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Foods to Eat & Avoid during Cold and Cough for Babies, Toddlers and Kids
If your bundle of joy has a cold and cough, it must be really hard for you to see him suffer. Your child may have a poor appetite during this time and he may even refuse to eat. But not getting adequate nutrition can slow down his body’s natural response to fight an infection. No doubt, you will be dead worried about your child’s health. This is why it is essential to know which foods are good for your baby during this time.
Recommended Foods for Cough and Cold for Infants, Toddlers and Children
Offering nutritious foods which can be digested easily by your little one is the best option when he is sick. Here are some foods you should include in your child’s diet when he has a cough or cold:
1. Breast Milk
If you have a newborn or a baby below six months of age, his source of nutrition should be breast milk, and breast milk alone. Breast milk is a good source of antibodies and can strengthen the immune system of a child. Check to see if your baby is congested before you start feeding your child, as congestion can prevent your infant from feeding adequately.
2. Barley Water
Suitable for infants who are at least six months old, barley water is a great remedy for a fever, cold, and cough. However, it is not suitable for children with gluten allergy and caution must be exercised if a family member has such an allergy. This is because the allergy might have been passed on to your child and you could be still unaware of this fact.
3. Applesauce
Also known as stewed apples, these are easy-to-digest and help a baby stay hydrated. They come in handy during a cough and cold as they replenish the body’s fluid supply.
4. Rice Water or Gruel
Recommended for babies who are above six months of age, rice gruel is a soothing home remedy for a cough and cold. Rice water boosts the immunity of a child thereby helping him combat any infection.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of nutrients and strengthen the immune system. They also help the body in producing white blood cells. Sweet potatoes can be consumed in the form of porridge or you can mash and puree them for your little one aged six months and above.
6. Carrots
Carrots have medicinal properties and eating carrots can enhance the immune system and keep away bacteria and viruses. You can steam and mash the carrots and give it to your baby. You can also puree them or make carrot soup. However, give it your baby if he is above six months of age.
7. Pomegranate Juice
The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can help subdue your child’s cold. Make pomegranate juice and add a bit of pepper powder and dry ginger powder to it. Give it to your baby if he is 6 months or older. This juice will help provide him relief from a cold and cough.
8. Moong Dal Porridge
Moong dal porridge is a wholesome and filling food for babies suffering from cold. It can be given during lunch or dinner. Suitable for children seven months and older, it is a soothing dish that little ones will enjoy.
9. Curd Rice
Once 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.
10. Idli and Dosa
Steamed idlis and dosas make great comfort food and can be given to kids when they are unwell and don’t feel like eating. You can give idlis or dosas at any time of the day to your child if he is eight months or older. You can also offer chutney or some homemade jam as a dip.
11. Sabudana Porridge
Sabudana is also known as sago; it is a good source of starch and can give your child a dose of energy. As it easy to digest, it is a preferred choice for children when they are sick. You can make sabudana porridge, serve it with vegetables, or you can simply give the water. It is good for babies aged seven months or older.
12. Broccoli
Rich in antioxidants, broccoli is a good pick for combating infections. It energizes the body’s immune system and is suitable for children over eight months of age. You can make broccoli soup or puree for your little one. He will soon feel better.
13. Tomato Soup
Almost all of us like tomato soup; it is tasty and healthy. And the good thing is that it can be even given to children older than eight months of age. It constitutes a healthy dose of Vitamin C - you can mix some mashed rice in it before offering it to your baby.
14. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes taste delicious and can be quite filling for a baby. Made from boiled potatoes, they usually appeal to children of all ages and can be introduced from eight months onwards.
15. Dalia Porridge
Being a soft food, it can be swallowed easily, especially if a child has a throat irritation or pain. It can be made without milk to speed up the digestion process when a baby is sick. Dalia porridge can be given to babies who are eight months and older.
16. Citrus Fruits
Drinking orange juice or lemon juice can help prevent cell damage while easing congestion and thinning out mucus. Make the juice with lukewarm water and add a dash of honey. It is generally recommended for children who are one year or above.
17. Turmeric Milk
A little turmeric powder mixed in warm milk with a dash of pepper acts as a natural antibiotic and can cure a cold as well as throat infection in babies who are one year or above.
18. Mushroom Soup
The health benefits of mushrooms are plenty, and their ability to keep infections away is well known. You can give warm mushroom soup to your baby; it is a great comfort food for toddlers with a cold and cough. It is usually given to children who have attained the age of one.
