Bringing home a new baby means making dozens of small but important decisions, like what kind of water to use for formula. You may have seen purified water and distilled water on store shelves and wondered: is there a difference? And does it matter for my baby?
The short answer is yes, distilled water, and here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Which Type of Water Is Best for Babies?
For newborns and infants, especially those under 6 months old, distilled water is usually the best choice, especially when mixing infant formula, mixing baby cereal, or diluting juice (if advised by your pediatrician).
Why Distilled Water Is Preferred for Babies
- It contains no bacteria or contaminants: The distillation process kills or removes all harmful microorganisms.
- There are no excess minerals: Babies don’t need added minerals from water, formula, or breast milk, which provides everything they need.
- Fluoride is eliminated. While fluoride can be helpful for older kids’ teeth, too much fluoride early on may lead to dental fluorosis.
- Distilled water is pediatrician-recommended: Many formula manufacturers and pediatricians suggest using distilled or sterilized water for babies under 6–12 months.
Is Purified Water Safe for Babies?
Distilled water is generally more preferable for babies, but purified water also works, but with conditions: if it is clearly labeled as safe for infant formula and processed through reverse osmosis or distillation, it’s likely fine. Just make sure:
- It meets EPA or FDA standards
- It is fluoride-free or low-fluoride
- The label says it’s suitable for babies or formula use
If you’re unsure, always check with your pediatrician.
A Word on Tap Water and Fluoride For Babies
Some parents wonder if they can use tap water, especially if it’s filtered. Here’s the deal:
- Boiled tap water kills bacteria, but doesn’t remove minerals or fluoride.
- Tap water with high fluoride may not be suitable for babies under 6 months.
- If you live in an area with questionable water quality, it’s safest to avoid using tap water for formula altogether, unless approved by your doctor.
What’s the Difference Between Purified and Distilled Water?
At first glance, purified and distilled water might seem like the same thing. Both are cleaner than tap water, but the way they’re processed and their final purity can be quite different.
What is Purified Water?
Purified water is water that has been filtered or processed to remove chemicals, bacteria, and other impurities. This can be done through several methods:
- Reverse osmosis
- Carbon filtration
- UV treatment
- Deionization
Depending on the method, some trace minerals may still be present, and the level of purity can vary from brand to brand.
What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a specific type of purified water that has been boiled into steam, condensed back into liquid, and collected in a clean container
This process removes virtually everything, including minerals, heavy metals, bacteria, and even fluoride. The result is extremely pure water, free from contaminants.
Should You Get a Home Water Distiller?
Buying gallons of distilled water gets expensive and annoying, especially when you’re already running on little sleep. That’s why many new parents invest in a home water distiller.
Why a Water Distiller Is Ideal for New Parents
- Always available: No late-night panic when you run out.
- Ultra-pure water: Perfect for formula, cereal, humidifiers, and sterilizing pacifiers.
- Cost-effective: Much cheaper than buying bottled distilled water over time.
- Eco-friendly: Reduces plastic waste and store trips.
Brands like CO-Z Palace make affordable, countertop stainless steel distillers with glass carafes, perfect for baby-safe water with no plastic contact.
Best CO-Z Water Distillers: Reviewed
CO-Z is a well-known budget-friendly brand that makes compact, stainless steel water distillers for home use. Their models are popular for baby formula, humidifiers, CPAP users, and general home health.
1. CO-Z Water Distiller, Gold Stainless Steel Countertop Machine
This gold tabletop water purifier by CO-Z purifies water, filters out impurities, and dissolves VOCs at 0.25 gallons per hour to give you easy access to purified water in your kitchen, home, office, dental clinic, or lab.
This distilled water maker provides 6 ppm water for home and commercial use; the purified water is great for healthy drinking and for use in coffee machines, humidifiers, engine cooling systems, CPAP machines, cooking, aquariums, and more.
2. Preenex Authorized 4L Water Distiller, Stainless Steel Purifier
This 750W Home Purifier Machine utilizes advanced technology to effectively remove impurities and contaminants from your tap water, providing you with clean, fresh water that is perfect for all your needs.
Its compact size of this distiller makes it easy to fit on your countertop, while the durable food-grade stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
This distiller comes equipped with colored power buttons and a clear indicator light for easy operation, and the convenient handle makes it easy to transport to any location.
Final Thoughts: Choose What’s Safest
When it comes to your baby’s health, water quality matters more than many people realize. While both purified and distilled water are cleaner than tap water, distilled water is the gold standard for newborns and formula prep.
If you want maximum peace of mind and convenience, a home water distiller is a smart investment for your growing family, and one that will serve you long after the baby phase.
You may be interested in whether distilled water and sterile water are the same.
