Water in Formula

Kim - posted on 02/12/2009

Hi ! I use isomil powder.. I use purified water then warm the bottle in warm water.. I would be afraid the hot water will break down the bottle.. I always do this!!!

Melissa - posted on 02/12/2009

I also take a few bottles when I go out already filled with the cooled boiled water and then just add the formula to it when he's ready to eat.  He also takes the formula at room temperature.  If you want to pre-mix a couple of bottles, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.  They say you don't have to warm them up but I typically just set them in a pan of warm water for a few minutes to take the chill out.  If you are planning a trip I also find the ready-to-serve formula is a good option although expensive.  You just shake it up and it's ready.  With the ready-to-eat formula though be aware that you need to keep it refigerated after  you open it and you need to use the whole thing within 72 hours.

Melissa - posted on 02/12/2009

Yes, I also found this was the case when I started my son on formula.  I went to the Similac website and they explained the best procedure to use when making the formula.  As a first -time mom I wanted to "follow the rules".  Now I boil a pot of water, just until it is a rolling boil and then let it cool to room temperature.  I then transfer the water to a jug for storage.  On the Similac website, they state that using spring bottled water is not a good subsititute.  Not sure what more experienced moms think.

Liza - posted on 02/12/2009

Absolutely, you want to use sterile water.

Alison - posted on 02/11/2009

Quoting Abbey:

hmmm, I must have missed that detail on the formula. My son started out breastfed though, and I don't think I plan on starting to boil water. Does that have to do with fluoride?

I'm not sure...I just read it on the can of powdered Enfamil...

I breastfeed mostly too but for the past week I've given him one bottle of formula about every two days.  I read up on all the breastfeeding things, but I didn't think to read much on formula feeding, so now I'm scrambling for info!

Abbey - posted on 02/10/2009

hmmm, I must have missed that detail on the formula. My son started out breastfed though, and I don't think I plan on starting to boil water. Does that have to do with fluoride?

Jacqui - posted on 02/10/2009

I use nusery water. And that's because the water in this town sucks. And I figure since I don't like neather will she. I never boil it. And it's at room temp too.

Natalie - posted on 02/10/2009

I use distilled water for my daughters formula.
I just measure the amount that goes in each bottle and keep it in the fridge.  That way when it's feeding time all I have to do is scoop the powder, mix and heat.  Very easy.
I think when she turns 6 months I will stop boiling the water.

Erika - posted on 02/10/2009

I don't boil water, never have..........my daughter got straight tap water for her formula--she is now just about 19 months. and now my son gets tap water in his formula as well--he is 3 months. There have been no adverse reactions to plain old unboiled straight from tap room temp water.

Jen - posted on 02/10/2009

I use bottled water at room temperature and when i go out i usually pre-mix a bottle and take a bottle of water and extra formula (in a ziplock container).

Jennifer - posted on 02/10/2009

also, if you are using the enfamil, they seel packets that are pre-measured in 4 oz. packets! I use tose when we are out, I also use the nursery water, I just put that in 4 oz. bottles and when my daughter is hungry I open a packet pour it in and shake! But they are a bit pricey so make sure you use them only when needed!

Amanda - posted on 02/10/2009

I just take a few bottles with water in it and I bought great formula dispensers ( they hold 3 portions for 8 oz bottles) then I just mix it up! I also try get the girls to take their bottles room temp. it makes life so much easier when your out and about. I know my mom and her friends are repulsed by that b/c they obviously warmed their milk lots compared to now!

You can buy formula dispensers at Walmart and Toys R Us

Alison - posted on 02/10/2009

Ahhh..thanks!

Another question...when you go out with your baby, do you just put the sterelized water in a seperate thermos or just in a bottle, ready to be mixed?

Sara - posted on 02/09/2009

Ive used nursery wayer since I brought my son home from the hospitel and have not boiled it once. He also takes his bottles at room temperature. he not gonna be ablt to drink boiled water his whole life, so y start now?

Amanda - posted on 02/09/2009

Yes it is. I use reverse osmosis water but many use distilled water and still boil it then use it. I tend to boil up a bunch daily and put it in a sterilized container and make as I need. It kills anything the water may have before adding it to the formula. As well dry or powdered formula still has some things in it that arent able to be boiled out like the concentrated formula, so I would say if you can make sure your water is as safe as possible it allows for your formula to have some bacteria in it that you cant get rid of making it safer for the babe.