Frequently Asked Questions

Is drinking water with fluoride safe for my child?

Yes. The American Dental Association (ADA) continues to support water fluoridation at the optimal range of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (ppm), as determined by the United States Public Health Service (USPHS).

According to the ADA, infant formula can be mixed with water that is fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride. Babies less than one year old need less fluoride than everyone else because they are so small. That’s why Nursery® Water has a fluoride level of 0.7 ppm or less. This means that when your child is drinking Nursery® Water, you can be confident that your child is getting a lower level of fluoride.

For full information or a copy of the ADA November 9th, 2006 Interim Guidance on Fluoride Intake for Infants and Young Children, please log onto: http://ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/fluoride_infants.asp

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Does Nursery® Water have to be refrigerated?

Refrigeration of Nursery® Water is not required prior to or after opening. Always make sure to replace the cap after opening and put the unused portion aside on a kitchen counter. Never store the water near solvents (like cleaning supplies) or food with strong odors. Also, do not store Nursery® Water in direct sunlight.

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What makes Nursery® Water special?

Nursery® Water is steam distilled water with added fluoride. Nursery® Water can be mixed directly with formula (refer to formula label instructions) or put in a bottle.

Nursery® Water uses DISTILLED WATER as its base. Distilled water is produced by filtering source water through sand and activated carbon to remove chlorine, unpleasant taste and odor, as well as sediment and trihalomethanes. This filtered water is converted to steam in a stainless steel distiller. Dissolved contaminants are left behind as the water is vaporized and condensed. The water is then bottled after being filtered through one-micron filters and ozonated. Finally, fluoride, in the amount of up to 0.7 ppm is added.

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Why are minerals added to Nursery® Water?

Calcium, magnesium and potassium are added for taste. At the levels used, they do not provide any nutritional benefits.

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At what age can infants be given Nursery® Water?

According to pediatricians, if a mother is NOT breastfeeding and chooses to use powdered formula, Nursery® Water can be mixed directly with formula. Refer to the formula instructions or consult your pediatrician for feeding instructions.

If using Nursery® Water in addition to feedings, this normally can begin at six months. Again, consult with your pediatrician.

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Since Nursery® Water is distilled, is it sterile?

No. Nursery® Water, like any bottled water, is not considered sterile.

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Why is my bottle of Nursery® Water discolored or have mold?

In most cases, discoloration is caused when particles of formula inadvertently enter the bottle of Nursery® Water when preparing your child's bottle. When mixing Nursery® Water with formula, it is important that you pour the water into a clean bottle first and then add the correct amount of formula. Formula particles that enter the bottle of Nursery® Water may also cause mold if not handled properly.

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I thought babies couldn't be given fluoride. Can I give my baby Nursery® Water if it has fluoride?

Yes. The American Dental Association (ADA) continues to support water fluoridation at the optimal range of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (ppm), as determined by the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). According to the ADA, infant formula can be mixed with water that is fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride. Babies less than one year old need less fluoride than everyone else because they are so small. That’s why Nursery® Water has a fluoride level of 0.7 ppm or less. Consult with your pediatrician or dental professional if you have questions.

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If I use Nursery® Water do I still give my child fluoride supplements?

Nursery® Water is NOT a fluoride supplement. Consult your physician if using other fluoridated products and consult your dental professional for appropriate oral hygiene practices.

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The label says Nursery® Water is “sodium free”, but the ingredients list "sodium fluoride." How can you say it is Sodium Free?

Federal regulations allow products to be labeled as "sodium free" if the level of sodium is less than 5 milligrams per Liter in an 8 ounce serving. The level of sodium in Nursery® Water falls below this level.

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Is Nursery® Water an electrolyte solution?

Nursery® Water is a bottled water, and does NOT contain electrolytes and should never be used as a nutritional supplement.

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What is the quality and/or mineral content of Nursery® Water?

For a complete quality report click here. (pdf)

California residents, please enter your zip code here.



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Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Water Watch

Summer’s almost here and as the temperature rises, so does the urge to play in the water. Many toddlers love to swim and splash, but a child can drown in as little as an inch or two of water.
More

Have a Happy Haircut

A trip to the hairdresser or barber can be traumatic for a toddler. Ease the way by making it part of a fun day that includes lunch and a movie or playtime at the park. Schedule the appointment at a time she’ll be fed, happy and alert. If she's afraid it will hurt, snip a piece of your own hair or let her watch someone get a haircut while waiting her turn. Bring along a favorite toy or doll to preoccupy her while she’s in the chair.

Source: “Teach Your Kids Listening Skills (the Real ABC's),” by Jodie Lynn, www.family.go.com, accessed October 15, 2007.

Hand in Hand

Are you wondering whether your baby will be right-handed or left-handed? Be patient; it may be months or years before you know for sure. Most babies start showing a preference for reaching for things with their right hands between six and nine months, but it’s not until they’re 18 months or older that they start using their preferred hand more consistently. By age three or four, their handedness should be fairly evident. If it’s not, you may want to talk to your pediatrician.

Source: “How Handedness Develops in Infants,” by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P., www.drspock.com, June 10, 2001