How Long Does Baby Water Need to be Boiled for?

Water given to babies under 4 months of age should be boiled, regardless of its origin: from the tap, private well or bottled.

You should also sterilize the containers in which you store boiled water in the same way, that you sterilize baby bottles and pacifiers.

How to prepare and store boiled water

1. Fill the pot with water;

2. Boil, until the water starts boiling - at least 1 minute;

3. Cool the water before giving it to your baby;

4. Transfer the boiled and cooled water into sterilized containers. You can also use a kettle, but make sure there is no automatic shut-off, as the water must boil for 1 full minute.

Boiled water can be stored in sterilized, tightly closed containers in the refrigerator for 3 days or 24 hours if stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

You should always use freshly boiled water to make formula milk, regardless of your baby's age.

This is because hot water is needed to kill all the bacteria in the milk powder.

Make sure you cool the formula by keeping the bottle under cold running water before giving it to your baby.

From 4 months onwards, your baby can drink normal water, which doesn't require boiling.

See our interesting suggestions for baby soups and baby porridges.