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As parents, we're all deeply concerned about our little ones' well-being. Two Tapp Water co-founders recently became parents, so they spent considerable time researching this before deciding. In this article, we'll share our research and conclusion.
Note: Babies under 6 months shouldn't drink tap water, so this applies to water for baby formula and drinking water for babies over 6 months.
1. Why Boil Water?
Babies have immature immune systems, so we want to ensure no unnecessary bacteria exposure in the first 6 months.
Two reasons for boiling:
a) Neither tap nor bottled water is sterile straight from the source.
b) Powdered infant formula isn't sterile. Even sealed cans/packs can contain bacteria.
Boiling 1-3 minutes ensures bacteria are gone. Adding boiled water to formula makes prepared milk safer, per some sources.
Boiling doesn't remove other contaminants like lead, nitrates, microplastics, or common additives like chlorine, chloramine, or fluoride.
2. Is Your Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Drinking water quality depends on location. In most of Europe and many worldwide countries, public tap water is safe after boiling—but certainty is never absolute.
Recent incidents like lead in Flint, Michigan, and PFOA in Italy's Veneto region show contamination can occur even when authorities report safety.
Another issue: Newly discovered contaminants like microplastics in >80% of tap water. We don't yet know human health impacts, but it's harmful to microorganisms.
So, is tap water safe for babies and formula? Experts currently say yes. UK NHS and most European health bodies recommend tap over bottled for infants.
"Bottled water isn't recommended for preparing baby formula. It's usually not sterile (bacteria-free) and may contain too much salt (sodium) or sulfates." – Source: NHS website.
In Spain, the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs and Food Safety recently proposed "suitable for infant food/formula preparation" if:
- Meets mineral water chemical specs (see Annex IV, item 1, part B of Royal Decree 1798/2010 and EU Reg 115/2010).
- Organoleptic/purity conditions in Annex I of Royal Decree 1798/2010.
- Consider reference chemicals: boron (0.5 mg/L), calcium (150 mg/L), cyanides (10 µg/L), chloride (100 mg/L), CO2 (250 mg/L), copper (0.2 mg/L), chromium (5 µg/L), fluoride (0.5 mg/L), magnesium (50 mg/L), manganese (50 µg/L), nitrate (10 mg/L), nickel (20 µg/L), dry residue (1,000 mg/L), sodium (100 mg/L), sulfates (200 mg/L), uranium (2 µg/L), zinc (0.1 mg/L).
Check your local water in our quality database and compare to above values.
3. Is Bottled Water Safer Than Tap for Babies?
Simple answer: No. Longer answer available here. Bottled water may have excess sodium/sulfates, plus lead, nitrates, or other harms—quality testing is less frequent than tap. It can have bacteria since it's not sterile.
Plus, 92% of bottled water contained microplastics in a recent OrbMedia test. As noted, human impact unknown—you may not want to risk it with a newborn.
Avoid bottled for your infant if possible; if must use, check content safety and boil first.
Baby formula water filter - filtro de agua para bebes
4. What Water Filter Do I Need for Babies?
As mentioned, tap water risks exist though currently low. An affordable high-quality filter reduces risk for your child—but use the right type.
Simple guidelines:
- Carbon Block filters (faucet, under-sink, or pitcher) are best in most cases.
- Verify tested for removing/reducing common substances/contaminants like chlorine, lead, nitrates, fluoride, microplastics.
- Ensure independently tested in accredited lab.
- Maintain properly (timely changes) or risk contaminating water! Always boil water first 6 months even with filter.
Conclusion: Is Filtered Tap Water Safe for Babies?
No absolute right/wrong. But after thorough research/analysis, we decided tap water is safe for our little ones—but filtered tap is even safer. We've used EcoPro by Tappwater daily for 6 years; our three kids are healthy and happy.
Whatever you choose, best health and happiness to you and yours!
Note: Our research concludes filtered tap water is safe for babies. But first, verify your water is potable. Sterile liquid formula recommended for high-risk infants (if not breastfed), especially NICU preemies.
About the Author
Magnus Jern is father to three young children and heads R&D at Tappwater. Over 8 years, he's tested water filters, global water quality, and developed products with top water experts/labs.