Preparing formula without tap water

If your drinking water supply is either interrupted or contaminated and you need to prepare formula feed for a baby, it is important to be careful with the water you use. 

The FSAI recommend that cold tap water, boiled only once and cooled for no longer than 30 minutes, is best for preparing infant formula. However, in certain circumstances you may need to use bottled water.

If using bottled water:

• use still water only, never fizzy or sparkling water
• always boil the bottled water before using it to make up feeds. Bottled water is not sterile
• it is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘natural mineral water’ as it can have higher levels of sodium and other minerals. It can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated.

For more information, click here to view Safefood's guide to preparing bottle feeds.