Recently, Ms. Yu, a new mother, discovered a newly launched "infant-specific water" brand at the supermarket. This left her perplexed—do infants really need specialized water? Has my four-month-old been drinking substandard water all along? Should I spend so much money on this expensive "infant-specific water"? To address these concerns, our newspaper interviewed Director Shi Xiaoming from the Nutrition Department of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital affiliated with Zhejiang University School of Medicine.
Infants' drinking water: Too much or too little minerals is problematic
We often describe babies as "watery" for a reason. Water constitutes 70–80% of an infant's body weight—far exceeding the 60% in adults—making drinking water quality critically important for babies.
"Since infants' livers and kidneys are not yet fully developed, consuming water with excessively high mineral content can increase the burden on their liver and kidney functions," explained Director Shi. A paper published by the World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that infants and young children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of high mineral salt intake. For this reason, many countries have established specific limits on mineral content in drinking water for infants and young children.For example, France's Food Safety Agency has established regulatory standards for infant drinking water, specifying: calcium ≤ 100mg/L, magnesium ≤ 50mg/L, sulfates ≤ 140mg/L, and fluoride ≤ 0.5mg/L. "Mineral water with excessively high mineral content is unsuitable for infants. In daily life, prioritize low-sodium, low-mineralization drinking water," the director advised.
Some parents may ask: Is purified water a better choice for babies? The answer remains "NO." Compared to adults, infants and young children have limited sources for mineral intake—primarily breast milk, formula, and water. Thus, water containing appropriate mineral elements serves as a crucial pathway for their mineral consumption.
During purification, while harmful substances are removed from tap water, essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium are also stripped away. Long-term consumption can lead to mineral deficiencies, hindering healthy infant development.
Of course, boiled tap water is perfectly safe for infants and young children. However, domestic tap water quality standards are designed to meet adult needs rather than those of infants. In most regions of China, tap water TDS levels exceed 100mg/L, particularly in northern areas where they often surpass 300mg/L. In areas with poor water quality, parents are advised to choose infant-specific water for their babies.
Infant-specific water features softer water quality and more balanced minerals
Why is infant-specific water more suitable for babies? Because it offers softer water quality and more balanced mineral content.
In fact, while the concept of infant-specific water is relatively new in China, developed countries have advocated its use for infants for over a decade. Over 70% of households in developed nations like Europe, the US, and Japan choose specialized water for their babies. It is precisely because infant-specific water adheres to higher, stricter standards and fully considers babies' physiological development that it is more suitable for both drinking and preparing formula.
When selecting water for infants and young children, parents must pay close attention to the water source. Just as milk source is crucial when choosing formula, the water source is the essence of water quality. Before selecting drinking water for your baby, thoroughly research the source of the specialized infant water. An unpolluted ecological environment and a water source with moderate mineral content are the top choices for specialized infant water.
To provide comprehensive care for your baby, choose a healthy, safe infant water that aligns with their physiological development, laying a solid "water foundation" for their healthy growth.