19. Poha or Beaten Rice
It is soft and can be chewed by babies easily. Poha is also easy-to-digest and makes for a filling meal, especially for a child who is unwell. You can give poha to your child if he is 1 year or older.
20. Fruits and Vegetables With Vitamin C
If your child has a cold, try and include fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C in his diet to increase the production of antibodies and white blood cells in his body. Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables help fight infections.
21. Tulsi Water
Tulsi or Indian basil can provide relief from a cold and cough. Boil a few leaves of tulsi in half a litre of water for about 5 minutes. Strain and give it to your child. You can give it to babies above 6 months of age.
22. Garlic Lentil Soup
Just like rice water, dal ka pani is good for babies. But if your baby is suffering from a cold and cough, you can give him garlic and lentil soup. Garlic has antiviral properties and can boost the immune system. Its antiviral properties can prevent infections as well as speed up the healing process.
23. Ajwain Water
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.
Foods to Avoid During Cold and Cough
There are certain foods that you should avoid including in your child’s diet if he has a cold and cough. This is because some fruits and vegetables are likely to have a cooling effect and can lead to respiratory infections. These include:
1. Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk is believed to aggravate congestion. It can be given to children who are above the age of 1 year. You can reduce the quantity of milk your child consumes or stop it altogether when he is sick. You can give him other forms of dairy products such as cheese or use soy milk during this period.
2. Certain Fruits and Vegetables
When your child has a throat infection, avoid some fruits such as grapes, bananas, lychee, watermelon, tender coconut, and oranges to speed up the recovery process. This is applicable to children above the age of six months. Cucumber, bitter gourd, and pumpkin are also not recommended for children under the age of one, primarily due to the cooling effect they have on the body. So avoid including these fruits and veggies in your child’s diet if he has a cold or cough.
3. Refined Sugar and Sweets
Too much sugar is not good for anyone, especially for babies and toddlers. Hence, sugar and sweets laden with sugar should not be given to a child when he has a cold or cough.
4. Dry Fruits and Nuts
Your child may find it hard to chew or swallow dry fruits and nuts if he has a cold or cough. There is also a risk of pieces getting stuck in your his throat if he coughs while eating. So it’s best to not give dry fruits and nuts to your child when he is sick.
5. Spicy and Oily Foods
Spicy or oily food can irritate the throat and worsen your child’s cough and cold. Thus, it is best to not give them to your kiddo.
6. Curd
Curd has a cooling effect on the body hence it should not be included in your child’s diet if he has a cold or cough or other respiratory infections.
Tips to Feed a Child Suffering From a Cough and Cold
If your munchkin is unwell, he is bound to get cranky and may fuss while eating. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure he gets the required nourishment:
Babies aged six months and younger should be breastfed or can be given formula if they have a cold and cough.
Babies who are 6 months and above should have frequent small meals instead of big meals thrice a day.
If your baby’s doctor prescribes oral rehydration solution(ORS) to your toddler, be sure to give it to your child as and when required.
If your baby does not want to eat something, give him what he wants to eat. Do not force feed your sick child.
Ensure that your baby who is above six months of age stays hydrated. Offer him different types of fluids. These can include water, milk, broth, and fresh fruit juice made with slightly warm water.
These are just some general guidelines you should follow if your child is down with a cold or cough. However, if there are symptoms like wheezing or ear pain, then it is best to consult a doctor immediately as it can be an ear infection or something more serious. Also, do not introduce any new foods when your baby is ill as these can aggravate the symptoms or cause allergies, worsening the matters. Consult your doctor if your child’s condition doesn’t improve over a couple of days. Since dehydration is a possibility because of infections, so keep an eye on your child, note these early signs to ensure you can get your child the help he needs immediately.
Disclaimer:
This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.
Also Read:
Cold and Cough Medicine for Infants and Children
Home Remedies for Children's Colds and Flu
How to Deal with Dry Cough in Babies Read more
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Eating Ice Cream during Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time when women tend to have unusual food cravings. If you are pregnant, at times, you will be tempted to eat foods that may or may not be good for your health as well as your baby's health. Since you are pregnant, you must be eating everything nutritious there is on this planet. But there will be times when you might crave for certain foods that may satiate your taste buds but may not really be nutritious! Ice cream, for instance, is one such delicious item that you might crave for. But can you eat ice cream during pregnancy, is it really safe? You'd think that perhaps, a scoop of your favourite ice cream won't harm your baby, but are you sure about that?
