Tap water for babies: What you need to know to ensure their safety
Table of contents
Tap water is one of the most closely monitored food stuffs in France. So it's safe to eat for young and old alike..
But even though the health authorities are doing their best to ensure the safety of our drinking water, there are still some grey areas. And when it comes to our little ones, the question of their safety becomes even more crucial. Many parents wonder whether they can give their baby tap water with complete confidence. Is it really safe? What are the potential risks? And above all, what precautions should be taken to ensure that our babies drink the best possible quality water?
In this article, we'll explore the benefits and potential risks of tap water for babies, the regulations in force, and best practice for ensuring that the water you give your child is as pure as possible.
Why water quality is crucial for babies
When it comes to our children's health, every detail counts, and the water they drink is no exception, and can sometimes be a source of concern. But why all the fuss about water for our babies, you ask?
First of all, babies are not just mini-adults. Their immune system is still under constructionA fortress in the making, which for the moment cannot yet defend itself effectively against intruders. Contaminants (traces of pesticides(e.g. heavy metals, drug residues, bacteria, etc.) present in the water, which may go unnoticed by adults, can be of a serious nature. real threats for our little ones.
Composition of tap water: benefits and risks
Tap water, that easily accessible resource, hides many secrets. You may be wondering what's really in the water we drink every day. Let's find out together about the benefits and risks associated with its composition.
Standards in France: water under close surveillance
In France, the quality of tap water is governed by strict regulations. The Public Health Code requires regular checks on more than 60 different parameters, covering microbiological, chemical and radiological contaminants. These checks are carried out by Regional Health Agencies (ARS) which ensure that the water supplied complies with the standards set by European and national legislation.
However, despite these rigorous measures, regulations have their limits. The standards in force are based on thresholds which, while effective, do not cover all emerging substances. For example, the drug residues and endocrine disruptors are not always systematically monitored, even though their presence in the water can pose long-term risks.
The benefits of tap water : Beneficial minerals
Tap water is more than just an inert liquid. It contains a variety of beneficial mineral salts which are essential for our health. These include calcium and the magnesium., these minerals are naturally present in water and can contribute to our recommended daily intake. These minerals are naturally present in water and can contribute to our recommended daily intake.
Read also: Limescale and calcium in tap water: All about hard water
Potential risks: Lead, chlorine and bacteria
However, not everything is rosy in the world of tap water. As well as beneficial minerals, there can be less desirable contaminants. Take the lead, for example. This heavy metal can seep into the water via old pipes, even in low concentrations, it can be dangerous, this is particularly true for children and infants, affecting brain development and the nervous system.
Then there's the chlorine, used to disinfect water and kill bacteria. Although chlorine is effective in making water safe to drink, its presence can lead to a unpleasant taste.
To find out more: How do you remove chlorine from tap water?
Lastly, despite the best water treatment practices, some micro-organisms such as bacteria can sometimes persist. The risk of bacterial infection, although rare, does exist, especially if the water treatment infrastructure is compromised.
How and when to start giving your baby water
Introducing water into baby's life is a key stage, but one that needs to be approached with care. Here's how and when to start giving your baby water, for a smooth, worry-free transition.
Before 6 months :
Experts agree that it is generally not recommended to give water to a baby before the age of 6 months. Breast or infant milk provides all the hydration you need, even in hot weather. However, in the event of extreme heat or fever, some paediatricians may recommend small quantities of water.
From 6 months :
When your baby starts to diversify his diet, at around 6 months of age, it's time for him to eat a variety of foods, it's the ideal time to introduce water. Solid meals can be accompanied by small sips of water to help hydration and digestion. Use a non-leak cup or sippy cup to make this transition easier. From the age of one, you can let your baby drink as much water as he likes.
How to give your baby water
Quantity and frequency : Start with small amounts of water, especially at mealtimes. There's no need to force your baby to drink a lot; a few sips are enough. Pay attention to signs of thirst, such as reaching for the cup or gurgling, to adjust the quantity.
Choice of water : As we have seen, in France, tap water is strictly controlled and can be suitable for babies, as long as certain precautions are taken. Boil the water for one minute and then leave it to cool before giving it to your baby.
Avoid excess: Too much water can be just as problematic as too little. Too much water can dilute the electrolytes in your baby's body, leading to dangerous imbalances such as hyponatraemia. Don't replace milk bottles with water and always consult your paediatrician if in doubt.
In a nutshell
Introduce water into your baby's diet as follows gradually and with care. Before 6 months, breast or infant milk is generally sufficient for hydration. From the age of 6 months, as the diet diversifies, you can start offering small quantities of water. Choose quality water, pay attention to your baby's needs and always consult your paediatrician for personalised advice.
Can I use tap water to prepare a bottle of infant milk?
Of course, you can use tap water to prepare your baby's bottle, but a few precautions should be taken to ensure his health and safety.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Use cold water: Hot or warm tap water may contain more contaminants. Always use cold water to avoid these risks. It's simple, but crucial.
- Run the water: Before filling the bottle, leave the tap water running for a while. This eliminates stagnant water that could contain lead residues or other contaminants, especially in old pipes.
- Avoid filter jugs : They may seem practical, but they can become breeding grounds for bacteria if they're not looked after properly. It's best not to use them to prepare your baby's bottle.
- Bring the water to the boil: For infants under 6 months, we recommend boiling the water for one minute and then allowing it to cool before using it for feeding. This eliminates any bacteria or other potential contaminants. This step is not necessary if you are using a LAVIE purifier.
Additional precautions
Check the quality of the water: While tap water is well controlled, it's always a good idea to consult the water quality reports provided by the local distribution network to ensure that it meets the necessary standards. You can also use a home water test kit. These kits allow you to check for the presence of contaminants such as lead and bacteria. You can find them online or in DIY shops. Once the test has been carried out, you'll have a better idea of the quality of your water and what action to take.
Use water purifiers : Water purifiers like those from LAVIE use UV-A light to remove contaminants from your drink without adding chemicals. This type of purification is particularly useful for ensuring pure, healthy water that's suitable for all the family.
Avoid lead pipes: If your house is old, lead pipes may still be in place. Let the water run for a while each morning to reduce exposure to lead. Having your water tested for lead can also be a good additional precaution.
Temporary Alternatives : If you're in any doubt about the quality of the water, or if you're away from home, bottled water can be a practical alternative. Look out for the label saying "suitable for preparing baby food".
Caution!
As a reminder, plastic bottled water is not devoid of health risks. In particular, it contains micro plastics and nano plastics and recent scandals that have affected this industry call for caution. Given the environmental damage caused by the use of plastic in their manufacture, and the high cost of purchasing them, they can only be used as a last resort.
Summary
Giving your baby tap water is perfectly feasible if you take a few simple precautions. Use cold water, run it for a while before filling the bottle, and boil it for younger babies if you don't have a LAVIE purifier. Avoid filter jugs and check the quality of your water regularly. Remember, pure, safe water is essential for your baby's health, so stay vigilant and always consult your paediatrician if in doubt. Your child's health and safety come first!
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Article written on 09/07/2024 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.
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