Frequently Asked Questions
Is drinking water with fluoride safe for my child?
The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the level for optimally fluoridated water at 0.7 parts per million (ppm) as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).1,2
If parents or caregivers are concerned about the fluoride level intake of their children, the ADA recommends mixing baby formula with water that is fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride.2,3
Nursery® water has a fluoride level of up to 0.7 ppm. Consult with your pediatrician or dental professional if you have questions.
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.
What is the shelf life for Nursery® water?
After the bottle is opened, there is no time sensitive shelf life, but it is important to properly handle and store Nursery® water.
When mixing Nursery® 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® may cause mold to form if not handled properly.
Refrigeration of Nursery® water is not required prior to or after opening. However, it is appropriate to replace the cap after opening and put the unused portion aside in a location such as the kitchen counter or pantry as well as the refrigerator.
What makes Nursery® water special?
Nursery® is steam distilled water with added fluoride and may be used to mix with formula (refer to formula label instructions).
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.
At what age should I give my child plain water to drink?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies consume a diet exclusively of breast milk or formula for the first four to six months of life. A baby gets all the water he needs from formula or breast milk. It is not necessary, nor is it recommended, to give your baby plain water before he is six months old. When bottle-fed babies start eating solid food, they may be offered a few sips of water between feedings. Breastfed babies usually do not need extra water if they are nursing on demand.
Source: Your Baby’s First Year, Steven P. Shelov, MD, MS, FAAP, editor-in-chief, pg 149
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.
Since Nursery® water is distilled, is it sterile?
No. Nursery® water, like any bottled water, is not considered sterile. Use as directed by physician or by labeling directions for use with baby formula.
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.
I thought babies couldn't be given fluoride. Can I give my baby Nursery® water if it has fluoride?
The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the level for optimally fluoridated water at 0.7 parts per million (ppm) as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).1,2 The ADA recommends that if parents or caregivers are concerned about the fluoride level intake of their children, that baby formula can be mixed with water that is fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride. 2,3
Nursery® water has a fluoride level of up to 0.7 ppm. Consult with your pediatrician or dental professional if you have questions.
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.
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.
Is Nursery® water an electrolyte solution?
Nursery® water is a bottled water and does NOT contain electrolytes. It should never be used as a nutritional supplement.
What is the quality and/or mineral content of Nursery® water?
Complete quality report US English(PDF), Spanish(PDF)
Nursery