When you become a parent, you quickly realize that there are a million decisions to make—and they all seem important. What kind of car seat should you buy? Cloth or disposable diapers? And what kind of water should you use to mix your baby’s formula?

If you’re like most parents, you probably don’t give much thought to the type of water you use. But believe it or not, there are actually different types of water—and each has its own set of pros and cons.
You want to make sure that your baby is safe and healthy at all times. This can be a difficult task, especially when it comes to their diet and what they are consuming. One thing that you may be wondering about is whether or not faucet water is safe for your baby to drink.
Faucet Water
Faucet water, also known as tap water, is the water that comes straight from your home’s plumbing system. In the United States, this water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets strict standards for its quality.
Babies under six months should only drink boiled water that has been cooled down. Tap water is not sterile and therefore is not suitable for younger babies. However, once your baby reaches six months old, you can offer them tap water in a beaker or cup.
Typically, faucet water is safe for babies over the age of 6 months – but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, if you live in an older home with lead pipes, your tap water may contain elevated levels of lead. Second, although most municipal water systems are treated with chlorine to kill bacteria, this treatment can sometimes leave behind harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes.
For these reasons, it’s important to have your faucet water tested by a qualified professional before using it to mix your baby’s formula.
Is Bottled Water Good for Babies?
If you’re not comfortable using faucet water, you may opt for bottled water instead. But be aware that not all bottled waters are created equal.
Bottled water is typically sourced from springs or aquifers and then treated at an off-site facility before being bottled and sold. In the United States, the FDA regulates bottled water – but these regulations are not as stringent as the EPA’s regulations for tap water.
As a result, some types of bottled water may contain higher levels of contaminants than tap water. In addition, many brands of bottled water are sold in single-use plastic bottles, which can be bad for the environment.
On the other hand, bottled water is convenient and easy to transport- which makes it a good choice if you’re on the go. And some people simply prefer the taste of bottled water to tap water. If you do choose to give your baby bottled water, be sure to check the label carefully to make sure it meets all FDA standards.
What About Filtered Water?
Filtered water is any type of water that has been treated with a filtration system to remove impurities. There are many different types of filtration systems, but most home systems use carbon filters to remove contaminants like chlorine, lead, and bacteria.
Filtered water is a good choice for mixing your baby’s formula because it has been treated to remove impurities. However, keep in mind that not all filters are created equal. Some filters may not remove all of the harmful contaminants in your water.
For this reason, it’s important to choose a filter that meets all of the EPA’s standards for filtered water. And be sure to replace the filter cartridge according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that your water is always safe and clean.
So, what’s the best water for your baby?
When it comes to choosing the best water for your baby, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option for you will depend on a number of factors, including your baby’s age, your home’s water quality, your budget, and your baby’s individual needs.
If you’re looking for a convenient option, bottled water may be the way to go. But if you’re concerned about contaminants, filtered water may be a better choice. And if you’re on a tight budget, tap water is always an option – as long as you take the necessary precautions.
If you’re concerned about contamination, have your faucet water tested by a professional before using it to mix your baby’s formula. And if you’re looking for convenience, choose bottled – just be sure to recycle those plastic bottles.