There’s no shortage of decisions when you become a parent—and one of the earliest is how to prepare your baby’s formula safely. Among the endless lists, tips, and well-meaning advice, one question pops up again and again: what water should I use?

We spend months preparing for our babies, comparing car seats, researching prams, even debating the merits of zip-up vs buttoned onesies. But ask any new parent and you’ll hear the same surprise: one of the trickiest decisions turns out to be about something as simple as water.

After all, water makes up most of your baby’s formula. It’s the base of their meals in those crucial early months, so it’s only natural to want it as pure and safe as possible.

So, is plain old tap water safe for your baby’s bottle? Or should you reach for filtered water?

The Risks Of Unfiltered Tap Water For Babies

When it comes to feeding your baby, “good enough” water just doesn’t cut it. Formula is their main source of nutrition in the early months, so the water you mix it with needs to be as clean and pure as possible.

Some of the things that may still be present in household tap water include:

Chlorine and by-products

Chlorine is added to kill harmful microbes in the water supply. It does its job brilliantly, but trace amounts can make their way into your baby’s bottle. According to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, chlorine levels are within safe limits, but infants’ developing systems are far more sensitive than adults’.

Heavy metals and pipes

Depending on your plumbing, tiny amounts of lead, copper, or other metals can leach into water from old pipes. While adults can tolerate these trace amounts, exposure in infants should be minimised wherever possible.

Microplastics and emerging contaminants

Research has raised growing concerns about microplastics in drinking water. While studies are ongoing, many parents prefer the reassurance of filtration to reduce exposure.

Microorganisms

In rare cases, pathogens like Giardia or Cryptosporidium can sneak through, especially after heavy rainfall or flooding. For adults, this might cause a stomach upset. For a baby? Much riskier.

When you add all this up, it makes sense why so many parents lean towards filtered water for formula prep. Even if the levels are low enough to be considered safe for adults, babies’ bodies don’t handle contaminants the same way. Using filtered water helps remove these question marks so you can mix each bottle with confidence.

Why Filtered Water Makes A Difference

Think of filtered water as giving your baby’s bottle a clean start. It helps in ways you might not even notice at first. For one, it tastes and smells cleaner—and babies are nothing if not particular. Even a faint chlorine odour from tap water can make a bottle seem off.

Filtration also reduces contaminants, capturing things like chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, and even microplastics, leaving the water purer and gentler for little tummies.

Another advantage is consistency. No matter if you’re at home, staying with grandparents, or travelling, filtered water ensures you know exactly what’s in the bottle every single time.

And perhaps most importantly, using the best water for baby formula offers peace of mind. Parenting already comes with enough worries, so if one simple swap can give you confidence in what you’re feeding your baby, it’s worth it.

The Best Earths Water Filters for Baby Formula

When it comes to prepping formula, parents want solutions that are safe, simple, and reliable. Earths Water has a few options that make the job easier, depending on your routine and lifestyle.

2.4L Water Filter Jug

Lightweight, compact, and fridge-friendly, this jug is a favourite for parents who want filtered water always ready on hand. Just fill it up, let the filter do its thing, and you’ve got chlorine-free, cleaner-tasting water perfect for formula prep.

3.5L Glass Carafe Water Filter

For parents who prefer a touch of elegance in the kitchen, our glass carafe offers a larger capacity while avoiding plastic altogether. It’s perfect for keeping on the bench or in the fridge, and its sleek design blends right in with a modern, eco-friendly home.

9L Glass Benchtop Water Filter

If you’d like something a little more permanent but still stylish, our glass benchtop filter is a great family solution. It’s gravity-fed, easy to maintain, and ensures you’ve always got a larger supply of filtered water ready for formula, and for everyone else in the house.

Under Sink RO Water Filter

For maximum purity, our under sink reverse osmosis (RO) filter removes even the tiniest contaminants. It’s a set-and-forget option for parents who want total peace of mind knowing their water is as clean as it can possibly be, straight from the tap.

Bonus: Ultra Water Filter Bottle

While this one doesn’t filter water as you pour, this bottle is still a handy backup for busy parents. You can pre-fill it with filtered water from your jug, carafe, or benchtop system, and take it out with you as a portable option for formula prep. Or keep it for yourself—because parents need to stay hydrated too!

Baby Formula Water Safety Tips For Parents

A few extra steps can make formula prep even safer:

  • Boil filtered water first – The World Health Organization recommends using water that’s been boiled and cooled (but is still above 70°C) to kill any potential bacteria in the formula powder.

  • Cool it down safely – Place the bottle under running cold water or in a container of cold water before feeding.

  • Don’t store pre-made bottles too long – Formula is safest when made fresh. If you need to prepare ahead, keep bottles in the fridge and use them within 24 hours.

  • Check with your healthcare provider – Every baby is different. If you’re unsure, get personalised advice from your GP or child health nurse.

  • Know when (and how much) water is safe – Babies don’t need much (or any) extra water in the first months. Here’s a simple guide by age:


Peace Of Mind in Every Bottle

Parenthood is a rollercoaster, and feeding is one of those daily tasks that can feel all-consuming. By choosing filtered water for baby formula prep, you’re removing one of the biggest question marks from your baby’s routine. It’s a small choice with a big impact—one that keeps your little one’s bottles clean, safe, and worry-free.



With Earths Water’s range of jugs, carafes, benchtop filters, and under-sink systems, you can find the solution that best fits your family. Because while parenthood is never simple, your water at least should be.