Emergency water for babies and infant formula
The short answer
The CDC says breastfeeding is still the best option for most babies, even in a disaster. If you use formula, ready-to-feed formula is the safest choice, because it needs no water. For powdered formula, use bottled water until local officials say your tap water is safe. If you don't have bottled water, boil water for 1 minute and let it cool before you mix it.
Formula options in an emergency
| Type | Water needed | What the CDC says |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-feed | None | The safest option. Use it if your baby is under 2 months, was born prematurely or has a weakened immune system. |
| Powdered | Bottled water, or water boiled for 1 minute and cooled | Powdered formula isn't sterile, so the water and the bottle must be clean. |
| Concentrated liquid | Bottled water, or water boiled for 1 minute and cooled | Use bottled water when tap water is unsafe. |
| Homemade formula | Not applicable | Don't make or feed homemade formula. |
How to mix powdered formula safely
These steps follow the CDC's emergency guide for powdered formula:
- Clean your hands. If you don't have safe water, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Check that the formula hasn't expired. Throw away cans that are dented, rusty, puffy or open, or that were exposed to unsafe water.
- Use the exact amounts on the formula container. Measure the water first, then add the powder with the scoop. Too much or too little formula can make your baby sick.
- No measuring cup? Use a disposable water bottle or another food-safe container that shows its volume.
- Close the bottle and shake it to mix. Don't stir. You don't need to warm it.
- Use it within 1 hour of starting the feed and within 2 hours of making it. If the power is out, make a fresh bottle for every feed.
When you can't clean bottles
The CDC warns that bottles and nipples are hard to clean without safe water, which makes them risky. If you can't wash them with soap and bottled, boiled or treated water, feed your baby from a disposable cup and use a new cup for every feed.
Water to keep for a baby
The CDC's checklist for families with babies includes bottled water for mixing, safe drinking water for the family, dish soap and a wash basin. It also suggests a small camp stove, fuel and a pot, so you can boil water if the power goes out. Check your supplies once a month and keep enough formula for several days.
How much water that adds depends on your baby's age and formula, so go by the amounts on the container. Then add it to your household's water from the water storage calculator. Ready.gov notes that nursing mothers may need more water too.
If you're not sure your water is safe
Don't use it for formula, bottles, ice or anything your baby puts in their mouth. Boiling and bleach can make some water safe, but they can't make water with fuel or chemicals in it safe. Our guide to making water safe to drink explains both. Ask your pediatrician if your baby has special feeding needs.