Safe Water for Infant Formula Preparation
For infant formula preparation, boiled and cooled tap water is recommended as the safest option, with bottled water as an acceptable alternative only during emergencies when tap water is unavailable.
Water Safety Recommendations for Infant Formula
Primary Recommendation
- Use boiled and cooled tap water as the first choice for preparing infant formula 1
- Bring water to a rolling boil, then allow it to cool to a safe temperature before mixing with formula powder
- In the event of a "boil-water" advisory, similar precautions should be taken for infant formula preparation as for drinking water for adults 1
Water Temperature Considerations
- Recent research suggests water temperature should be ≥70°C when reconstituting powdered infant formula to eliminate potentially harmful bacteria 2, 3
- Water at this temperature helps inactivate pathogens like Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella that may contaminate powdered formula
- Allow the water to cool sufficiently after boiling to avoid burns but maintain pathogen-killing properties
Alternative Water Sources
- If tap water is unavailable or unsafe:
- Bottled water may be used as a temporary alternative 4
- Select bottled water with low mineral content when possible
- Bottled water should still be boiled before use for infants under 6 months
Water Preparation Devices
- Kettles are more reliable than formula preparation machines for achieving proper water temperature
- Research shows only 14.9% of formula preparation machines produced water ≥70°C compared to 78.3% of kettles 2
- Formula preparation machines averaged 9°C lower water temperatures than kettles
Important Safety Precautions
- Prepare formula fresh for each feeding when possible 5
- Discard any unused formula rather than saving for later feedings
- Never keep prepared formula warm in bottle warmers or thermoses for extended periods 5
- Store reconstituted formula at 4°C or below if preparation in advance is necessary
Special Considerations
During Water Supply Disruptions
- If tap water is unavailable, bottled water can be used temporarily 4
- When using bottled water in emergencies, it should still be boiled for infants under 6 months
For Premature or Immunocompromised Infants
- Consider using ready-to-feed liquid formula which is sterile 6
- In hospital settings, sterile liquid formula is preferred for newborns 6
- Follow stricter preparation guidelines for these vulnerable populations
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Using water from formula preparation machines without verifying temperature
- Preparing formula with unboiled water (especially for young infants)
- Storing prepared formula at room temperature for extended periods
- Using water with high mineral content (some bottled waters)
- Reusing bottles without proper cleaning and sterilization
By following these evidence-based recommendations, parents can minimize the risk of infections from contaminated water or improperly prepared infant formula, thereby protecting their infant's health and well-being.