A fever signals the body is actively working to combat an infection, but it can also lead to decreased appetite and potential fluid loss. Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration during this time is important for supporting recovery. Offering appropriate foods and fluids can help them regain strength and feel better.
Prioritizing Hydration
Hydration is important when a baby has a fever, as elevated body temperature can lead to increased fluid loss through sweating and rapid dehydration in infants and young children. Offer fluids frequently. For infants under six months, breast milk or formula remains the best source of hydration and nutrition, with breast milk offering antibodies and immune-boosting cells. For babies over six months, small, frequent sips of water can supplement their regular milk intake; oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are also beneficial, especially if the baby is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, as they help replenish lost electrolytes and fluids. Signs of dehydration include fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth or tongue, a sunken soft spot (fontanelle), crying with few or no tears, or lethargy.
Appropriate Food Choices
When a baby who has started solids develops a fever, offering easily digestible and bland foods can help ensure they still receive some nutrition. Appetite often decreases during illness, so providing smaller, more frequent meals can be more effective. Soft, pureed fruits like applesauce, bananas, and pears, along with pureed vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin, are often well-tolerated, providing energy, vitamins, and minerals, and are gentle on the stomach. Plain rice cereal, well-cooked soft grains like daliya (broken wheat porridge), or plain pasta can provide easily digestible carbohydrates. Yogurt, particularly plain and unsweetened varieties, contains probiotics that can support gut health, and warm broths and clear soups are hydrating and provide nutrients in an easy-to-consume form, which can also be soothing for a sore throat.
Foods and Drinks to Limit or Avoid
Certain foods and drinks should be limited or avoided when a baby has a fever to prevent discomfort or hinder recovery. Sugary beverages, including fruit juices and sodas, should be avoided as they can worsen dehydration or upset the stomach and provide empty calories; honey should not be given to babies under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism. Heavy, greasy, fried, or spicy foods are generally difficult to digest and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Processed and packaged snacks, which often contain high levels of sodium, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats, offer little nutritional benefit. Focusing on whole, simple foods is typically more beneficial during this time.
Monitoring and When to Seek Help
Careful monitoring of a baby’s condition during a fever is important, observing changes in their behavior and overall demeanor, and noting any persistent refusal to drink fluids. Seek medical help if a baby under three months old has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or for babies three months or older, a fever consistently above 102.2°F (39°C). Signs of severe dehydration include significantly fewer wet diapers, no tears when crying, or a sunken fontanelle. Immediate medical attention is necessary for symptoms like extreme lethargy or difficulty waking up, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing even after clearing the nose, a stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. A fever lasting more than two to three days without improvement also indicates a need for professional medical advice.