My 4 month old daughter is on formula now. I've been buying Nursery water (b/c its more conveniant to use than boiling water :), but I was wondering how long I should use it before I can just start using the tap water. Also - I use concentrate formula, b/c it seems to mix better than powder. Everytime I use the powder it clumps up and doesn't mix well. ANy suggestions for that too?!! I wish I could have just continued with the breast feeding - its so much easier and cheaper too!!!! Thx for the advice!
For Kallie's 4 mos. appointment, I talked to the doctor, and he said that city tap water is fine to use now. He also said that there is no need to sterlize bottles anymore either, but I continue to wash them in the dishwasher.
As far as powdered formula goes. I bought some - and its SOOO much cheaper than the concentrate, and really not any more difficult to prepare! I took everyone's advice and am using hot water to mix it and stirring it instead of shaking it up. That seems to be working.
THanks for all the advice!
We used tap water from day one. Even with our preemies the doc said it's fine because we have city water. As for mixing the formula, I bought a jug from BabiesRus for around $10.00 that lets you pre measure and has a grate to break up the chunks when shaking it up. It sure has been a time saver;)
I use nursery water or distlled when its not available for the first year with formula. I dont care for concentrate I use the powder I fill the water first add in powder let it absorb the swirl instead of shake to mix
Hi L.,
I know this is a late comment but just saw your question. Based on research I have done and articles I've read, I would NOT use city/tap water for your baby or any other family for that matter. There is a lot of info and controversy about chlorine and flouride being carcinogens and even though a Dr. says it is fine, I personally think that I don't want to take that risk. Doctors are very knowledgeable, but they don't know everything.
If you would like more information on the risks of chlorine and flouride, please contact me at any time. In health, D.
###-###-####
I used nursery water for the first year. Of course, we have well water and no flouride in it either so that's why I did it. If you are in the same boat, you might consider using it longer and also ask your Dr for vitamins (liquid) with flouride. Even though their teeth aren't through yet, the flouride will help build strong teeth. Also, their systems are very sensitive so the bacteria in well water sometimes changes, so I figured better to be consistant. It also works great when you are traveling because they have the same water to drink as well. If you want a lower cost alternative though...Go to the regular bottled water section, we found gallons of water that didn't SAY "Nursery" on it but had the same amount of flouride for about half the cost. It doesn't have to be Nursery brand- but I know Absopure makes a flourided water cheaper.
Also, about mixing the powder- Heat your water first, then add the formula mix. It dissolves better in warm water vs. cold just like anything else.
Good luck!
C. L.
My doc said tap was fine as long as it was not well water and i use to fill the bottle half way with water then add powder mix alittle add rest of water that seemed to work for us and was way cheaper
you can certainly ask your pediatrician-but for a normal healthy infant there is no need to boil water ever- city water is very safe and is perfectly fine for infants from birth on. The testing standards are higher for city water than for bottled water. City water is tested every hour for contaminants. Bottled water does not have to be tested so often.
I would use the liquid concentrate instead of the powder- it is not that much more expensive and it does mix better.
At her age tap is fine. If you have a fridge filter use that if it makes you feel better. Bottles nursery water is not necessary. Same with sterilization of bottles.
You don't want to protect her from EVERY germ and microbe out there, otherwise her immune system won't be as strong as it could be. Which, you want so she'll be able to fight off the little things that will come her way. It's a good thing for our kids to be exposed to some "bugs" for this reason. People have gotten so crazy with the "anti-bacterial this and that" it's only cause more difficult strains of infections to cure. Good old soap and hot water is good enough for your bottles.
powder with luke warm tap does great, we used tap right after 3 months. Our doctor said it is fine by that time but every doctor is different.
My son has been on powdered formula since we came home from the hospital. I was unsure if tap water was safe to use to mix the formula. BUT, i called me pedi and he said he prefered we use tap over the nursery water. So, honestly, i think it's ok for you to switch over to tap water whenever you are ready :)
i used nursey water with my oldest because she would not drink tap water then i had to take her of powder formula cuz she would not drink that either but i use the nursey water from 1 week until she was off formula. i have not trouble with my youngest i am using powder formula with her and tap water which is city water.
