Bottled Water for Babies: Is it Safe and Appropriate? Making the Right Choice for Your Baby’s Hydration: Tap vs Bottled Water.
When choosing the best water for babies, there are many factors to consider, including the water’s source, purity, and mineral content. While tap water is often a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, in some cases, purified bottled water may be necessary to ensure young children’s safety and health. In this article, we will explore the arguments for and against giving babies bottled water and some of the most commonly recommended brands for baby formula and hydration. Ultimately, the best water for your baby will depend on their health needs and circumstances, and it is always best to consult a paediatrician for personalized advice.
What happens if a baby drinks alkaline water?
Drinking alkaline water can have adverse health effects for a baby, as their digestive systems and kidneys are not fully developed and may be unable to handle the high alkaline levels. Contents:
Babies have a delicate balance of bodily fluids, and consuming water with a high pH level can disrupt this balance, leading to an increased risk of health problems such as:
- Diarrhoea
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
It is recommended that babies only drink water with a neutral pH of 7 or slightly acidic, as this is what their bodies are best equipped to handle. Additionally, they should only drink water that has been treated and purified to remove any harmful contaminants.
At what age can kids drink alkaline water?
The appropriate age for kids to start drinking alkaline water is a topic of debate among health experts. Some believe alkaline water may have health benefits for kids over the age of 5 or 6, while others believe it is not recommended for children until they are teenagers.
As with many health-related decisions, the best action is to consult a paediatrician who can provide personalized advice based on your child’s health needs and circumstances.
In general, it is crucial to keep in mind that children’s bodies are still developing, and they may not be able to handle the high pH levels in alkaline water as well as adults. Additionally, their kidneys and digestive systems may not mature fully, making them more susceptible to potential health problems associated with consuming alkaline water.
It is also vital to ensure that any water your child drinks, regardless of its pH level, is treated and purified to remove any harmful contaminants.
Why is alkaline water not always suitable, even for bigger children?
While some proponents of alkaline water claim that it has various health benefits, including improved hydration and neutralization of excess acid in the body, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence.
Drinking alkaline water can negatively affect some people, particularly those with kidney problems or other health conditions. It comes that way because the high pH level of alkaline water can disrupt the delicate balance of bodily fluids and minerals, leading to potential health problems such as:
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Decreased absorption of minerals and nutrients
- Increased risk of kidney stones
- Digestive discomfort and indigestion
Additionally, some studies have suggested that drinking alkaline water may interfere with the body’s natural process of controlling its pH levels, potentially leading to further health problems.
What is the best water for babies?
The best water for babies is clean, safe drinking water with a neutral pH of 7 or slightly acidic. This type of water is easy for their delicate digestive systems to process and does not disrupt the balance of minerals and fluids in their bodies.
Babies should not drink water with high levels of minerals or other substances that can be harmful if consumed excessively. It’s crucial to ensure that the water you give your baby has been treated and purified to remove any harmful contaminants, such as bacteria, lead, or chemicals.
Boiled or distilled water is a good option for newborns and young infants, as it is free of contaminants and minerals. After six months of age, you can start to give your baby water that has been treated and purified, such as bottled water or tap water that has been filtered.
What pH water should babies drink?
Babies should drink water with a neutral pH of 7 or slightly acidic. This type of water is most effortless for their delicate digestive systems to process and does not disrupt the balance of minerals and fluids in their bodies.
Water with a high pH level, such as alkaline water, can harm babies. It can disrupt the delicate balance of bodily fluids and lead to potential health problems, such as electrolyte imbalances, digestive discomfort, and decreased absorption of minerals and nutrients.
Is Evian water suitable for babies?
Evian water is a brand of bottled water that is safe for babies to drink. The water undergoes a thorough treatment and purification process to remove any harmful contaminants, and it has a neutral pH level of 7, which is suitable for babies.
However, it’s important to note that bottled water, including Evian, can be more expensive than tap water and may contain higher levels of certain minerals, such as sodium, which can be harmful if consumed excessively.
Which bottled water is best for babies?
Several brands of bottled water are safe for babies to drink. When choosing bottled water for your baby, it’s essential to look for water that has been treated and purified to remove any harmful contaminants, such as bacteria, lead, or chemicals. The water should also have a neutral pH of 7 or be slightly acidic.
Some of the most commonly recommended brands of bottled water for babies include:
- Nestle Pure Life
- Gerber Pure Purified Water
- Aquafina
- Dasani
It’s important to note that not all bottled waters are created equal. Some may contain higher levels of certain minerals, such as sodium, which can be harmful if consumed excessively.
What arguments do they use against babies having bottled water?
There are several arguments against giving babies bottled water:
- Cost: Bottled water can be more expensive than tap water and may not be cost-effective for families with limited resources.
- Environmental impact: Bottled water’s production and disposal can significantly impact the environment, as plastic bottles take a long time to decompose and contribute to the growing problem of plastic waste.
- Lack of regulation: Unlike tap water, which the government regulates, the quality and safety of bottled water are less strictly monitored. Some brands of bottled water have been found to contain harmful chemicals or other contaminants.
- Unnecessary additives: Some bottled water brands contain added minerals or other substances that can affect the taste of formula and harm babies if consumed in large quantities.
- Lack of fluoride: Many communities add fluoride to their tap water to help prevent tooth decay. Bottled water is not always fluoridated, which can be a concern for the dental health of young children.
It is important to note that not all bottled water is harmful to babies. In some cases, it may be necessary to use purified bottled water, especially in areas where tap water is unsafe to drink. However, it is always best to consult a paediatrician for personalized advice on your baby’s diet and hydration, including their water intake.
In conclusion, it is essential to be mindful of the type of water that babies and young children drink. They should only drink water with a neutral pH level of 7 or slightly acidic that has been treated and purified to remove any harmful contaminants. Drinking water with a high pH level, such as alkaline water, can disrupt the balance of bodily fluids and minerals, leading to potential health problems for babies. It is always best to consult with a paediatrician for personalized advice. Clean, safe drinking water is essential for good health, especially for growing children. When choosing bottled water for babies, it’s essential to look for water that has been treated and purified and has a neutral pH level.
We hope this information is helpful. Please share this critical information with friends and family on social networks to spread awareness about the importance of safe drinking water for babies.