When children are ill, that is, they have a cold, cough, fever, as well as vomiting or diarrhea, it is very normal that they do not want to eat. So, what to feed a sick toddler? In some cases, they will have to avoid some foods so they don’t feel worse. However, they cannot stop eating and that is why it is important to know what to feed them according to the disease they have. If the child has a disease and does not eat, it may get worse.
What to feed a sick toddler?
In order for the child to get better, you need to offer him some food. If your child has caught a cold or cold, do not force him to eat if he does not want to or is not hungry. Offer plenty of fluids. Well, diluted water and fruit juices are a great option. You should do the same if your child has a fever since children’s bodies lose a lot of water when they have a high temperature.
Warm lemonade tea can calm a sore throat and cough. And as for solids, the best thing in case of cold or fever is to offer foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E to children. Fruits and vegetables, especially. Light meals like applesauce, pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, spinach, citrus, as well as yogurts, soups, and fruit smoothies.
Insist on liquids
If the child has a fever, a respiratory infection (cold, flu or bronchitis) or a gastrointestinal disorder with diarrhea, fluids that prevent dehydration should be given priority. Breastfed or artificially breastfed babies should feed whenever they wish, except for a different prescription. Even the bigger ones should be given liquids and very water-rich foods (fruit juices, juices, soups, fruit ice cream, if they have already been introduced). Give your child a drink frequently throughout the day, even one sip at a time. The rehydrated salts to be dissolved in water should only be given if advised by the pediatrician in case of severe diarrhea or vomiting, and/or if it seems that the child is dehydrated.
Feed him what he prefers
When you are sick, you feel like eating certain foods and not others. Respect your child’s tastes, especially when the disease weakens his appetite, even if it means giving him only milk and fruit for four days in a row.
Don’t force it
Even if he hasn’t had a bite to eat in twenty-four hours, don’t force it. Children know what they need at the right time. As soon as he is cured, his appetite will improve. Children eat salty meals as soon as they are better, eating voraciously and regaining the weight lost. However, report loss of appetite to your doctor.
When the child vomits and/or diarrhea, rehydration is essential. To avoid dehydration, let your child drink what he wants from liquids. If you have diarrhea, avoid giving dairy products or very salty or sugary foods. It is also not convenient to give apple, pear or prune juices because they can increase diarrhea. The best thing, in both cases, is to give her oral serum (available in pharmacies or in large food stores) or drinks rich in mineral salts. Offer your child half a cup of these drinks every four hours, until she has no diarrhea and does not vomit.
Keep reading: Main Reasons for Baby Not Gaining Weight (Get Solution)
As for solid foods, in case of gastroenteritis, you should offer your child boiled white rice, apples (grated), ripe banana and carrot juice. If the child develops a fever, consult a doctor. If, on the other hand, the child is constipated, the best foods are high in fiber such as bread and brown rice, spinach, chard, peas, lentils, beans and chickpeas, prunes, and others.
Fluid intake is also important. Natural fruit juices contain a lot of fiber and vitamins. The sick child should start eating as soon as possible. Food will strengthen your defenses against disease and help you recover faster. For that, you need to encourage him to eat, with stories, with curious dishes, fun cutlery, and a most positive attitude.
