dont need to use tap water.

Answer 8

Boil the babies water until she reaches the age where she is putting everything in her mouth.

Boiled water will remain good in an airtight container in your fridge for a day.

Answer 9

The sterilized water is fine, you don't have to boil new water everyday, just make sure you have a lid on it so it stays sterile. I would not use regular tap water, as your newborn baby may find it hard to digest.

Answer 10

yes. tap water, like city water....is perfectly safe. i probably wouldn't use well water, if i lived in that type of area.... unless your pediatrician specifies that you should use bottled water or boil it for your area, it's fine. now...the warm tap water thing, i would not do. that water is running through the hot water tank and sediment can build up in there. you're not really supposed to drink warm water from the tap. use cold water and warm it in a bottle warmer.