Foods for Kids During Fever: What to Give and What to Avoid

With the fever season upon us, many kids are falling sick due to infections and changing weather conditions. As parents, ensuring proper nutrition during this time is vital for your child’s recovery. In this guide, we’ll explore what foods to give and avoid when your child has a fever, helping them heal faster with simple, nourishing choices
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Understanding Fever in Kids
Fever isn’t the enemy; it’s the body’s natural way of fighting infections and building immunity. When kids have a fever, their appetite often reduces, and digestion slows down. This is completely normal. According to Ayurveda, during a fever, the body’s energy focuses on healing, so it’s essential to offer light and soothing foods that don’t burden their digestive system.
Foods to Avoid During Fever
Certain foods can hinder recovery by taxing your child’s digestive system or exacerbating symptoms. Here are the types of foods to avoid:
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Oily and Fried Foods
Heavy and difficult to digest, these can worsen nausea and discomfort. Avoid giving your child items like chips, fries, or deep-fried snacks.
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Spicy or Processed Foods
Spices can irritate the stomach, while processed foods offer little nutritional value. Steer clear of items like instant noodles, chips, or packaged snacks.
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Sugary Items
Foods like chocolates, cookies, and sugary drinks can weaken immunity. High sugar content also disrupts the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
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Cold Foods
Ice creams or chilled beverages can aggravate throat irritation and discomfort, slowing the recovery process.
Foods to Give During Fever
The right foods can make a significant difference in your child’s recovery. Focus on light, easily digestible, and nutrient-rich options:
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Kanji or Porridge
Hydrating and light on digestion, kanji (rice water) or porridge made with rice, millets, or oats is perfect for replenishing energy.
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Fruits
Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges provide natural sugars for energy and boost immunity. Seasonal fruits are ideal and don’t cause colds as commonly believed.
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Khichdi
A soft, mushy meal made from rice, moong dal, or millets, khichdi is gentle on the stomach and packed with nutrients. You can find recipes for healthy khichdi on our blog.
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Vegetable Soups
Carrot, pumpkin, or spinach soups with mild spices provide warmth and essential nutrients. These soups are easy to digest and soothing for the body. Check out our recipes for vegetable soups for kids
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Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte-rich drink that keeps your child hydrated and replenishes essential minerals.
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Plain Dosa or Idli
Soft and easy to digest, plain dosa or idli can be paired with mild chutneys or sambar for a wholesome meal. Did you know that idli is considered one of the world’s healthiest foods?
Additional Tips for Feeding Kids During Fever
- Hydration is Key: Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, including water, herbal teas, or clear broths.
- Small Portions: Offer small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming their appetite.
- Comfort Foods: Stick to foods your child likes, as long as they are light and nutritious.
- Post-Fever Care: Continue these easy-to-digest foods for a couple of days after the fever subsides to help their digestive system regain strength
FAQs About Feeding Kids During Fever
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Can I give milk to my child during a fever?
It’s best to avoid milk if your child has a lot of mucus, as it can thicken secretions. However, warm milk with a pinch of turmeric can be soothing if there’s no congestion.
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Are bananas safe during fever?
Yes, bananas are safe and excellent for providing energy. They are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.
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Should I force my child to eat if they’re not hungry?
No, never force-feed. Offer small portions of nourishing foods and let them eat as much as they feel comfortable.
Conclusion
The right foods during a fever not only nourish your child but also support faster recovery. Avoid heavy, oily, and sugary foods, and focus on light, nutrient-rich options like porridge, fruits, and vegetable soups. Even after the fever subsides, continue these foods for a couple of days to rebuild their strength.
A mindful approach to feeding during fever makes all the difference. For more recipes and tips, explore our blog or subscribe to our channel. Let’s work together to keep our little ones healthy and happy!
Kannada video link: ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಜ್ವರದ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ತಿನ್ನಲು ಸೂಕ್ತವಾದ ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕರ ಆಹಾರ |Foods Help Recover from Fever Faster in kids
Hindi video link: बच्चों के बुखार में जल्दी ठीक होने के लिए सही आहार|Foods Help Recover from Fever Faster in kids
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