Is It Safe to Eat Ice Cream During Pregnancy?
Ice cream is a sweetened frozen dessert usually made of dairy products with fruits or flavours added to it. We all love to eat ice cream every now and then. But when a woman is pregnant and has a craving for ice cream, she might think twice before digging into the bucket full of ice cream and for good reasons. But here's the good news. A woman can eat ice cream while she is pregnant as long as she eats it in moderate amounts. Yes, you can enjoy your favourite flavour of ice cream as long as you make sure that it is made in hygienic conditions. You can safely give in to these cravings once in a while. However, if you are allergic to a certain flavour or have medical issues like diabetes, obesity, or even cold for that matter, consult your doctor before you dig in. Better yet, avoid it if you are pregnant.
Nutritional Value of Ice Cream
Although ice cream is not super-healthy and nutritious, it can provide you with supplies of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and minerals.
A 100 gm serving of vanilla ice cream has about 47% fats, of which 70% is saturated or undesirable fat, almost 42% carbohydrates and about 6-7% proteins as its major constituents. Calorie-wise, a typical 100 gm scoop delivers 207 calories. Nowadays, healthier versions of ice cream are also available. You can buy low fat, sugar-free, and yogurt-based ‘light ice cream’. Ice cream can also provide you with vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin B12 in moderate amounts. The body gets about 20% RDA of phosphorus and 17% of essential calcium from a 100 gm of a scoop, both of which are important for healthy bones, joints, other musculoskeletal tissues and the proper functioning of the heart.
How Much Ice Cream Should a Pregnant Women Eat in a Day?
Ice cream is high in fats and can lower your body temperature. If you eat too much of it, it could affect your body’s metabolism and disturb the digestive system. You can enjoy it once in a while.
Nowadays, ice creams are available in flavours that no would have ever thought of perhaps a decade ago. However, some flavours like coffee and green tea have caffeine in them. Although the amount of caffeine present in them is almost negligible, you should refrain from eating too much, if you opt for one of these flavours.
Potential Side Effects of Eating Ice Cream While Pregnant
Too much of anything is bad, you know that. So the same goes for ice cream. Eating too much ice cream can lead to the following complications.
1. Infections
You may contract certain infections from ice cream, such as listeria since this bacteria is viable at extremely low temperatures. You may also contract infections if the milk used to make ice cream is unpasteurised. These infections contracted during pregnancy may affect placental growth, amniotic fluid, and cause birth-time congenital infections in the baby. These may also be responsible for premature delivery, stillbirth, and miscarriage.
2. Weight Gain
As ice cream is high in calories and fats, if you eat it too much or daily, chances are it might lead to unwanted or excess weight gain, which may lead to complications in delivery.
3. Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Ice cream is high in sugar, which may increase your chances of having impaired glucose tolerance. This, in turn, may put you at the risk of getting gestational diabetes.
4. Sinusitis and Respiratory Infections
During pregnancy, the immune system of the pregnant woman is suppressed. Consuming too much ice cream can up the risk of sinus-related and respiratory problems.
Myths Related to Eating Ice Cream During Pregnancy
Besides the benefits and risks of ice cream in pregnancy, there are certain misconceptions related to it as well, for example, it is believed that eating ice cream, which is cold or chilled, can affect the baby’s brain. No scientific data or studies are available to establish this fact. Cold cannot affect the foetus unless your diet and lifestyle are dominated by detrimental cold weather and foods.
Things to Keep in Mind While Eating Ice Cream During Pregnancy
By now you absolutely know that ice cream is not a safe choice during pregnancy as it can lead to potential risks, however, you can still eat it once in a while as long as you make sure it is made following the standard hygiene practices. Tick these points while choosing an ice cream, and enjoy!
1. Check if the ice cream you want to eat is made from pasteurised milk. If yes, then enjoy without worrying.
2. Buy ice cream of a well-known brand and from a reputed shop that follows standard hygiene practices.
3. Avoid eating ice cream sold by street vendors and in fairs as the hygiene and sanitation at such places may be questionable. Remember that bacteria can grow even in ice cream kept in the freezer.
4. If you want to make healthier choices, we suggest that you go to eat ‘low-fat’ or ‘light’ ice cream which is available in abundance nowadays. You can buy frozen yoghurt ice cream, for example.
