Feeding during illness: what babies actually need
How to support hydration and nutrition during seasonal colds and infections.
If you’re concerned about how your baby’s appetite has changed while they are ill, know that there are ways to support their nursing, hydration and nutrition, depending on their age.
“When babies and toddlers are sick, they are at increased risk of becoming dehydrated. They lose more water from fevers, faster or more laboured breathing, eating and drinking less due to pain, and feeling unwell and from the body just trying to fight of the infection,” says Dr Emma Davel, a paediatrician in Johannesburg.
How can you ensure your baby stays hydrated?
Dr Davel goes on to explain that keeping your little one hydrated is vital.
Even when your baby is sick, keep breastfeeding them on demand. “Breastfeeding is so good for sick babies. It keeps them hydrated, comforts them, keeps them calm and helps their bodies to fight infection by providing antibodies from the mom. Breastfed babies generally get sick less frequently and less severely, and also get better faster,” says Dr Davel. She says it’s a good idea to use a saline nasal spray and nose suction to unblock your baby’s nose, if necessary, as babies struggle to breastfeed if their noses are blocked.
If your older baby or toddler is drinking less water than usual, try to change your approach – rather offer them small sips more frequently as this is more easily tolerated by sick children than drinking large amounts at once. If they have a poor appetite, Dr Davel says not to worry too much, as long as they are consuming fluids. “The appetite does come back eventually, and fluids are going to stop them getting dehydrated and help keep them out of hospital.”
“They do not only need to drink water or rehydration solutions. Any liquid contains water including milk, fruit juice and tea. Ice lollies are a great way to get toddlers and young children to take in more water,” adds Dr Davel.
What are the signs of dehydration?
Dr Davel says that it’s important to monitor how much your child is passing urine, no matter their age. If they have not had a wet nappy or used the potty for six hours or more, they need to be seen by a doctor.
In small babies the signs are:
• A sunken fontanelle
• Fast breathing
• Less elastic skin
• Lethargy or extreme drowsiness.
In bigger babies and toddlers, look for:
• The above-mentioned signs
• Dry or very sticky mouth
• Absent tears when crying
• Eyes sinking back into the head.
What if they’re eating less than usual?
Appetite loss is very normal in illness, says Dr Davel, and not a cause for concern unless your child is refusing to eat and drink anything, if they are vomiting after eating or drinking, or if they are showing signs of dehydration. In cases like these, see their doctor.
“For babies and children eating solid foods it is completely normal for them to not want to eat at all or to eat only very little. As they get better their appetites will slowly return,” says Dr Davel. She says parents should focus on feeding their little one small snacks and giving them foods they want and can tolerate, rather than pushing them to eat healthy foods or a full plate.
“For smaller babies not yet on solids, it is important to keep up milk feeds as this will keep them hydrated. They may not drink as much as usual so offer them smaller but more frequent feeds.”
How can I support my child’s immune system?
“There is no way to ‘boost’ the immune system,” says Dr Davel. “The immune system develops by being exposed to illnesses and learning to fight them off.”
She says you can support your child’s immune system by ensuring they have adequate good-quality sleep, follow a balanced, nutritious diet and allow them to play outside. “Also make sure their vaccinations are up to date including the flu vaccine for all children over six months.”
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