What kind of water do you use for formula?

MegsB1112 · August 2015

I read an article that said not to use bottled water for mixing formula due to the added minerals being bad for babies. I've been using "Nursery" water jugs from Walmart and just looked at it and it says it has added minerals for taste. I'm assuming I shouldn't be using it now? Instead I'm using the drinking water jugs. I'm curious as to what others are using or if I'm making a bigger deal out of it than it is? Thanks!

mrswynn2014 · August 2015

My dr told me to use nursery water, or if I use tap water or bottled water I just have to boil it. I just use the nursery water because it is only like 80 cents

canadianmom89 · August 2015

We have a big glass jug that I washed and sterilized. I boil water and store it in the jug.

SmrBrd2012 · August 2015

I use tap water. My state has a pretty good water supply though.

DMEL · August 2015

Filtered tap water. Nursery water caused constipation

nursej519 · August 2015

I use our well water after I run it through a brita filter.

Mari621 · August 2015

Tap through a brita. I think I need to change the filter come to think of it...

danibonello · August 2015

Just tap... pediatrician said that if we drink it, baby can drink it.

macyginmomma · August 2015

We use our reverse osmosis water filtration system. If we are out of the house I use RTF formula or use a gallon of nursery water from Target.

tdart14 · August 2015

Tap and boil it.

Kye042 · August 2015

I use tap water and let it get to a rolling boil for at least 5 min and let it cool. I do big batches of 4L at a time.

alliebsmith · August 2015

My pediatrician said use distilled water. My Walgrreens has distilled water and nursery water but distilled was what I was specifically told to use.

ali0608 · August 2015

danibonello said:
Just tap... pediatrician said that if we drink it, baby can drink it.

This is what our pediatrician said. We use straight tap water.

nessaic21 · August 2015

Zero water filter

afergerson15 · August 2015

I use the nursery water. Our ped said there's bacteria and minerals not safe for baby in tap water. I won't even drink tap water. As far as bottle water, to be honest I've used it before but I don't like to. I've never heard of nursery water causing constipation. I thought that's what it was made for, to use with formula?

stephv18 · August 2015

We also use nursery water, or whatever the store brand is!

Roberta82 · August 2015

Tap and boil that's what I do...

mirandalee21 · August 2015

I have a bottle maker it is by closer to nature and it filters the water, it costs $200 but worth the money.

ali0608 · August 2015

I definitely think this is a regional thing. It really depends on how good your tap water is. I freaked out before when I saw others not using tap, but my pediatrician said that is the best thing. So I'm going by what my pediatrician said.

TessaGarringer · August 2015

Bottled

blairdavis99 · August 2015

Filtered tap water. I agree with pp - it's a regional thing depending on your water quality

sherriems11 · August 2015

My pediatrician said distilled water only for formula and that's what I have been using and baby seems happy!

rositalynda2014 · August 2015

Our tap water is awful, full of arsenic. Even leaves the ground white when it dries. Good ole desert for ya. Reverse osmosis won't even take it all out.
I use bottled water and nursery water.

knottie9092bc0af8d8426a · November 2025

Hey! I totally understand your concern — it’s definitely important to make sure the water you use for formula is safe and appropriate. As far as bottled water goes, it's true that some brands add minerals for taste, which may not be ideal for babies. The added minerals in "Nursery" water might be fine for general drinking, but it’s generally recommended to avoid water with added minerals for mixing formula, especially for younger babies, because it can affect the formula's balance.

I’d suggest checking the label for things like sodium, calcium, or magnesium, and if those are present in higher amounts, you might want to switch to purified or distilled water instead. Distilled water is usually a safe option, and many parents I know use it for mixing formula.

If your tap water is safe, you could use that as well (just be sure to check with your pediatrician, especially if you’re in an area with high mineral content or fluoridation). In the end, it’s always good to err on the side of caution when it comes to baby’s health!

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