30-day money-back guarantee *
30-day money-back guarantee *
L'natural water Mont RoucousThe mineral water brand, touted as the best mineral water for babies because of its low mineral content, has been in short supply on shop shelves in recent weeks. This is cause for concern for parents who are convinced that it is the safest option for infants. But behind this shortage lies a question: is the mineral bottle really necessary for toddlers?
The answer is clear: no. Contrary to popular belief, expert authorities remind us that tap water is perfectly suitable for newborn babies. Better still: with simple, effective and sustainable solutions, it is possible to obtain purified waterfree from chlorine, viruses and invisible pollutants, offering a better alternative to bottled mineral water. In reality, these waters do not guarantee that they are free from contaminants.
Let's take stock and find out which is the ideal resource for moisturising baby with confidence.
Many people choose water with a low mineral content, in particular brands such as Volvic or EvianThis is a misconception, however. But this is a misconception. Some, like Mont Roucous have built their reputation on a simple argument to boost sales: their composition is very low in minerals, including sodium. It would then be "ideal" for infants. This marketing pitch obviously appeals to consumers.
Then there's the advice of friends and family, or certain paediatricians who, out of habit, recommend these mineral waters. Finally, mistrust of the content of our mains water fuels the idea that bottled water is safer.
And yet.., lhe French authorities are clear: tap water is ideal for toddlers. And for good reason: its composition is strictly controlled every day. A recommendation confirmed by experts, including paediatrician Emmanuel Delmas (AP-HP), which reminds us: " Mineral water is not at all necessary for children's development and nutritional needs. ". For complete reassurance, you can check the quality report for your local authority's network, which is available from your local council or directly online from the Ministry of Health website: eaupotable.sante.gouv.fr.
In fact, these mineralised waters offer no particular benefit for infants compared with other drinking waters. Let's take a look at why its low mineral content is not the best option for your child's well-being.
It is often said that a low mineral content watersuch as that ofEvianThey are safer for babies. In particular, their labels explicitly state that they are "suitable for infant feeding". However, this idea is not based on any scientific analysis. Take the example of Mont Roucous It is so low in calcium and magnesium that it does not meet the criteria set by the WHO for classification as "drinking water".
To understand this better, all you have to do is look at the composition of breast milk: it is naturally rich in calcium and magnesium, which are essential for the growth and development of the baby. So why recommend buying mineralised water, which is almost devoid of them?
The real issue is the risk of bacterial contamination. Tap water is therefore your best ally, as long as you take a few simple precautions to protect yourself from contamination:
Â
For added peace of mind, the LAVIE UV-A decanter is ideal for tests prove it It contains no filters and relies solely on UV-A light. It eliminates bacteria, viruses, chlorine and traces of pollutants, while preserving the environment. the essential mineral content for baby's health.
Because of their composition, the use of mineral waters such as those from Mont Roucous or Volvic is therefore not necessary for young children. But these plastic bottles also present other risks. Several analyses have highlighted the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics, but also pesticides, PFAS or drug residues in certain references.
Le scandal Nestlé also pointed out that the 'pure' image of the product does not always reflect the reality: injection of iron sulphate and industrial CO₂, microfiltration below authorised thresholds, mixing of mineralised water with that from the public network... A systemic fraud that has affected more than 18 billion bottles.
But that's not all. Beyond the health issue, buying plastic packs also poses a major ecological problem. Their production generates significant emissions, and less than one bottle in two is recycled in France. All too often, the rest ends up in landfill, incinerated or dispersed into the environment.
Given these facts, these bottles of low mineral content water are neither the most sustainable nor the healthiest resource for an infant. Let's take a look at why their supposed 'digestive' virtues are also more of a false belief than a genuine benefit.
Sometimes mineral water is used on an occasional basis, not to hydrate on a daily basis, but in the hope ofalleviate digestive problems such as constipation or colic in children. This habit has developed over time, passed on by word of mouth or by certain unfounded medical recommendations.
However, there is no scientific evidence to show that these waters have any real benefits for babies' digestion, thanks to their mineral content. As paediatrician Emmanuel Delmas (AP-HP) points out: " Parents often think that their baby is constipated, but this is not the case. The first thing to do when in doubt is to consult a health professional. But the second question is, is there any point in taking these specific mineral waters in case of constipation? ? The answer is no. ".
In other words, this use is not essential for young children with colic or other digestive problems.
The evidence is clear: mineral water has no particular benefits for infants. It may even conceal risks (pollutants, microplastics, bacteria, etc.).
Conversely, thetap water is best for babies. Why is it so important? In France, it is subject to strict controls on a daily basis, guaranteeing that it is safe for consumption. It's also much more practical (no need to carry or stock packs), economical (up to 100 times cheaper than bottled water) and environmentally friendly (less plastic waste and transport emissions).
But to be on the safe side, first check its quality with your local council or on the government website :Â eaupotable.sante.gouv.fr.
Then, for even more reassuring consumption, there are simple, sustainable solutions:
Â
By using these purifiers, you can the guarantee of quality hydrationIt's healthy and safe, and suitable for use in babies' feeding bottles.
No mineral water, even with a low mineral content, is recommended for newborns. The French authorities point out that tap water, strictly controlled every dayThese bottles are ideal from birth. If you still opt for these bottles , make sure they carry the explicit mention "suitable for infant feeding" on their label, like theEvian.
Neither has any particular advantages for babies. Mineralized water like spring water like Cristaline may contain invisible pollutants. What's more, some have a calcium and magnesium content too lowin particular that of Mont Roucous. Tap water remains the safest, most practical and environmentally friendly choice, as long as you take a few simple precautions or purify it with a reliable LAVIE solution.
An exclusively breastfed baby does not need water until 6 months: breast milk covers all his needs. For children fed on infant milk, tap water can be used from birth to prepare baby's bottles, as long as you follow a few rules of hygiene (don't use a filter, use cold water, let it run for a few seconds and bring it to the boil before using it with the infant milk).
In France, the quality of tap water is strictly controlled. It is therefore perfectly suited to an infant's needs, unlike water with a low mineral content. But, like all water intended for human consumption, it can contain undesirable contaminants. To eliminate them, there are simple and economical solutions, such as UV-A or LaFontaine LAVIE decanterwhich purify while preserving baby's essential minerals.
Article written on 24/09/2025 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.
Want to keep up to date with our water-related articles?
Subscribe to our Newsletter below
and get -5% on your first order!
