5 Healthy Drinks Babies Would Love

During their growth, babies need water not only for hydration, but to help develop their kidneys. Pediatricians note that babies' kidneys need more water to move waste through their bodies. This is especially true when their diet begins to incorporate solid foods instead of just drinking milk and/or formula. To keep your baby properly hydrated after six months, consider adding some of these drinks to their diet.

Here are 5 drinks babies would love.

- Water is one of the best things you can give your baby. It quenches thirst, provides for hydration, and it doesn't add any unnecessary sugars to their body. No matter if you use tap, bottled, or spring water, it is best to boil the water before serving it to your baby. Use boiled water in your ice cubes, too, if you're chilling the water before serving it to your baby.

- Apple juice is a healthy drink for babies, although you don't want to serve them a lot of it. Too much can add to tooth decay or possibly add too much acid into their system. (That's why you should avoid the citrus juices.) However, apple juice is high in natural sugar and easy for a baby to digest. Don't serve the juice full strength, though. Rather do a one part juice to three parts water dilution.

- Milk is full of vitamins, iron and other nutrients. Keep it simple and watch for any allergic reactions. Until babies are older-past nine months-avoid giving them anything other than cow's milk, like sheep, goat, or soy milk.

- Green smoothies are a nutritional health rage for babies and infants. Combine various fruits, vegetables, and waters into a yummy smoothie that is easily and quickly absorbed into baby's system. Use spinach, kale, lettuce, and mix with fruits like apples, bananas, or peaches for a drink that will have your baby banging his/her sippy cup for more.

- Yogurt smoothies are another drink that will go over well with your baby. Combine carrots, apples, non-fat yogurt, and water in a blender for a vitamin-filled drink.

Avoid giving your baby more than one drink or juice other than formula per day. You'll want to serve any additional water or drink in a sippy cup instead of a bottle. Keep that for formula. Also, pediatricians and nutritionists recommend against giving your baby juice before going to bed. Although babies drink mostly formula, an occasional drink from the above list will be a healthy and well enjoyed treat for your baby.

Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.