Poor Feeding During Illness: How to Keep Your Child Hydrated

Poor feeding during illness is common, especially when a child has a fever, blocked nose, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhoea. While a temporary decrease in appetite is not always concerning, drinking too little can lead to dehydration.

During most short illnesses, maintaining hydration is more important than encouraging your child to finish full meals.

Managing Poor Feeding During Illness

Offer small amounts of fluid frequently rather than expecting your child to drink a full cup or bottle at once. A child who feels nauseous may tolerate small sips every few minutes more easily.

Continue breastfeeding your baby regularly. Formula-fed babies can usually continue their normal feeds, although smaller and more frequent feeds may be easier to manage.

Avoid forcing your child to eat. Once they feel better and are keeping fluids down, allow them to gradually return to their usual food.

Which Fluids Should I Offer?

The best choice depends on your child’s age, symptoms and the amount of fluid they are losing.

Suitable options may include:

• Breast milk or formula for babies

• Water for older babies and children

• A pharmacy-approved oral rehydration solution

• Your child’s usual milk when tolerated

Oral rehydration solutions contain a specific balance of water, salts and sugar. They can be particularly helpful when a child is losing fluid through vomiting or diarrhoea. Follow the packet instructions carefully and ask your pharmacist or doctor which product is suitable for your child.

Avoid relying on fizzy drinks, energy drinks or undiluted fruit juice during diarrhoea, as drinks high in sugar may worsen symptoms.

Help Your Child Drink More Comfortably

Depending on their age, you can try:

• Offering frequent small sips

• Using a spoon, syringe or familiar cup

• Offering chilled fluids when a sore throat is present

• Giving an oral rehydration ice lolly to an older child

• Clearing a baby’s blocked nose before feeding

• Offering feeds when your child is awake and settled

Do not give anti-diarrhoeal or anti-nausea medicine unless it has been recommended for your child by a healthcare professional.

Signs of Dehydration

Watch for:

• Fewer wet nappies or less frequent urination

• Dark yellow urine

• A dry mouth, lips or tongue

• Few or no tears when crying

• Sunken eyes

• Unusual tiredness or irritability

• A sunken soft spot in a baby

Babies and young children are more vulnerable to dehydration, and their condition may worsen quickly.

When Should I Contact a Paediatrician?

Contact your child’s doctor when they:

• Are drinking much less than usual

• Refuse several feeds

• Repeatedly vomit after drinking

• Have noticeably fewer wet nappies

• Have ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea

• Appear to be getting weaker or more unwell

• Show signs of dehydration

Seek emergency medical care if your child is difficult to wake, cannot keep any fluids down, has not passed urine for an extended period, is breathing rapidly or develops pale, blue, grey or blotchy skin. These may indicate severe dehydration or shock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Force My Child to Eat When They Are Sick?

No. Focus on fluids while your child is acutely unwell. Once they are drinking comfortably and their appetite returns, offer their usual foods in small portions.

Can I Give My Child Only Water?

Water may be suitable for an older child with a mild illness. When vomiting or diarrhoea causes significant fluid and salt loss, an oral rehydration solution may be more appropriate.

Can I Continue Breastfeeding?

Yes. Continue offering breastfeeds frequently, as breast milk provides both hydration and nutrition.

When Is Poor Feeding an Emergency?

Seek urgent care when your child is too sleepy or weak to drink, cannot keep fluids down, has severe breathing difficulty or shows signs of serious dehydration.

Supporting Your Child’s Recovery

Poor feeding during illness usually improves as your child begins to recover. Offer fluids patiently, monitor wet nappies or urination and seek medical guidance when your child is not drinking enough or appears increasingly unwell.

Book a Paediatric Consultation

Dr Lerissa Pillay provides newborn and infant feeding support and the assessment of acute childhood illnesses.

Disclaimer

This article provides general educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Contact a qualified healthcare professional when you are concerned about your child’s feeding, hydration or general health.