When can babies drink tap water?
Sophia Vance
Published Jan 06, 2026
At what age can a baby drink normal tap water?
When can my baby drink tap water? Babies under six months should only drink tap water that has been boiled and cooled down. Water straight from the tap is not sterile so is not suitable for younger babies. Once your baby is six months old, you can offer them water straight from the tap in a beaker or cup.At what age can babies drink unboiled tap water?
For babies under 6 months, you should not use water straight from the mains tap in the kitchen as it is not sterile. You will need to boil the tap water first and then let it cool down. Water for babies over 6 months doesn't need to be boiled.What happens if babies drink tap water?
While tap water may have fluoride that helps prevent tooth decay, it could also contain levels of lead that are unsafe for babies.Why can't babies have tap water?
However, too much fluoride in the body can stain teeth with white lines, known as dental fluorosis. Using tap water helps protect your little one's budding teeth because it has added fluoride. But, because babies are tiny, they can sometimes get too much fluoride if you use tap water all the time.Why Babies Can't Drink Water
Is it OK to mix formula with tap water?
Add water to liquid-concentrate or powdered formulaYou can use any type of clean water — tap or bottled — to prepare liquid-concentrate or powdered formula. If you're concerned about the purity of your water supply, talk to your baby's doctor or your water provider.
When can I stop boiling water for formula?
Once your baby is six months, you can give them a drink of water straight from the tap; there's no need to boil it first. You can use a water filter if you want, but make sure you follow the filter manufacturer's instructions.Can a 1 year old drink bottled water?
Can Babies Drink Bottled Water? Yes, you can give bottled water to babies after they are older than six months (1). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that you can give low-fluoride bottled water to your baby when it is necessary (2).Do you have to boil nursery water?
Do I need to boil Nursery® water? Use as directed by physician or by labeling directions for use of infant formula. For mixing with infant formula, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends boiling non-sterile water for one minute and cooling before use.What happens if you don't boil water for formula?
Water that hasn't been boiled can also contain bacteria. Formula therefore needs to be made up with water hot enough to kill the bacteria, which is at least 70 degrees C. This means boiling the kettle and leaving it to cool for no longer than 30 minutes, so that it remains at a temperature of at least 70 degrees C.When can babies stop using distilled water?
Boiled WaterYou should always boil water to make powdered formula milk, whatever age your baby is. Once your baby is over 6 months old you can give them tap water to drink, but be sure to use distilled cooled water for formula.
Can 1 year old drink filtered water?
Unlike bottled water, when you give your baby filtered tap water, you can be sure it's pure. Babies often prefer purified water to regular tap water because it has a better taste. It may even smell better. Water purification systems don't just remove heavy metals and harmful chemicals.What water should I give my baby?
If your baby is around 6 months old, you can offer small amounts of cooled boiled tap water but you should not replace their breastmilk or formula feeds. Breastmilk or formula should still be their main drink up to 12 months of age. After 12 months, their main drink should be water and cow's milk or breastmilk.What is the best drinking water for babies?
Mineral water for babies is fine as long as the level of dissolved minerals (such as sodium and fluoride) in it are low. The key thing to remember is that you should boil water that you've collected from a safe source when you mix infant formula. Cool water to room temperature before using it.Why do you need to boil water for babies?
Making water safe to drinkWater given to babies to drink should be boiled to make it germ free. if using a stovetop kettle or pot, boil water until it comes to a rolling boil, this is when the water does not stop boiling if stirred. Cool the boiled water to a safe temperature before giving it to your baby to drink.