How and What to Feed a Sick Baby

Feeding babies can feel stressful enough. Then, baby gets sick and mealtimes can feel even more overwhelming. Learn more about navigating nutrition and hydration during illness from our licensed pediatric professionals.

How do I feed a sick baby?

It’s normal for babies and children to lose interest in eating while sick. Try focusing more on hydration and rest and less on consumption of solid food during this rough patch. Instead, follow baby’s lead in terms of their interest in food and their appetite. Try your best to avoid force feeding or pressuring your child to eat more than they are interested in. Most children will feel better within a few days of an illness like the common cold or a stomach bug. 

If you feel concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s pediatric healthcare provider for more support, especially if the child’s illness seems persistent. 

What to feed a sick baby who won't eat?

When baby is sick, their interest in solid foods often decreases and they tend to seek out more breast and bottle feeds to meet their nutritional and hydration needs. This is totally normal. Breast and bottle feeds do double duty at this time, supporting baby’s nutrition and hydration needs, as well as offering comfort. If baby is still showing interest in solids, it is perfectly fine to continue to offer solid foods. Offer a variety of foods and feel free to lean on foods that baby tends to enjoy during this period. For ideas on nutrient-dense foods, read 50 Foods to Support Baby's Immune System. 

Keep in mind that for some babies, it can take some time for their appetite for solid foods to come back after an illness. This is normal and remember, the priority is to focus on your child’s comfort and hydration.

Plan for navigating sickness

Having a plan when baby is sick can help you feel more prepared: 

Then, ease back into your routine as baby starts to feel better. As baby starts to feel better, you can start to ease back into the family meal time schedule. Sit baby in the high chair and try to offer foods they are familiar with and will engage with readily. There’s no need to challenge them too much during this time. They will get back to solid foods when they’re ready. Sometimes, illness symptoms can linger a bit, so it's not uncommon for baby to take a bit longer to resume normal mealtimes, despite an outward appearance of being “back to normal.”

When should I worry about hydration with a sick baby?

In general, babies who make at least 4-6 good wet diapers per 24-hour period and who have normal energy levels are usually adequately hydrated. If you’re concerned your baby is dehydrated or not taking enough fluids, do not wait, get connected immediately with your baby’s doctor for more support. 

Also, remember that about 90% of breast milk and standard infant formula is made up of water. Offering breast and bottle feeds, and if recommended by baby’s doctor, infant-specific electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte, can help most babies meet their hydration needs during illness. 

Signs of dehydration include but are not limited to:

How do I get my baby to drink fluids when sick?

Focus on breast and bottle feeds first. Often, sick babies do better when you offer smaller, more frequent opportunities to sip from the breast or bottle than bigger or longer feedings. Offer as much breast milk and/or formula as baby is willing to take, and continue to respect baby’s cues and avoiding pressuring baby.

Signs baby is open/willing to accept the breast or bottle: 

Signs baby is unwilling to accept the breast or bottle: 

Babies 6 months and older can supplement their fluid intake with popsicles, purees, soups, and small amounts of water, though if breast milk and/or formula are not being consumed in adequate amounts, definitely consult with your baby’s healthcare provider. For older babies, offering a choice of cups to drink from, having the child “help” pour a liquid into a cup for them to take, and even putting some of their drink into your cup and letting them drink out of it can help. And remember to stay hydrated yourself! This will not only help keep you from getting sick, too, it also encourages baby to copy you and drink more from their own cup.

What if my baby has COVID?

Follow similar steps as you would with other illnesses. After having COVID, there can be some  lingering symptoms like decreased senses of taste and smell which can affect your child’s interest in solids. Fortunately, time, patience, flexibility, and a pressure-free feeding environment all support baby and toddler getting back to eating normally in time. For more, see How to feed babies and toddlers after COVID-19.

Should I give baby the BRAT diet when sick? What should I feed my child if they have diarrhea?

While the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet is sometimes suggested when a child is sick in general or has diarrhea, it is no longer recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. In fact, it is now recommended to follow your child’s cues, ensure they are hydrated, and offer a variety of foods, which has been shown to help children recover faster and receive the nourishment they need. If you are worried about your child’s digestion, see When to Worry About Baby’s Poop.

Written By

M. Suarez, MS, OTR/L, SWC, CLEC. Pediatric Feeding/Swallowing Specialist.

V. Kalami, MNSP, RD, CSP. Pediatric Dietitian/Nutritionist.

R. Ruiz, MD, FAAP, CLC. Pediatric Gastroenterologist

J. Longbottom, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC. Pediatric Feeding/Swallowing Specialist

K. Rappaport, OTR/L, MS, SCFES, IBCLC, Pediatric Feeding/Swallowing Specialist