When a toddler has a fever, appetite decreases and energy flags. The body uses significant energy to fight the illness, leading to a disinterest in food. The primary goals are to maintain hydration and offer gentle nourishment that supports the body without taxing the digestive system. Providing fluids and simple calories helps keep the child comfortable and supports their immune response until the fever breaks.
Prioritizing Hydration During Fever
Fever increases the risk of dehydration because the body loses fluids faster than usual through increased metabolic rate and sweating. Fluid loss is exacerbated by vomiting, diarrhea, or a sore throat that makes swallowing difficult. Since children have smaller fluid reserves than adults, they are at a higher risk of quickly becoming dehydrated.
The most effective way to combat dehydration is by offering small, frequent sips of fluid rather than large amounts that might overwhelm a sensitive stomach. An oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the preferred fluid because it contains the precise balance of water, sugars, and salts needed to replenish lost electrolytes. These solutions, available as liquids or freezer pops, are specially formulated to aid in absorption.
If a toddler refuses ORS, plain water is a good option, as are clear broths, which provide sodium and some calories. Diluted clear juices, such as apple or white grape, can also be offered by mixing half juice with half water to reduce the sugar concentration. For persistent refusal, offer one tablespoon (approximately 15 milliliters) of fluid every five minutes for a couple of hours, often using a small cup, syringe, or spoon.
Creative ways to encourage intake include offering ice chips, gelatin, or popsicles made from diluted juice or ORS, which can be soothing for a sore throat. Monitoring hydration is simple: check for at least six wet diapers within a 24-hour period, or pale, straw-colored urine. A dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, or a decrease in alertness are signs that fluid intake needs immediate attention.
Best Foods for Low Appetite and Easy Digestion
During a fever, a toddler’s appetite is suppressed as the body prioritizes immune function over digestion. Focus on offering easily digestible foods that require minimal energy to process. Bland carbohydrates are well-tolerated and provide a gentle source of energy.
Simple foods such as plain toast, crackers, and cooked rice are excellent starting points. Soft, mild fruits like bananas and unsweetened applesauce are easily digested and contain pectin, which can help firm up stools if diarrhea is a concern. These simple starches and fruits align with traditional BRAT diet principles.
Plain oatmeal or cream of wheat prepared with water or milk is comforting and smooth to swallow. Other soft foods include well-cooked plain pasta, mashed potatoes, or mashed sweet potatoes, which offer additional vitamins and minerals. Plain yogurt with live cultures can be beneficial for gut health, and scrambled eggs offer a soft, easily digestible source of protein.
Foods and Drinks to Limit or Avoid
Certain foods and drinks can worsen a toddler’s symptoms or cause digestive distress while they are ill. High-sugar beverages, including sodas and undiluted fruit juices, should be limited or avoided. The high sugar content can pull water into the intestines, potentially worsening diarrhea and increasing fluid loss.
Temporarily remove high-fat, fried, or overly greasy foods from the diet. These are difficult to digest when the digestive system is sensitive due to illness, and they can exacerbate nausea. Highly seasoned or spicy foods should also be kept off the menu, as they can irritate the stomach lining.
Caffeinated drinks, including some teas and colas, should be avoided as they act as diuretics, promoting fluid loss and potentially worsening dehydration. Tea should also be avoided due to tannins, which may interfere with some medications. Sticking to bland, non-irritating foods ensures the body can dedicate its resources to recovery.
Transitioning Back to a Normal Diet
Once the fever has broken and the toddler shows renewed interest in eating, the transition back to a normal diet should be gradual and child-led. Do not force the child to eat large quantities, even if they ate very little during the illness. Offering smaller, more frequent meals remains the best strategy for a few days to avoid overwhelming a recovering digestive system.
Gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods, including dairy and higher-fiber options, which may have been temporarily restricted. A toddler’s appetite may not fully normalize for several days, or even a week or two, following an illness, and this fluctuation is expected. Maintaining a regular meal and snack routine can help encourage the return of a healthy appetite.
Contact a pediatrician if the toddler refuses to drink any fluids for six hours or longer, or if you observe signs of dehydration like significantly decreased urination. Medical consultation is necessary if the fever persists for more than two to three days, or if the child seems unusually lethargic or unwell. These symptoms may indicate a need for professional medical intervention.