Parents Choice Purified Water

Navigating the Waters of Infant Hydration: Everything You Need to Know About Parent’s Choice Purified Water

As a new parent, I still remember the overwhelming feeling of standing in the baby aisle, staring at dozens of water options, wondering which one was actually best for my little one. Was regular tap water good enough? Did I need special “baby water”? What exactly was Parent’s Choice Purified Water, and was it worth buying? After extensive research and three children later, I’ve become something of an accidental expert on this topic. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about choosing the right purified water for your baby’s needs – focusing specifically on Parent’s Choice Purified Water, a popular option for many families.

My Journey into the World of Baby Water

Before my first child was born, I never gave much thought to water. It came from the tap, sometimes filtered through my refrigerator, and that was that. But parenthood has a way of making you question everything you put near your baby – and rightfully so.

When I started preparing formula for my firstborn, the pediatrician mentioned using purified water, and suddenly I found myself down a rabbit hole of water research. Was tap water safe enough? Did my baby need special water? What about all these gallons of “nursery water” and “baby water” with their premium price tags?

After talking with pediatricians, reading scientific studies, and yes, trying various water brands with my babies, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide about Parent’s Choice Purified Water – what it is, when to use it, how it compares to alternatives, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money.

Understanding Parent’s Choice Purified Water: The Basics

Parent’s Choice Purified Water is Walmart’s store brand of purified water marketed specifically for infant use. It’s become popular among parents primarily because it offers a more affordable alternative to other “baby water” brands while maintaining high quality standards.

What Exactly Is Purified Water?

Before diving into the specifics of Parent’s Choice, it’s important to understand what “purified” water actually means. Purified water has been processed to remove impurities through methods like distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other suitable processes. According to FDA standards, purified water must contain no more than 10 parts per million of total dissolved solids.

This differs from spring water (which comes from an underground source and contains natural minerals) and distilled water (which has been boiled into vapor and condensed back to liquid, removing most minerals).

Parent’s Choice Purified Water undergoes a multi-step purification process that includes:

• Filtration to remove larger particles
• Reverse osmosis to remove smaller contaminants
• Treatment with ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses
• Ozonation as a final disinfection step

The result is water that’s exceptionally clean and free from potentially harmful contaminants that might be present in regular tap water.

Is Parent’s Choice Purified Water Safe for Babies?

This is undoubtedly the most important question, and I’m happy to report that yes, Parent’s Choice Purified Water is considered safe for infant use when used appropriately. Here’s why:

1. It meets or exceeds all FDA and EPA regulations for purified water
2. It undergoes rigorous testing for contaminants
3. It’s processed in facilities that maintain strict quality control standards
4. It’s packaged in BPA-free containers (more on this later)

In my experience with three children, I’ve used Parent’s Choice Purified Water for formula preparation without any issues. However, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician about your specific baby’s needs, especially for very young infants or those with special health concerns.

The Fluoride Question: Does Parent’s Choice Purified Water Contain Fluoride?

One of the most common questions parents have about water for babies concerns fluoride content. Fluoride is beneficial for developing teeth, but too much fluoride during infancy can potentially cause dental fluorosis (white spots on teeth).

Parent’s Choice Purified Water does NOT contain added fluoride. The purification process removes most naturally occurring fluoride, resulting in water with either no fluoride or trace amounts well below levels that would cause concern.

This makes it a good choice for formula preparation, especially if you live in an area with fluoridated tap water. Using non-fluoridated water for formula helps ensure your baby doesn’t get excessive fluoride exposure, particularly during the first 6 months when they’re most vulnerable to fluorosis.

However, as your child grows older and begins developing teeth, some exposure to fluoride becomes beneficial. This is why pediatric dentists often recommend gradually introducing fluoridated water as appropriate for your child’s age and needs. Again, this is something to discuss with your pediatrician and dentist.

Using Parent’s Choice Purified Water for Formula Preparation

When my first baby arrived, I was surprised by how many questions I had about something as seemingly simple as mixing formula. Here’s what I’ve learned about using Parent’s Choice Purified Water specifically for formula:

Can I Use Parent’s Choice Purified Water for Baby Formula?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, formula preparation is the primary intended use for Parent’s Choice Purified Water. The clean, purified nature of the water makes it ideal for mixing with powdered formula.

