By the end of winter, children's immune systems are generally weaker, making them more susceptible to illnesses, raising the question of what diet to follow in case of illness.

Regardless of whether the child is suffering from a sore throat, high fever, stomach issues, or simply a cold, the general guidelines for sick children are the same.
 

Fluid replacement is the most important task

When young children are sick, it is not uncommon for them to have no appetite and not want to eat solid foods. This may be accompanied by lethargy, and they may not even want to drink. Unfortunately, dehydration is a common problem, especially if vomiting and diarrhea are among the complaints. 

Dehydration occurs when the amount of fluid excreted is greater than the amount taken in.

Signs of dehydration - watch out for these: 

Dark circles under the eyes, dry lips, wrinkled skin, acetone breath. A severe sign is if the child does not urinate or urinates very little, the diaper is dry, or pronounced lethargy and drowsiness are observed. The most important thing is to decide how far the parent can go with independent home care. This is not easy to decide, but the basic rule applies here as well: if you have doubts, consult the pediatrician.  
 

How to prevent dehydration in young children

Offer them water as often as possible; even a sip of water counts. 

- In case of vomiting, fluids should be given cautiously, offering the child a few sips or spoons of liquid every 10 minutes or so. The principle of little and often can be effective, but it requires great patience and attention. Larger amounts can provoke vomiting.

- Most fresh fruits have a high water content. If the child doesn't feel like drinking but has an appetite, offer fruit or fruit juice.

- There are preparations, rehydration powders, or drinks that contain minerals in optimal concentration and sugar important for energy intake. These preparations also help restore fluid and electrolyte balance in milder cases of dehydration. Of course, the more ways fluid loss occurs, the faster dehydration can set in. The severity and duration of the illness are also influenced by the child's age; the younger the patient, the more at risk they are.

 

 

What foods should we give to sick young children?

Previously, it was recommended to feed sick children with dietary foods to help them recover faster, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, etc. 

However, the latest recommendations suggest that this is not the best approach, and it is better to maintain a normal diet that provides nutritious foods for the little ones, as they need calories, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals even when they are sick. 

In case of stomach upset, avoid fatty foods and choose options rich in starch, such as plain pasta or dry toast.

 

What should babies eat when they are sick?

Babies need proper fluid intake just like older children. They get a significant amount of calories from breast milk and formula. If your child wants to breastfeed more often or drink more from the bottle while sick, go ahead! 

However, if your child refuses to drink breast milk or formula and you notice any signs of dehydration, contact your pediatrician immediately.

There is no difference in the foods to give or avoid for sick infants compared to the recommendations for young children, of course, only offer ingredients that have already been introduced during the complementary feeding period.

 

How to return to our normal routine

When children are sick, rules and established routines usually get disrupted. Don't feel guilty about this, but it's important that once you are over the illness, try to gradually restore your normal eating habits.