Travelling with Babies and Young Children: Water Safety Checklist

Formula Preparation While Travelling

In destinations with Safe tap water — including Australia, Canada, Japan and most of Western Europe such as France, Italy and the Netherlands — it's generally fine to mix formula with tap water, following the same preparation guidance you'd use at home. In cities like Sydney, Tokyo and Amsterdam, this applies straight from the hotel tap.

Where tap water isn't recommended — such as in India, Indonesia, Mexico or Egypt — use bottled water labelled as suitable for infants where available, or bring water to a rolling boil and let it cool before mixing. Boiling is the most reliable way to make water safe for formula anywhere tap water is rated Conditional or Not Safe. Avoid using water straight from a kettle in a hotel room without knowing whether it reached a full boil, and never rely on bottled water alone without checking the label — some mineral waters have sodium or mineral levels too high for regular infant use. If you're unsure, ask your paediatrician before you travel which bottled water brands are appropriate for the country you're visiting.

Sterilising Bottles and Feeding Equipment

Sterilising equipment needs the same standard of water as the formula itself. Boiling remains the most dependable method anywhere, and travel-sized steam or UV sterilisers can be a convenient backup, but check that any water used to rinse equipment beforehand is also safe. In destinations like Thailand or Vietnam, where established hotels usually have reliable filtered or bottled water on hand, rinse bottles and teats with that rather than straight from the tap.

Breastfeeding While Travelling

Breastfeeding is generally the safest feeding option while travelling, since it doesn't introduce any water at all. A breastfeeding parent's own hydration matters more in this case — stick to safe water sources for yourself, and follow the same drinking-water precautions as any other adult traveller, whether you're in a Safe destination like Portugal or somewhere requiring more caution like Peru.

Ice, Ice Lollies and Cold Drinks

Ice and ice-based treats deserve extra caution for young children beyond the guidance in our ice safety guide. Homemade or street-vendor ice lollies can be made with untreated water and are harder to avoid confidently than a drink you can order without ice. This is worth being especially mindful of in destinations such as Mexico and Thailand, where commercial ice is generally safe at hotels but informal vendors are more of a question mark. In destinations where tap water isn't recommended, it's simplest to skip ice lollies and shaved ice from informal vendors altogether, and stick to sealed, commercially produced ice cream and drinks instead.

Hydration and Heat

Young children dehydrate faster than adults, especially in hot climates, and may not reliably communicate thirst. This is particularly relevant in warm-weather destinations like Bangkok, Cancún or Sharm el-Sheikh. Offer water regularly rather than waiting for a child to ask, using a safe source appropriate to the destination, and watch for early signs of dehydration such as fewer wet nappies, dry lips, or unusual fussiness or lethargy.

If Your Child Has Been Exposed to Unsafe Water

A single accidental exposure — a sip of tap water, a splash while bathing — is unlikely to cause illness on its own, and there's usually no need to do anything beyond switching back to a safe source. Watch for diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or reduced wet nappies over the following days, and read our guide on traveller's diarrhoea and how long it typically lasts for more on what to expect.

Seek medical care promptly for a baby or young child with persistent vomiting, blood in the stool, a high fever, signs of dehydration, or unusual drowsiness — children can deteriorate faster than adults, so it's better to check early than wait it out.

Destinations Where Standard Precautions Are Enough

In Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and most of Western Europe, formula, bottle-washing and drinking water can all safely come from the tap, the same as at home. Popular family destinations like Sydney, Auckland, Vancouver, London and Paris all fall into this category — one less thing to plan around on the trip.

Destinations Where Extra Care Is Worthwhile

In destinations like India, Egypt, Indonesia, Morocco and Mexico — including popular family spots such as Goa, Hurghada and Cancún — plan ahead: pack enough formula or bring a travel steriliser, confirm which bottled water brands are appropriate locally, and boil water for formula and equipment rinsing rather than relying on the tap.