It is common for parents to worry about what to feed their kids during cold and cough seasons since they have no appetites during this stage
Here is a list of foods and recipes that can be given during cold, cough, and fever.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT & HOW TO FEED A COLD AND COUGHING BABY OR TODDLER?
1. Breastfeeding or formula feeding is the only option for babies younger than six months
2. Give small, frequent meals to babies above six months. Choose easy-to-digest food and avoid oily or spicy foods.
3. Instead of forcing the baby to eat, try to offer the foods he/she prefers.
4. Ensure that your baby gets enough fluids like water, hot soup, and fresh fruit juices to keep him hydrated.
During a cough or a cold, you need to be smart about the foods you feed your kid. They should be:
- Easily digestible
- Filled with nutrients that aid recovery like protein, Vitamin A, C,K
- Packed with calories to ensure no weight loss
- Mild in flavor
- Light and soft/ easy to eat
For parents, however, it can be quite challenging to get their babies to eat, especially when they are sick and do not feel like eating.
BARLEY WATER (6 MONTHS+): Colds, coughs, and even fever can be relieved with barley water.
RICE GRUEL (6 MONTHS+): Rice gruel, rice water, and watery rice soup are other common home remedies for colds and fever because they boost the immune system.
TURMERIC MILK WITH PEPPER & PALM CANDY (1 YEAR +):The best natural antibiotics are turmeric and pepper, which can be used to treat colds, coughs, and infections of the throat
DRY GINGER COFFEE OR CHUKKU KAPPI (2 YEARS +):Ginger coffee is a grandma's remedy for cold, nasal congestion, and sore throats.
VEGETABLE CLEAR SOUP (8 MONTHS+):The body can easily absorb vegetable clear soups. Therefore, they should be served during cold weather. During winter, make a clear soup with pepper and cumin seeds.
CHICKEN CLEAR SOUP (9 MONTHS+): The best remedy for a cold is chicken clear soup, which can clear a stuffy nose and provide instant relief from cold symptoms. The warm liquid soothes a sore throat and makes a child more comfortable.
MUTTON BONE CLEAR SOUP/LAMB TROTTER SOUP (9 MONTHS+): As one of the comforting soup recipes you can offer during a cold, cough or fever, mutton bone clear soup is also a good option.
TOMATO SOUP (8 MONTHS +):As tomato soup is loaded with vitamin C, it is a great home remedy for colds.
BROCCOLI (8 MONTHS +):With its antioxidant compounds, broccoli is a great choice during colds and coughs. Broccoli also boosts immunity. You can serve broccoli as a puree or soup.
CARROTS (6 MONTHS+):Carrots help to boost the defensive power of the immune system against viruses and bacteria that fight the diseases by destroying microbes. Choose steamed, mashed carrots or carrot soup for best results
IDLI OR STEAMED DOSA (8 MONTHS+): Idli or steamed dosa is an easily digestible and soft food, you can prefer as a breakfast/dinner during cold or fever."
IDIYAPPAM (8 MONTHS+):Idiyappam or rice noodles is another easily digestible breakfast or dinner option as it's made with rice and steamed.
POHA WITH WARM MILK ( 1 YEAR +):Poha is another easily digestible food you could opt during cold or fever
SUJI UPMA (8 MONTHS+):Suji upma is filling and easily digestible food for the child who is sick. Prefer this as a breakfast or dinner.
MOONGDAL PORRIDGE (7 MONTHS+) :Moong dal porridge is a wholesome and filling food for babies suffering from cold.
CURD RICE (8 MONTHS+): If your child is over eight months of age, you can feed him curd rice with a little seasoning of ginger and cumin seeds any time he is unwell. If your child has a cough or a cold, ensure that the curd you serve him is at room temperature and not too cold or sour.
AJWAIN WATER(6 MONTHS+) : Giving ajwain water can also provide relief from cough and can clear chest congestion. Boil a tablespoon of carom seeds in water for some time. Let it cool then strain the liquid, then give it to your baby at regular intervals.
TOMATO RASAM (8 MONTHS+): If your child is over eight months of age, you can feed him curd rice with a little seasoning of ginger and cumin seeds any time he is unwell. If your child has a cough or a cold, ensure that the curd you serve him is at room temperature and not too cold or sour.
