In line with NHS advice, we recommend that you always use freshly boiled tap water (that has been cooled down to at least 70 degrees C) when preparing baby formula. The boiling process kills harmful bacteria that may be in the water or in the baby formula powder, but it also keeps as many nutrients in the water as possible. We recommend that you bring at least one litre of fresh tap water to the boil and then leave the water to cool, but for no more than 30 minutes. Tap water is the best water to use to make your baby's formula - make sure to empty out the kettle and fill with fresh water each time you make a feed. You can use bottled water if you don't have access to safe tap water but check that it is low in sodium and sulphates - it is also not sterile and still requires boiling.

Do not use artificially softened or repeatedly boiled water. Artificial softened water is NOT suitable as drinking water for infants. Water softeners have little to do with water filtration/purification.

Check out our popular guide on how to prepare formula here.