Written by Editorial Team
As the immune system of your baby is not fully developed, they are more prone to infections and fever (which is the body’s way of fighting infections), especially before their first birthday. If your baby develops a fever, obviously, you need to do whatever you can to help it feel better. In addition to medicine and attention, you should take care of your baby’s food. Giving foods for babies during fever is a challenge.
Usually, babies refuse to eat during fever. This can make them tired, weak, and cranky. Eating healthy food (regardless of the quantity) also plays a major role in their speedy recovery. Read on to know 11 such foods for babies during fever.
In This Article
Always give priority to your baby’s wish when it comes to choosing foods for babies during fever. When your baby is sick, the first thing that goes for a toss is their appetite. You can try giving your baby some of their favorite food, but make sure the food is both nutritious and provides your baby with enough energy to fight the infection.
But, if your little one wants to be on your feed, listen to their wishes and breastfeed or formula feed them entirely till they recover from fever as breast milk and formula provide all the essential nutrients. Never force your baby to eat if they don’t want to. Just keep feeding them at regular intervals to keep them active and remember their appetite will return when they start feeling better.
The food for babies during fever should be:
Here are eleven foods for babies during fever time and you can give this kind of food given below:
If your baby is down with a fever, feed them as much breast milk as they need. After all, it is their primary food during the first year. Intake of fluid is important during the fever. Breast milk not only helps to prevent dehydration but also provides your baby with all the essential nutrients. It also benefits your baby since it contains antibodies. Breast milk is easy to digest. Moreover, the act of nursing comforts your baby while they are suffering from fever.
If your baby is over six months, you would have introduced them to solids. Moong dal khichdi supplies enough protein to your baby. It is not only easy to digest but is a balanced meal and truly a portion of comfort food. Dal khichdi is light on your baby’s tummy and also provides all the essential nutrients. Give warm khichdi to your baby. Do not try to give your baby the usual quantity they are used to eating. Even if they take a few spoons, and stop eating, do not force them. View basic dal khichdi recipe here.
You can give curd rice to babies above 11 months. Remember to use curd or yogurt that is at room temperature rather than a cold one. Mash the rice well before giving it to your baby. Curd rice is easy to digest and also has a soothing effect.
Giving baby clear vegetable soups help to alleviate any tiredness, and it also supplies essential nutrients. Wash the seasoned vegetables thoroughly, chop them, and pressure cook them with enough water (use only filter water). Add a pinch of salt and a little pepper (optional) and bay leaves. Cook on low flame for 15 to 20 min. Let it cool, and then you can puree the vegetables, strain them and feed your baby this warm soup.
Dalia porridge is a good choice to give to babies during fever. Just cook, clean and soak (for 15 min) dalia in a pressure cooker for 15 minutes on low flame. Add a pinch of salt. Mash well.
Stewed apples, mashed bananas, pureed peas, and carrots are good foods for babies during fever.
If your baby prefers to eat, you can try giving them rice cereal, which is also a good source of nutrition. Rice water is also said to help reduce fever.
Use these items liberally while preparing food for your baby. All these ingredients are antibiotics in nature and help in fighting the infection and reducing the temperature.
Apple sauce or stewed apple is easily digestible and hence is ideal during fever.
Sweet potatoes are packed with immune-boosting nutrients. Give steamed, mashed/pureed sweet potatoes or give as porridge to your baby during this period.
The antioxidants in broccoli help fight diseases. It also stimulates the body’s immune system. Give pureed or broccoli soup.
If your baby is suffering from fever, it’s best to take them to the doctor immediately. You need to take note of the symptoms the baby is showing so that the doctor can advise accordingly:
It is essential that you give more nutritious food to the baby, that provides more energy. Be patient and offer the food in small quantities over frequent meals to your baby. If your baby is not eating at all, then you must seek medical help as this lack of appetite would be an indication of something more serious than a fever.
These tips would help your baby feed better and fuss-free:
It is natural for your baby to lose appetite when they have a fever. As long as your little one is taking breast milk or formula milk, it is ok if they refuse to eat other food. But if your baby refuses to take breast milk, you must contact your doctor immediately.
Yes, certain foods can. Foods rich in nutrients and electrolytes can help the body fight better. This can help reduce the fever naturally.
Yes, apples are packed with good nutrients. Make an apple sauce that can be mixed with a variety of foods. It is easy to digest and adds flavor too.
These is Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are good for the body and tasty for the tongue too. Since they stay down longer, this is recommended for sick babies.
The cereal, Rice, Applesauce, and Milk diet is good for any baby. When your baby is sick and is refusing food, this can be soothing. This diet is high in fat, thus helping to restore your baby’s energy when sick.
A baby’s fever usually lasts for 3 to 5 days. But a fever that persists for longer or fever that is higher and doesn’t come down may need immediate medical attention
Turmeric has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and can improve immunity levels making turmeric milk good for fever.
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
Stacking Toys For Babies – How it Helps in Baby’s Development
Intersex Baby – How Common is It and How to Treat
When Should You Introduce Baby Slides to Your Baby?
Passion Fruit (Krishna Phal) For Babies – Is it Safe, When to Introduce and Benefits
Tips and Ideas for Selecting Baby’s First Birthday Dress for Girls
Top 10 Best Board Books For Babies in First Year
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.