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that for healthy, full-term infants, it’s generally safe to use room temperature bottled water that’s labeled as purified, distilled, deionized, or demineralized. Parent’s Choice Purified Water fits these criteria.

Does Parent’s Choice Purified Water Need to be Boiled Before Use?

This is where things get a bit nuanced, and where I found conflicting advice as a new parent.

The official recommendation from many pediatricians and the CDC is to boil all water used for formula preparation for infants under 3 months of age, regardless of whether it’s tap water or purified bottled water. This is mainly a precautionary measure to kill any potential bacteria.

However, since Parent’s Choice Purified Water undergoes extensive purification processes including UV treatment and ozonation specifically designed to eliminate bacteria, many pediatricians consider it safe to use without boiling for healthy, full-term infants.

My approach? For my newborns under 3 months, I boiled Parent’s Choice water out of an abundance of caution, then let it cool to room temperature before mixing formula. After 3 months, and after discussing with my pediatrician, I began using it directly from the bottle without boiling.

Always follow your pediatrician’s specific guidance on this matter, as recommendations can vary based on your baby’s age, health status, and other factors.

Parent’s Choice Purified Water vs. Distilled Water

A common source of confusion for parents is understanding the difference between purified and distilled water, and which is better for babies.

Parent’s Choice Purified Water is not distilled water, though both undergo significant processing to remove impurities. Distilled water specifically undergoes the process of distillation (boiling and recondensing), which removes virtually all minerals. Purified water, on the other hand, may be processed through various methods including reverse osmosis, deionization, or other techniques to achieve a similar level of purity.

For practical purposes when it comes to formula preparation, both distilled and purified water are generally considered appropriate. Some pediatricians prefer distilled water because it has virtually no mineral content, while others consider the trace minerals remaining in purified water to be negligible or even beneficial.

In my experience, I found Parent’s Choice Purified Water worked perfectly well for all three of my children’s formula needs, and it was often more readily available and slightly less expensive than distilled options.

Comparing Parent’s Choice Purified Water to Nursery Water

When I was a new parent, I often wondered whether the specially marketed “nursery waters” were somehow superior to other purified waters. Here’s what I discovered:

Nursery water brands (like Gerber) are essentially purified water marketed specifically for babies. The main difference is that some nursery waters add a small amount of fluoride (usually around 0.7 ppm), while others, like Parent’s Choice, do not.

The purification standards for both products are very similar, meeting FDA requirements for purified water. Both undergo extensive filtration and purification processes to remove contaminants and ensure safety.

The primary differences come down to:

1. Price: Nursery water brands typically cost significantly more than Parent’s Choice
2. Fluoride content: Some nursery waters contain added fluoride while Parent’s Choice does not
3. Marketing: Nursery waters may have more baby-focused packaging and marketing

After comparing both types extensively, I found that Parent’s Choice Purified Water offers essentially the same quality at a lower price point. Unless you’re specifically looking for added fluoride (which most pediatricians don’t recommend for infants under 6 months anyway), there’s little reason to pay the premium for nursery water brands.

Mineral Content: What’s In (and Not In) Parent’s Choice Purified Water

Another consideration for parents is the mineral content of water used for formula. Formula is designed to provide complete nutrition when mixed with water that doesn’t contain significant minerals.

Parent’s Choice Purified Water contains minimal mineral content due to the purification process. This is generally considered ideal for formula preparation, as it allows the formula to provide precisely the nutrients intended by the manufacturer without additional minerals that could alter the nutritional balance.

This differs from spring water or mineral water, which naturally contains various minerals that, while healthy for adults, might not be appropriate in addition to the carefully balanced nutrition in infant formula.

If you’re curious about exact mineral content, Parent’s Choice Purified Water typically contains less than 10 ppm of total dissolved solids, though the exact mineral profile may vary slightly between batches due to the nature of the purification process.

pH Levels: Is Parent’s Choice Water Acidic or Alkaline?

