Babies and children can safely drink tap water, but it shouldn't replace their milk intake, according to experts.
Tap water for infants is safe
Babies and children can safely drink tap water, according to Professor Xavier Coumoul, a toxicologist. He suggests that claims about mineral water being specially adapted for babies and children are primarily marketing strategies rather than health necessities.Water intake guidelines for infants
The National College of University Pediatricians provides specific water intake guidelines for infants. Up to three months, a baby must receive 150 ml of water per day and per kilogram of body weight. From three to six months, the requirement decreases to 125 to 150 ml per liter and per kilogram.Water needs change with age
From six months to two years, a child's water intake requirement is 100 ml per kilogram of body weight. For comparison, an adult needs only 35 ml of water per kilogram of body weight. This shows that young children require more water relative to their size than adults do.Tap water is not inherently harmful
Offering a reasonable quantity of tap water to a baby is generally safe. Water itself is not dangerous for infants, as breast milk is largely composed of water. Similarly, formula milk is made by adding water to milk powder, reinforcing the safety of water for feeding babies.Avoid replacing milk with water
Parents should be cautious not to replace a baby's milk feedings with water. Substituting a milk bottle with a water bottle can lead to diarrhea and malnutrition in young children, as water lacks the essential nutrients found in breast milk or formula.
