In light of the waves of illness in recent weeks and months, many parents have been asking the question: what should a child eat when they are sick? 

Regardless of whether it is a minor sore throat, stomach upset, or something more serious, there are a few basic rules that are worth keeping in mind. 

Prevent dehydration!

Most illnesses come with a loss of appetite (for both young and old), so as a concerned parent, it is easy to worry about your child’s eating… but their fluid intake is even more important during this time!

Children are prone to taking in less fluid during illness, which can lead to dehydration. This is especially true for illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea, where fluid replacement is even more difficult. 

Symptoms of dehydration can include: the child plays less than usual, is more lethargic (which can also be a symptom of the illness), urinates less frequently, has fewer tears when crying, the ‘soft spot’ on the top of their head - if they still have it - is sunken, and their mouth is dry. 

If you notice that your child is more irritable and sleepy than usual, has sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, and cold, discolored limbs, this may indicate severe dehydration. 

If you notice even mild signs of dehydration in your child during their illness, be sure to consult your pediatrician!

How can we replenish lost fluids? 

Our grandmothers already knew that tea is the solution to everything when sick. Therefore, it is best if we regularly offer our child their favorite hot drink - if their age allows it, even sweetened with a little honey.

Not only for vitamins, but also for fluid replenishment, certain vegetables and fruits can be good options: zucchini, cucumber, melons, citrus fruits, juicier apples, or strawberries are all excellent alternatives for this. 

Furthermore, we can cook a good soup, and feel free to offer dairy products as well!  

Variety is key!

The tradition still holds that we put sick children on a “bland diet,” especially if vomiting or diarrhea are among the symptoms. In such cases, potatoes, rice, bananas, biscuits, and similar ingredients are primarily on the menu.

Nowadays, however, we know that there is no need for this, in fact! The goal during illness is to provide a varied diet for our child, as they have an increased need for calories, vitamins, proteins, fats, and minerals. The above-mentioned “bland” foods do not contain these excessively - prolonging the recovery period. 

However, we should not overly stress about what our child eats: the main thing is that they enjoy it and do not miss out on proper fluid intake!

What foods should we give in case of illnesses with stomach complaints?

Although avoiding fatty foods is a good idea in the initial stages of illness, we don't need to eliminate other foods. While starchy foods (like potatoes, rice) can indeed be gentle on little ones' stomachs, we don't have to limit ourselves to these due to the abundant nutrient content of a varied diet - especially if our child doesn't usually have a sensitive stomach. 

Due to the general lack of appetite during illness, it might be worth serving smaller portions - just think about how we don't get excited about a big plate of food when we're not feeling well!

It might be worth preparing light, fun bites (say with cookie cutters and a bit of creativity) to encourage eating - and good spirits.

 What about younger babies? 

For babies around 6 months old in the early stages of weaning, it's especially true that if they are troubled by illness, they lose their appetite. The most important aspect remains that fluid intake should be prioritized. Fortunately, most babies at this time "step back" and primarily accept only breastfeeding or formula. 

This not only soothes them and provides comfort but also ensures that they get enough fluids and calories, so we really don't need to worry if the introduction of solid foods is paused for a few days.

Observe your baby's behavior and breastfeed or feed them as often as they request! 

However, if the little one refuses even breast milk or formula, consult your pediatrician, as there is a risk of dehydration! 

Back to the usual routine

As I have already mentioned above: it is completely fine if certain rules or habits end up in the trash during the illness of the little ones - these are not what really matter at such times!

However, it is important that as soon as the child feels better, we return to the old routine and consistency, otherwise we can easily get stuck in the new, more relaxed system, which is not good for us or our child in the long run. 

I'm not saying, of course, that you shouldn't relax the rules sometimes (in fact!), but I encourage you to have a plan (or at least a steely nervous system) for returning to everyday life. The first few days may be a bit bumpy, but believe me, the system will eventually settle back nicely. 

I wish you much success and good health!