03/21/2026
When your child is sick, food is not your priority. …..
👉🏻first, Save this and follow along for more pediatric health, safety and feeding tips!
What’s most important??? Fluids!!!
1️⃣keeping them hydrated… that is the goal.
✨It’s more important how much your kids DRINK vs what and how much they eat when sick. - Kids can get dehydrated much quicker than adults, especially if they are dealing with tummy-related issues and are vomiting or having diarrhea.
✨Frequent Formula or breast milk for babies less than 6 months (unless directed by your doctor) babies may not eat solids while they are sick and that is OKAY. Don’t force it and don’t stress if it isn’t happening.
✨For older kids, water, oral rehydration solutions (like pedailyte or kinderlyte)
✨Small frequent sips. 5-10 ml at a time.
✨Hydrating foods like fruits, popsicles, smoothies, soups, etc are also great if they are showing interest in eating.
2️⃣Comfort foods – not necessarily bland foods
✨They may want their safe snacks but also may find comfort in
✨Cold fluids for soothing sore throats and fevers
✨Warm fluids to loosen mucous, soothe a cough, or also soothe a sore throat (soups, broth, tea, etc)
3️⃣You can still offer them food
✨but you don’t have to force them to eat or stress about how little they are eating.
✨You also don’t have to do the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). It may be reasonable to start with something a little bland if they have been vomiting. But you can quickly move past that if they are wanting it.
✨But don’t pressure them to eat. Offer it, then let them decide.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR PEDIATRICIAN:
🚨 No wet diapers or urine in 6+ hours or other signs of dehydration (no tears when crying, dry lips)
🚨 Not keeping ANY fluids down (vomiting everything)
🚨 Extra sleepy, difficult to wake up
🚨 Fever lasting longer than 3 days or fever or vomiting in less than 12 weeks
🚨 Was getting better now they are getting worse
Unsure what to look for? We’d love to have you join us in one of our upcoming Baby + Child First Aid and Sick Care Courses!