For those parents concerned about pH levels (a measure of how acidic or alkaline water is), Parent’s Choice Purified Water typically has a pH close to neutral (7.0), usually ranging between 6.5-7.5.

This neutral pH makes it suitable for formula preparation and occasional sips for babies. Some specialty waters marketed as “alkaline” with higher pH levels have become popular for adults, but for infants, a neutral pH is generally preferred.

BPA Concerns: Is Parent’s Choice Purified Water BPA-Free?

As a parent in the 2020s, I’ve become hyper-aware of potential chemical exposures, with BPA (Bisphenol A) being high on the list of concerns. BPA is an industrial chemical used in some plastics that some research suggests may have health effects, particularly for infants and children.

The good news is that Parent’s Choice Purified Water is packaged in BPA-free containers. Walmart has confirmed that all their Parent’s Choice water products use BPA-free plastic, addressing a major concern for health-conscious parents.

When purchasing, you’ll notice the BPA-free labeling on the packaging. This was one of the factors that gave me peace of mind when choosing this water for my babies.

Beyond Formula: Other Uses for Parent’s Choice Purified Water

While formula preparation is the most common use for Parent’s Choice Purified Water, it can serve multiple purposes in caring for your baby:

Is Parent’s Choice Purified Water Good for Newborns in Other Ways?

Beyond formula, Parent’s Choice Purified Water can be used for:

1. Cleaning small wounds or scrapes: The purified nature makes it suitable for gentle cleansing.
2. Diluting juice (when your pediatrician approves juice consumption, usually after 12 months): Using purified water ensures you’re not adding any unwanted contaminants.
3. Making homemade baby food: When preparing pureed foods that require added liquid, purified water is a clean option.
4. Temporary relief for constipation: Some pediatricians recommend small amounts of water (for babies over 6 months) to help with constipation. Always consult your doctor before giving water to infants.

Can Parent’s Choice Purified Water Be Used for Humidifiers?

Yes, it can. The low mineral content makes Parent’s Choice Purified Water suitable for use in humidifiers, potentially reducing the buildup of mineral deposits that can occur with tap water. This can extend the life of your humidifier and reduce the frequency of cleaning required.

I found this to be an unexpected benefit during cold and flu season when the nursery humidifier was running constantly. Using the same water I had on hand for formula preparation meant one less thing to buy.

Is Parent’s Choice Purified Water Safe for Sterilizing Bottles?

Yes, Parent’s Choice Purified Water can be used as part of the bottle sterilization process. When boiling bottles, nipples, and other feeding accessories, using purified water ensures you’re not potentially depositing any contaminants or excessive minerals on these items.

However, it’s worth noting that regular tap water is typically fine for sterilization purposes as well, since the boiling process will kill harmful bacteria regardless of the water source. Using purified water is simply an extra precaution some parents prefer.

Shelf Life and Storage: Keeping Parent’s Choice Purified Water Fresh

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of any water used for infants. Here’s what you need to know about storing Parent’s Choice Purified Water:

How Long Does Parent’s Choice Purified Water Last After Opening?

Once opened, it’s best to use Parent’s Choice Purified Water within 7-10 days. While the water itself doesn’t “go bad” in the traditional sense, once the seal is broken, there’s potential for environmental contaminants to be introduced.

I found it helpful to write the date of opening on the bottle with a permanent marker to keep track. For smaller babies who don’t use much water, the smaller bottle sizes may be more practical to reduce waste.

Unopened Shelf Life

Unopened bottles of Parent’s Choice Purified Water have a much longer shelf life. The product typically comes with a “best by” date printed on the packaging, usually 1-2 years from the production date. This makes it convenient to stock up during sales without worrying about immediate expiration.

Storage Tips

To maintain optimal quality:

• Store unopened bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Once opened, keep refrigerated
• Avoid storing in areas with strong odors, as plastic bottles can sometimes absorb odors
• Don’t reuse empty bottles for storing other liquids for your baby

The Cost Factor: Is Parent’s Choice Purified Water Worth It?

