Here’s your cheat sheet: Boil tap water if baby is under 3 months, or use distilled bottled water. Once they’re 6 months old, straight tap is typically fine. Don’t overthink it. Your baby won’t know the difference between Evian and Elsa’s melted snowflake water. They just want the bottle. Fast.
And for the love of all that is holy, do not microwave the water. Microwaves heat unevenly and can create “hot pockets” that burn your baby’s mouth. You’re not making a Hot Pocket; you’re making dinner for a tiny dictator. Use a kettle or a pot, cool it to body temperature (test it on your wrist—it should feel warm, not hot), and you’re golden.
So, relax. The formula companies already did the math. You just need water that’s clean and not trying to be a hipster. Now go forth and mix. And remember: if the baby spits it up, it wasn’t the water. It was a power move. They’re learning.