Are the publications you've been reading based on some kind of scientific evidence? Granted there could always be something we don't know yet about fluoridated water but everything I've learned as a public health professional is that it is one of the single most effective public health measures ever put in place with no scientific evidence of any harmful effects. As a result there is now a generation of adults who grew up with fluoridated water who have never experienced tooth decay. I would be very interested to know if there is some new scientific evidence that it's harmful.

I would probably go with what the doctor says. It may have something to do with where you live. I think certain areas have more flouride in their water than others. If it's below a certain number than supplements are recommended. You could call your water dept. What do other people in your area do with their babies? If no one else is, I would specifically ask your doctor why he thinks it's needed. Personally, I wouldn't use bottled water for a baby...too much chance of bacteria. Tap is usually better.

Do you notice color or particulates in your water out of the tap? If not, then your iron is ferrous and may be treated with the same softener that will remove hardness from your water. You would need quite a large softener - 3.0 cubic ft. Alternately, you could get a twin tank softener where each tank holds 2.0 cubic ft of resin. For your situation, I prefer the twin because of a lower chance of channeling, but either will work. A single softener will likely be a bit less expensive. Either way you want a minimum of: High quality American or German made resin. This will provide a tight size distribution for optimal flow within the resin, longer resin life, and more reliable, predicable water softening. Since you have WELL WATER: 8% crosslinked resin. Top basket. This serves two purposes. It sets up a proper water distribution during normal operation and prevents resin loss during backwash. Gravel underbed. The gravel underbed is there to set up proper flow patterns, improve backwash, keep the bottom basket in place, prevent basket failure, and prevent channeling. Many softener sales companies like to leave this out or sell softeners with a vortex system instead. Vortex systems weigh less than gravel so they cost less to ship. In addition, they are a more expensive item that adds profit for the softener salesperson, but provides no additional benefit to the homeowner . It simply adds another piece of equipment that can break. Fleck or Clack valves. These set the industry standard. Be aware that you will not be able to purchase Clack valves online. This is not a problem if you purchase locally. The valve should regen based on water usage, not time. Noryl bypass. Most softeners are available with either Noryl or stainless bypass valves. Both are good valves, but the noryl tends to be more reliable when not used for long periods of time. Brine tank: Although either round or square will work, round brine tanks are more structurally sound and will not deform like a square tank will. Additionally, if you need a softener 1.5 cuft or larger, a square tank will most likely be too small. Install the softener with a three-valve bypass. This will make it so much easier if you ever need to remove the softener for repairs or wish to take it with you when you move. Use full-port, quarter-turn valves. In addition, because of the iron and manganese in your water. The problem with iron-laden water in a softener is that softener resin has a great affinity for iron and does not release it easily. Iron will slowly foul the softener resin from the inside out. Extra measures need to be taken to remove the iron. For this you have several options. The easiest option may be to simply use Iron-Remover salt. Alternatively, you can use Super Iron Out. You may choose to layer this in with your salt. If you choose this option, use 1/4 C per 40 lb bag of salt. Super Iron Out is more...

Your trees look normal. The older leaves are supposed to point down. That looks like a nice spot for it next to the window. The top leaves are starting to lean toward the window. Rotating it halfway around every a couple weeks should keep it even. Does this pot have a hole in the bottom? 6-8 cups of water should be enough for some to run out of the hole. If it has one, maybe something is blocking it.