As a budget-conscious parent, price was definitely a consideration in my water choices. Here’s how Parent’s Choice Purified Water compares economically:

How Much Does Parent’s Choice Purified Water Cost?

As of my last check, Parent’s Choice Purified Water typically costs between $0.88-$1.00 for a one-gallon jug, making it one of the most affordable options specifically marketed for infant use. The same volume of branded nursery water can cost $1.50-$2.50, representing a significant premium.

For parents using smaller containers, Parent’s Choice also offers convenient multi-packs of smaller bottles, though these naturally come at a higher per-ounce cost than the gallon jugs.

Cost Analysis for Formula Feeding

Let’s break down what this means for the average formula-feeding parent:

A typical newborn might consume about 24 ounces of prepared formula daily. At a standard dilution rate, this requires approximately 12 ounces of water. That means a gallon of water (128 ounces) would last about 10-11 days for exclusive formula feeding.

At roughly $1 per gallon, the monthly water cost would be approximately $3, compared to $4.50-$7.50 for premium nursery water brands. While a few dollars difference might not seem significant, over a year of formula feeding, choosing Parent’s Choice could save $18-$54 – enough for several packages of diapers or a nice baby outfit!

Value Consideration

When evaluating the value, consider that Parent’s Choice Purified Water offers essentially the same quality as more expensive nursery waters but at a significantly lower price point. For families on a budget or those who simply prefer not to pay for marketing premiums, it represents an excellent value while still providing the peace of mind that comes with using a product specifically suitable for infants.

Where to Buy Parent’s Choice Purified Water

As the name suggests, Parent’s Choice is Walmart’s store brand, making Walmart stores the primary retail location for purchasing this product. It’s available in:

• Walmart supercenters
• Neighborhood Market locations
• Walmart.com (for delivery or pickup)

The water typically comes in several size options:

• Gallon jugs (most economical)
• 1-liter bottles
• Multi-packs of smaller bottles (convenient for travel)

I found the gallon size most practical for everyday use at home, with a few smaller bottles kept on hand for diaper bag packing and travel.

Consumer Reviews: What Other Parents Are Saying

I’m not alone in my assessment of Parent’s Choice Purified Water. Online reviews from other parents generally echo similar sentiments:

Positive Feedback

The majority of reviews highlight:

• Affordability compared to other baby water brands
• Convenience and widespread availability
• Confidence in the purification process
• No noticeable difference when compared to more expensive brands

Critical Feedback

Less favorable reviews occasionally mention:

• Plastic taste (though this is rare and often subjective)
• Preferences for glass packaging options (currently not available)
• Occasional difficulty finding smaller bottle sizes in certain locations

Overall, Parent’s Choice Purified Water maintains strong ratings across most review platforms, typically averaging 4.5+ stars out of 5.

Safety Record: Have There Been Any Recalls?

Safety is paramount when it comes to products for babies. In researching the safety record of Parent’s Choice Purified Water, I found no significant recalls specifically for this product in recent years.

Walmart generally maintains strict quality control standards for their store brands, and bottled water as a category is subject to FDA regulations that help ensure safety.

That said, it’s always good practice to:

• Check bottle seals before purchasing
• Examine the water for any unusual appearance, odor, or taste before use
• Stay informed about product recalls through resources like the FDA website or consumer safety alerts

Electrolytes and Additions: What’s Not in Parent’s Choice Water

Unlike some specialty waters marketed for adults, Parent’s Choice Purified Water does not contain added electrolytes. This is actually preferable for infant formula preparation, as formula is designed to provide the appropriate electrolyte balance when mixed with plain water.

The absence of additives is a positive feature for infant use, as it means:

• No added sodium
• No added sugars
• No artificial flavors or sweeteners
• No unnecessary minerals that could interfere with formula nutrition

Comparing to Other Water Types: Making the Right Choice

To help clarify the sometimes confusing world of water options, here’s how Parent’s Choice Purified Water compares to other common types:

Parent’s Choice vs. Spring Water

Spring water comes from underground sources and contains natural minerals. While these minerals are beneficial for adults, they may not be ideal for infant formula. The consistent purity of Parent’s Choice, with its minimal mineral content, makes it generally more suitable for formula preparation than spring water.

