Which water should I choose for my baby?

Introduction: why is Roche Claire water ideal for babies?

Choosing water for an infant is an important decision. During the first few months of life, a baby’s body is still developing, particularly their kidneys, which are especially sensitive to the mineral content of water. That is why it is essential to use very high-quality water that is perfectly suited to their needs and their body.

During this delicate period, every little thing counts. Whether you’re preparing bottles or keeping your baby hydrated in hot weather, the water you choose has a direct impact on their health and wellbeing.

Roche Claire, spring water sourced from a protected natural environment, meets the highest standards of purity. With a low mineral content and low levels of nitrates and sodium, it is perfectly suited to infants from birth.

Why choose Roche Claire water for babies?

All healthcare professionals agree: water for babies must be low in minerals and free from any undesirable substances.

Low in minerals: gentle on the kidneys

Young children’s bodies are not yet able to filter out excess minerals. A water such as Roche Claire, with a dry residue of 118.5 mg/L, is ideal as it does not overload a baby’s kidneys and respects their delicate balance.

Low in nitrates

Excessive levels of nitrates or chemical residues in water can pose health risks to infants. Roche Claire is a natural spring water, low in minerals and tested daily in a laboratory. It contains just 1 mg/L of nitrates, well below the recommended limit for infants (<10 mg/L).

Suitable from birth

Thanks to its characteristics, Roche Claire is perfectly suited to preparing baby bottles or for keeping babies hydrated. It bears the label ‘suitable for infant feeding’, a guarantee of safety and compliance. This label is awarded to bottled waters that meet strict quality criteria, as defined by the regulations set out in the ministerial decrees of 2007 and 2010.

Roche Claire fully complies with these criteria and is perfectly suitable for infant feeding.

When should I give my baby water?

An infant’s water requirements vary depending on their age, diet, the climate and their state of health. Whilst water is essential for life, it should be introduced with care to very young children, taking into account the recommendations of healthcare professionals.

Breastfed baby

When a baby is exclusively breastfed, they do not need any extra water. Breast milk is about 88 per cent water, which fully meets their hydration needs, even in hot weather or if they have a mild fever.

Giving water to a breastfed baby under 6 months old could even be counterproductive: it may reduce their appetite, interfere with their milk intake, and increase the risk of infections (if the water is not perfectly suitable).

Babies fed on infant formula

For babies fed on infant formula, water is essential for preparing bottles. It forms the basis of the mixture and accounts for more than 85 per cent of the preparation.

It is therefore crucial to use water that is:

• low in minerals (dry residue < 500 mg/L)
• low in nitrates (< 10 mg/L)
• and suitable for infant feeding (specifically stated on the label)

Roche Claire water, with a dry residue of 118.5 mg/L and just 1 mg/L of nitrates, is ideal for everyday use.

From 6 months

From the start of weaning, usually around 6 months, your baby begins to eat solid foods. At this stage, it is recommended to offer small amounts of water between meals or during snacks.

Although milk remains the main source of hydration, water gradually becomes a healthy habit to incorporate into your baby’s routine.

   ✔ It is advisable to offer water in a small glass or a suitable sippy cup rather than a bottle, to encourage your baby to learn to drink independently.

   ✔ During hot weather, when your baby has a fever, or in the event of diarrhoea, their fluid requirements may increase. It is therefore essential to keep a close eye out for signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet nappies, unusual tiredness, etc.) and to consult a healthcare professional for advice if you have any concerns.

How do you prepare a bottle with water correctly?

Do you need to boil the water?

If you use bottled spring water labelled ‘suitable for infant feeding’, such as Roche Claire, there is no need to boil it. This makes daily preparation much easier.

Ideal temperature

It is recommended that you heat the water to around 37°C (body temperature) before adding the milk powder. Water that is too hot could destroy certain nutrients and increase the risk of the baby getting burnt.

Storage

• Once opened, a bottle of water should be consumed within 24 hours.
  
• A prepared bottle should be given within the hour.

Water and digestive problems in infants: what is the link?

Colic

Infant colic usually occurs between the 2nd and 6th week of life and disappears around the 3rd or 4th month. It manifests as prolonged crying, often towards the end of the day, accompanied by tensing and bloating.

The exact cause of colic is multifactorial, but we know that digestive difficulties can be one of the triggers. Water with too high a mineral content can exacerbate this imbalance. Roche Claire, with its low mineral content, is gentle on a baby’s still-developing digestive system.

Its mild, neutral profile is gentle on little ones’ sensitive systems and can therefore help to relieve colic.

Constipation

Constipation in infants is a common problem, particularly when switching to infant formula or during the weaning process. It can be caused by a lack of hydration, digestive intolerance or a change in routine.

Adequate hydration, with water that is well tolerated, plays a key role in regulating bowel movements.

Roche Claire water, which is pure and low in minerals, provides hydration without overloading the kidneys or irritating the digestive system. It promotes gentle, regular bowel movements, which are essential for your baby’s comfort, without causing any unwanted laxative effects.

Regurgitation

Regurgitation is common in infants, particularly after feeds. It is often harmless, caused by the immaturity of the oesophageal sphincter, which allows a small amount of stomach contents to come back up.

In this context, it is important not to overfill the stomach, and to ensure that formula is prepared using suitable water that does not irritate the stomach.

Thanks to its alkaline pH (8.3), Roche Claire stands out for its potentially beneficial effect on digestion. Some studies suggest that slightly alkaline water may help to relieve acid reflux, although it is obviously no substitute for medical advice.

What types of water should be avoided for babies?

Not all types of water are equally suitable for infants. It is crucial to avoid:

Water with too high a mineral content

Some mineral-rich waters can put excessive strain on the kidneys. Choose water with a dry residue of less than 500 mg/L.

Untested tap water

Depending on your region, it may contain lead, nitrates or traces of medicines. It is not always recommended for infants, particularly if it has not been tested.

Water not labelled ‘suitable for infant feeding’

This label guarantees compliance with the strict standards required for babies. Roche Claire carries this label, proving its compliance with health requirements.

Testimonials from parents who have switched to Roche Claire water

Roche Claire, my best friend during pregnancy.’

— Samantha, mum-to-be

‘This alkaline water helps relieve acid reflux and supports our little ones’ digestive health.’

— Elodie, mum to Ambre, Arthur & Alix

Conclusion: choosing the right water, a simple yet essential step

The choice of water for your baby affects their digestion, their comfort and contributes to their overall health.

With Roche Claire, you can be sure you’re making an informed, natural and safe choice for your child. Pure water, sourced directly from the spring, recommended for infants and highly rated by parents.

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