Expert answer: The BabyCenter Editorial Team
That's right. If you use tap water for your baby's formula, it's better to draw from the cold tap to reduce the chance of contamination from lead or other minerals. If your home has any lead in the plumbing, the hot water will leach more of it out of the pipes than cold water will.
Also keep in mind that the longer the water has stayed in the pipes, the greater the exposure to lead. Letting the cold water run for a few minutes flushes out the system and reduces the chances that there will be lead in the water.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends bringing cold tap water to a boil in a kettle, boiling it for one minute, and then cooling it before using it to make formula.
Even if you follow these recommendations, though, tap water isn't always your best bet for making bottles. For example, some tap water contains high levels of fluoride, which can affect the appearance of your child's permanent teeth years from now. You may want to talk with your baby's healthcare provider about local water conditions and get his or her recommendation.
Learn more about what kind of water to use for formula.