Food & Drink Recommendations when your child is sick

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RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

*Foods to offer: Mashed veggies, applesauce, oatmeal, warm soups, soft fruits

*Best drinks: Water, breastmilk/formula, electrolyte drinks (like Pedialyte), warm diluted tea, broth

*Popsicles okay? ✅ Yes — good for hydration and sore throat relief

*Avoid: Sugary drinks, acidic juices (like orange juice), rough or dry foods

*Milk concerns: Okay for most; some kids may cough more — try warm fluids if needed

Tip: Offer small sips often to prevent dehydration from fever or fast breathing

Bronchiolitis

Best drinks: Warm broth, water, diluted juice, breastmilk/formula

Foods to offer: Soft, hydrating foods (soups, yogurt, mashed fruit)

Avoid: Cold drinks if they trigger coughing; greasy foods; large meals

Milk okay? ✅ Yes—if tolerated. If coughing worsens after milk, pause and reintroduce slowly

Tip: Hydration is key—offer fluids often even if appetite is low

Pneumonia

Best drinks: Warm fluids like broth or herbal tea; water and electrolytes

Foods to offer: Soup, scrambled eggs, soft fruits, mashed potatoes, yogurt

Before bed: ✅ Light snack okay (oatmeal, toast), but avoid heavy or greasy meals

Avoid: Dry snacks, chips, spicy or acidic foods, anything that makes coughing worse

Milk okay? ✅ Usually fine unless it worsens cough — test and track in MamaBear

Tip: Appetite may be low — prioritize fluids and small, frequent meals

COVID-19 (Mild Pediatric Cases)

Best drinks: Water, electrolyte drinks, warm fluids to soothe cough

Foods to offer: Soups, fruits high in vitamin C, soft grains, yogurt (if tolerated)

Avoid: Cold/acidic drinks if throat is sore, high-sugar snacks

Milk okay? Generally fine unless congestion worsens

Tip: Kids may lose smell/taste—don’t force food, just encourage fluids

Croup

Foods to offer: Applesauce, soft-cooked veggies, eggs, soup, smoothies

Tip: Keep meals small; breathing effort may make big meals uncomfortable

Best drinks: Warm broth or cool water; try alternating temperatures

Cold drinks/popsicles: Helpful in some kids, irritating in others — try both

Avoid: Acidic foods (citrus, tomato), dry or scratchy snacks, spicy items

Milk okay? Use caution if your child coughs more — test warm alternatives

Post-Viral Cough / Lingering Cough

Best drinks: Warm water with honey (age >1), herbal tea, broth

Foods to offer: Soothing soft foods like oatmeal, rice, steamed veggies, pears

Avoid: Cold drinks, crunchy/rough snacks, sugary treats

Milk okay? Watch and adjust—some kids cough more after milk

Tip: Hydration + humidified air + calm foods = best combo

Stomach Bug + Respiratory Combo

Best drinks: Small sips of water, oral rehydration solution, diluted juice

Foods to offer: BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), bone broth

Avoid: Dairy, acidic or fatty foods, anything too cold or sugary

Milk okay? Often avoided until GI symptoms resolve

Tip: Prioritize hydration first, then slowly reintroduce gentle solids

Asthma (during flare or illness)

Best drinks: Water, warm herbal tea (no caffeine), broth

Foods to offer: Anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, lean proteins

Avoid: Known allergens, preservatives (e.g. sulfites), acidic juices, carbonation

Milk okay? Fine unless it’s a personal trigger; note patterns

Tip: Avoid large meals before activity or bedtime—reflux can worsen wheezing

Seasonal Allergies

Best drinks: Water, warm tea with honey (if over 1 year old), clear broths

Foods to offer: Anti-inflammatory foods: fresh fruits, vegetables, omega-3-rich foods

Avoid: Dairy (if it worsens congestion), histamine-releasing foods (fermented items, aged cheese)

Milk okay? Sometimes avoided if mucus worsens, but evidence is mixed

Tip: Use warm fluids to help flush allergens and calm irritated airways

Sinus Infection / Sinus Congestion

Best drinks: Warm liquids—broth, lemon water, warm tea

Foods to offer: Soups, citrus (if tolerated), ginger, garlic, cooked veggies

Avoid: Dairy (if mucus worsens), thick/creamy foods, processed sugar

Milk okay? Try substituting warm herbal tea or clear soups if congestion is heavy

Tip: Keep meals light; warm, steamy foods can ease sinus pressure

Laryngitis / Hoarse Voice

Best drinks: Warm water, non-caffeinated tea, clear soup

Foods to offer: Soft and non-acidic foods like oatmeal, banana, mashed potatoes

Avoid: Acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus), crunchy snacks, spicy foods

Milk okay? Warm milk can soothe, but avoid if phlegm increases

Tip: Avoid whispering—let the voice rest and keep foods bland and smooth

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