What to Feed a Toddler with the Flu

Babies and children can easily get sick if parents are not careful. It’s very hard to see your child sick and parents usually wish that they be the ones to get sick and not their child. But, getting sick is a normal occurrence. The flu is one of those illnesses that affect us all and your toddler is not safe. At one point or another, you and your child will go through this. There are very few medicines that can be given to a child so you must do everything to make him comfortable. You must also aid in his healing by giving him foods that will help the medicine strengthen and heal his body. Here are the foods that are good for a toddler with the flu.


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Fluids
The doctor’s first order is a lot of fluids. Even grown-ups need lots of fluids when they have the flu. For your child, give him a lot of water or apple juice. You can also give him oral electrolytes that have been prescribed by his pediatrician. Avoid giving your child clear soft drinks.

 Soups
Aside from water and juice, you can also try feeding your child clear soups and broth. Chicken soup is a good choice. Start with just the soup and when he can tolerate it without vomiting or feeling nauseated, gradually add chicken and vegetables.



Fruits
Fruits are a great source of vitamins to help fight the virus that is making your child sick. Just be sure to feed your child soft fruits such as mashed bananas or applesauce. Cut up fruits into very small pieces so that your child can easily chew, swallow and digest them. This will also reduce choking. Don’t force your child to finish one whole fruit. As he eats more, he will gradually regain his strength and will eventually eat normally.

Starch
When your child is stronger and able to keep food down, it’s time to feed him energy-giving foods such as rice, potatoes and noodles. Soda crackers or saltine crackers are a good way to start as they also help relieve an acidic stomach. Again, make sure to feed your child in small quantities. Mash the potatoes, serve the rice with clear soup and don’t give him spicy noodles or noodles with a lot of extra ingredients. Just cook the noodles in chicken broth. You can also add pasta shells or alphabet noodles to his soup so that he will be encouraged to eat. The key is to slowly prepare his stomach for normal eating.

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Other foods
Because your child is eating in small quantities, it’s best if you feed him snacks in between meals. Electrolyte popsicles are a good choice as they keep him hydrated, soothe his sore throat and taste good. Sugar-free gelatine is also a good choice. Cut it up into small bits so that your child can easily eat it.
Keep on encouraging your child to eat so that his body can fight the flu and get better faster.


This article was written by mom blogger Norma Brown. Check out my site for more tips and babies high chair.
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