In the previous entry on water, we discussed the characteristics that baby water should have and we saw that it is possible that the running water (from the tap) is not entirely adequate.
He bottled water Low mineralization (low in mineral salts) is safer in this regard, but before knowing which watermarks are best suited to the needs of babies and children We will know a little about the characteristics of this type of water.
Packaged drinking water is regulated by regulations that must be complied with (Royal Decree of 2002 and 2003 regulating the process of preparation, circulation and trade of packaged drinking water). The regulations indicate that bottled waters cannot contain microorganisms, parasites or substances that may cause health risks.
All of them are biologically healthy and it is not necessary to boil them to prepare the bottle or to drink them.
To know if they are suitable or not for babies we must take into account the concentrations of sodium, fluorine, calcium and nitrates. Now we will explain why:
• Sodium: It is the main characteristic that we have to assess when choosing water. Infants under 4-6 months have a limited sodium excretion capacity. To avoid a renal solute overload the concentration of sodium in the water should be less than 20 mg / l.
After 6 months, the kidney is considered to be more mature and able to excrete sodium better. The water to prepare the type 2 milk formula may contain up to 50 mg / l of sodium.
• Fluorine: In children under 1 year of age, water should contain less than 0.3 mg / l of fluoride and in older than 1 year less than 1 mg / l, to avoid risk of fluorosis (poor enamel mineralization due to excessive intake of fluoride).
• Calcium: The waters that contain more calcium are the so-called hard waters, however they have not been shown to be harmful to the baby's health (although seeing how they leave the shower and some appliances scare, at least). Since babies need calcium for the development of their bones, it can be a useful component in water (to add to the calcium they take with milk). The recommended amount is 50-100 mg / l calcium.
• Nitrates: Nitrates in babies are transformed into nitrites, which oxidize hemoglobin producing methemoglobin, a cell that cannot transport oxygen to tissues (as hemoglobin does).
This causes cyanosis or what is known as "blue child syndrome", caused by a lack of oxygen in the tissues. This disease can become serious if the symptoms are not treated.
In 2007 Greenpeace made a demonstration with blue dolls whose motto was "Clean the water for me" adducing this problem.
In the next and last entry on the water you can see which watermarks packaged are suitable for babies and children, although with the information I have given you today and the one I left in the previous entry you can act as detectives looking at the labels of the bottles