Parent’s Choice vs. Distilled Water

Both are appropriate for formula, but distilled water undergoes a different purification process (distillation) that removes virtually all minerals. Parent’s Choice may retain trace beneficial minerals while still meeting purified water standards. The choice between these often comes down to availability and price, as both are suitable for babies.

Parent’s Choice vs. Filtered Tap Water

Home-filtered tap water quality varies greatly depending on your local water supply and filtration system. While high-quality home filtration can produce water suitable for formula, Parent’s Choice offers consistency regardless of your local water conditions. For families with excellent municipal water and good filtration, filtered tap water may be comparable to Parent’s Choice.

Parent’s Choice vs. Regular Tap Water

Unfiltered tap water quality varies dramatically by location. In areas with excellent municipal water, tap water may be suitable for older infants after boiling. However, potential concerns with tap water can include:

• Lead from old pipes
• Fluoride levels (which may be higher than recommended for infants)
• Varying mineral content
• Regional contaminants

Parent’s Choice provides consistency and removal of these potential concerns, making it a safer choice, particularly for newborns and young infants.

My Personal Experience: Why I Chose Parent’s Choice

After three babies and countless bottles of formula, I’ve developed some strong opinions about water choices. Here’s why Parent’s Choice became my go-to:

When my first baby arrived, I initially bought the premium nursery water brands, assuming the higher price meant better quality. After researching the specifications and talking with my pediatrician, I realized I was paying extra primarily for marketing.

I switched to Parent’s Choice Purified Water around month two and never looked back. The savings were noticeable over time, and my baby showed no difference in acceptance or digestion of her formula.

By babies two and three, I was confidently stocking up on gallon jugs of Parent’s Choice during my Walmart runs, appreciating both the value and the peace of mind that came with using a product specifically suitable for infants.

The convenience factor was significant too – being able to grab water during regular grocery shopping rather than making special trips to specialty baby stores simplified an already chaotic time of life.

When to Consider Alternatives to Parent’s Choice

While Parent’s Choice Purified Water is suitable for most healthy infants, there are some situations where alternatives might be worth considering:

Special Medical Needs

Babies with certain medical conditions may have specific water requirements. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for infants with:

• Kidney issues
• Rare metabolic disorders
• Compromised immune systems
• Premature birth with special nutritional needs

Travel Considerations

When traveling, especially internationally, availability of trusted water brands may vary. In these situations, other purified water brands or even bottled nursery waters may be necessary alternatives.

Personal Values and Preferences

Some families prioritize:

• Glass packaging (environmental concerns about plastic)
• Local or regional brands (to reduce carbon footprint)
• Specific filtration methods based on personal research

These considerations are valid reasons to explore alternatives that better align with your family’s priorities.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Quality, Convenience, and Budget

After my journey through the surprisingly complex world of baby water options, I’ve come to appreciate the balance that Parent’s Choice Purified Water offers between quality, convenience, and affordability.

As parents, we’re constantly making decisions that impact our children’s health while also managing household budgets and practical concerns. Water for formula may seem like a small decision, but given how much of it babies consume in their first year, it’s worth giving it thoughtful consideration.

The most important factors in choosing water for your baby are safety, purity, and consistency – and Parent’s Choice delivers on these fronts without the premium price tag of specialty brands. The peace of mind that comes with using a product specifically designed for infant use, combined with the practical benefits of wide availability and affordability, makes it a sensible choice for many families.

That said, the “best” choice ultimately depends on your specific circumstances, your baby’s individual needs, and your pediatrician’s recommendations. Whether you choose Parent’s Choice or another option, being informed about what goes into your baby’s bottles is what matters most.

Remember that water for formula is just one of countless parenting decisions, and what works best for your family is what’s right for you. Trust your instincts, consult with healthcare providers when needed, and know that by researching your options, you’re already being the thoughtful, caring parent your baby needs.

Have you used Parent’s Choice Purified Water for your little one? What factors influenced your decision about which water to use for formula? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!