When appetite disappears during illness
When children get sick – for example with a cold or stomach ache – it is common for their appetite to decrease. As a parent, you may wonder: How do you get a sick child to eat? Here we share tips on food for sick children and how you can think when the appetite is low.
The good news is that it's almost always normal. Children's bodies are good at signaling what they need, and the most important thing is usually fluids. Food can wait until the energy is back – but there are gentle, simple dishes that can help when you want to give your child a little extra energy.
Here, Nutritionist Elin Oresten has collected tips that can calm and inspire you during sick days.
sick days.
Food for sick children with a cold
- Bet on soft and bland food which is easy to swallow, t.ex. yogurt, porridge, blueberry soup or other soup.
Cold food can be easier – try a smoothie or ice cream. Homemade ice cream can provide a little extra nutrition.
Offer small portions often instead of squeezing out a whole meal.
Consider the liquid: Water, milk, weak juice or diluted juice may feel gentle.
Breastfeed or give formula more often if the child still eats it – it provides both nutrition and fluid.
Simple and mild food for colds
Food for sick children with stomach aches
- Fluid is always a priorityt – give small sips of water or fluid replacement (for children) regularly rather than a lot at once.
Once your stomach has calmed down, start slowly. bland food such as boiled rice, banana, white bread or simple porridge.
Avoid fatty or very sweet foods.at the beginning.
Be patient – appetite may be delayed, and that is normal.
Tips for smoothies
General tips for getting sick children to eat
- Don't stress over a few days with less food intake – for an otherwise healthy child it is not dangerous.
Follow your child's signals and offer food without pressure.
Hunger often returns with full force when the child feels better.
Let go of everyday rules: Sometimes ice cream for lunch or a sandwich in front of the TV is what works best.
Contact healthcare if the child is not drinking fluids, urinates much less than usual or seems generally unwell.
Child-friendly ice cream
When the appetite returns
When the illness subsides, hunger usually returns quickly. Then you can offer nutritious food in small portions so that the stomach gets used to it again. Often the child will eat up – take the opportunity to serve fruit, vegetables and favorite dishes.
Enjoying food even in the hospital
Parents can sometimes feel powerless when their child doesn’t want to eat, but even small things can make a difference. Let your child choose between two simple options – maybe blueberry soup or a small smoothie. Giving them a say creates more joy in eating, even when their appetite is low. Setting the table nicely with their favorite mug or sitting down on the couch together can also make the moment more positive.
When should you seek help?
Most of the time, a decreased appetite due to illness is completely harmless. But sometimes it can be good to be extra careful.Contact healthcare if:
the child is not taking in any fluids
the child is urinating much less than usual
the child seems very tired, lethargic or affected in other ways
you as a parent feel worried
It is always better to ask once too much than once too little.
/Elin Oresten
Lic. nutritionist and founder of
