During the fun and sun of the summer, many kids are outside much more than during the colder months.  With so many activities, sports, and just fun to enjoy protecting them is even more important.

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Study shows that the human body is estimated to be 60% to 70% made of water. Water regulates body temperature and allows the nutrients to travel to all the vital organs.The following are just few benefits of letting your child drink water.

• Water is important for their digestion. It helps the body get rid of waste in form of sweat and urine.
• Water plays a vital role in your child’s immune system. It helps the kidneys and liver to function well and eliminate toxins from the blood.
• Water keeps their joints lubricated.
• Water helps the muscles and organs to work efficiently.
• Water reduces craving for sweets which often causes dehydration.

But the real question is, How can you get your tots to chug the world’s healthiest drink?

• Serve it cold- Kids usually love cold water. If your anxious about letting your child drink ice-cold water, try mixing half ice cold water and lukewarm water. Or use a transparent glass with different fancy shaped ice. Your child will definitely enjoy watching while the ice melt  while sipping his drink. But be reminded that you can use this tip once in awhile because drinking too much cold water can expend double the energy to maintain the ideal body temperature.
• Put a little flavor and color – Naturally kids prefer sweet drinks. (Who doesn’t?) So to keep them drinking water try adding a pinch of sugar, a lemon strip or a mint strip.
• Accessible water station – Always have a pitcher of water in the refrigerator, on the countertop, or beside table.  Keeping it within your little ones line of sight will set off a positive signal to drink water whenever he is thirsty.
• Do it with them – Make it a habit as a family. Have a water chart and whoever gets the highest points will get a prize.

This is also a way for you to teach your kids  the other uses of water. You can make them easily understand this by purchasing  this dream kitchen.

This product will help your child understand the value of “water” in their lives. They basically need it:

• for cooking
• for cleaning
• for washing etc.

Where to buy:  Lifestyle Deluxe Kitchen

Price: $219.99

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When should baby get juice?

Obviously, healthy eating, especially during pregnancy, includes a lot more than a list of things to avoid.  When you really only need to add about 300 calories a day for a healthy pregnancy, it matters even more what you actually do put into your body and your baby’s body. 

But for those of who try in whatever small way to eat healthy, we know that it’s not the things we should eat that give us problems, but the things we shouldn’t.  I mean, a chocolate-covered granola bar is healthy, right? 

So, for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, here is a list of don’ts for eating during pregnancy.  Some of them might surprise you. 

• Unpasteurized dairy products (milk, cheeses).  I didn’t even know you could get these things unpasteurized these days.

• Raw sea food.  Oysters and raw sushi are on this list.  Though why anyone would eat an oyster is beyong me, and living with two shell-critter eaters has not solved the mystery.  Anyway, these things could have bacteria that can harm you and your baby.

• Fish.  This is more of a “limit yourself” than a strict “don’t.”  But even cooked fish can have unhealthy levels of mercury, which can affect how your baby’s brain develops.  However, a couple of servings of fish a week can give you a good boost of vitamins.

• Alcohol.  Even though my mom was told to drink a Porter a day through her pregnancies, you should avoid all alcohol.  Period.  Don’t mess with this one. 

• Caffeine.  If you’re as lucky as I was, your body won’t want your morning cups of joe (a miracle in my case; I’ve been a faithful coffee drinker since I was 14).  But this also includes teas and sodas, and yes… even chocolate.  This is another brain thing–your baby’s.  Caffeine can cause ADHD and learning disabilities in fetuses.

• Diet drinks.  The ones with aspartame can cause headaches in both you and your wee one.  If you must drink these, choose the ones with splenda or stevia.

Don’t forget to replace all those don’ts with some healthy do’s, like eating more often, eating fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water.