Is Alkaline Water Safe for Children and Elders?
Kamal, Founder of BelieveUpdated 3 Feb 20266 min read
Quick answer
For healthy children over one year and healthy elders, mildly alkaline drinking water (around pH 8.5–9.0) is generally considered safe as everyday water. Infant formula should be made with plain purified (neutral) water, and babies under six months should not be given extra water unless a doctor advises it. Elders with kidney disease, or anyone on medicines that affect electrolytes, should check with their doctor first. Start gently and use the lower alkaline setting.
Babies and toddlers
- Under 6 months: breast milk or formula meets fluid needs. Don’t give extra water unless your paediatrician advises it.
- Formula: prepare with purified, neutral water (the Purified pH 7 setting), boiled and cooled as your doctor recommends.
- Over 1 year: small amounts of mild alkaline water (pH 8.5–9.0) are fine as part of normal drinking water.
School-age children
Children simply need enough water, and they drink more of what tastes good. Many families find kids happily drink room-temperature alkaline water. A 500 ml hydrogen bottle in the school bag is another way to keep them drinking through the day.
Elders
Older adults often drink too little because thirst weakens with age. Warm water in the morning and a fixed drinking routine help. Because many elders take regular medicines, and some have reduced kidney function, ask their doctor before switching to strongly alkaline water. In most cases a mild setting is fine.
A simple family guide
| Family member | Suggested water | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Infant formula | Purified (pH 7) | Follow paediatric advice |
| Children 1+ | Alkaline 1 / Room-temp alkaline | Start gently |
| Adults | Alkaline 1 or 2 | Personal preference |
| Elders | Warm purified or Alkaline 1 | Check with doctor if on medication |
| Taking tablets | Purified (pH 7) | Neutral water for medicines |
Key takeaways
- Use Purified (pH 7) water for infant formula and medicines.
- Children and elders: start with the gentlest alkaline setting.
- Kidney patients and people on electrolyte-affecting medicines: ask your doctor.
- Never give anyone the acidic (cleaning) water to drink.
Frequently asked questions
Can pregnant women drink alkaline water?
Mild alkaline water is generally considered fine, but it is always best to discuss diet and fluids with your gynaecologist.
Why purified water for medicines?
Neutral water avoids any chance of pH affecting how a medicine dissolves. It is a simple, cautious habit.