While pregnant, try and eat as much healthy as you can. However, a healthy diet that comprises of nutritious foods does not mean you can’t give in to your cravings and enjoy a scoop of ice cream once in a while. Adhere to precautions such as hygiene, quantity consumed, and early recognition of any problems with timely medical consultation. Eating ice cream can take you away from the stress of pregnancy. Enjoy it, but just keep an eye on the amount you are having. Read more
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Developmental Milestone: Understanding Words, Behaviour and Concepts
Babies grow at a very fast rate during the first few months of their lives. Learn about the developmental milestones they should achieve between 4-12 months, in terms of behavior and learning words and concepts.
A newborn baby is like a visitor from a foreign country. She is unable to speak and understand your language. But she is a fast learner and uses her power of observation to learn new things.
0 - 3 Months
The first few months of a newborn’s life are the toughest for parents as they struggle to communicate with the child. Research suggests that babies start recognizing their parents’ voice right from the time they are in the womb. Babies are fast learners, and within a few months, they recognize faces and start to express themselves, their happiness and displeasure, through their body language and gestures.
4 - 7 Months
Between four to seven months, your baby will learn to recognise and turn towards loud noises. He will also have started tuning into your voice. He will begin to pick up signals from the tone of your voice. He will react happily if you sound friendly, and might cry if you express anger. As you talk to him, he will be able to coo back at you.
He will learn to differentiate between familiar faces and strangers. As early as six or seven months, he might not like being held by strangers and might cling to you, or cry if you try to hand him over to a person not familiar to him. He will start to communicate his likes and dislikes. He will try to ‘tell’ you what he wants using his body language and hand gestures. For instance, he might lift his arms to tell you he wants to be picked up. He might kick out, or offer resistance if he is made to do something against his will.
What You Can Do to Help
Since your baby has started responding to you, try to connect with him. Smile, cuddle and respond to his babbling. Also, make sure he has a proper routine. Incorporate feeding, napping and playtime in his routine. Give him age-appropriate toys which he can play with while on his back. You could also read to him and point out objects as you read.
8 - 12 Months
Between 8 and 12 months, your baby will begin to convey simple requests. For instance, he might be able to ask you for more food, or shake his head for ‘no’. He might learn to wave his hand as a bye-bye gesture, clap his hands when he is happy, or even blow a kiss. He will also comprehend simple instructions like ‘come here’, ‘give it to me’ and ‘no’. He will recognize his name, and will turn towards you when you call him. His speech and language skills are evolving, and his random babbling will decrease, as he begins to form real words. From mere cooing, he will try to speak simple words like da-da, ba-ba or ma-ma.
What You Can Do to Help
Keep reading to your child. Name objects in the book or around the house as you go about your daily tasks. Play simple games with him like pee-ka-boo or hide and seek. Since he would have started to crawl, childproof your home to ensure it is safe for him to move about. Get him toys, but also allow him to play with pots and pans and wooden spoons or whatever else takes his fancy, as long as it is safe. Encourage him to explore. This is also the time to begin setting limits, although gently. Start off by saying ‘No’ to unacceptable behavior while rewarding good behavior.
Seek Expert Help if
Your baby doesn’t babble to imitate a conversation.
He doesn’t show excitement to see someone familiar.
He isn’t anxious when you (or his regular caregiver) is not around.
He is not curious about new things.
It is important to remember that these milestones are meant to serve as broad guidelines. All babies grow at different rates, and it is perfectly normal to show marginally delayed development in certain areas. A consultation with your doctor might lay to rest any doubts you have about your baby’s growth and development. Read more
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Manali K Mehta
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A. hi parent
I suggest you please consult with our customers care executive
it is very helpful
please maintain hygiene properly with Babyhug instant sanitizer
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Mom of a Newborn child
8 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert my baby 18 days old and not to do breastfeed properly....she sucking only my niple... please let me know how to breastfeeding to my baby properly
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
7 mins ago
A. These tips help you get a good latch—and know if you have one.
Tickle your baby's lips with your nipple. This will help baby open their mouth wide.
Aim your nipple just above your baby's top lip. Make sure your baby's chin isn't tucked into their chest.
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Q. #asktheexpert
my baby is 5 month old....
her face has normal colour..but her hands and legs became dark....why it happens???? why her body has not same colour...
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
7 mins ago
A. In this here it is very difficult to comment properly until a proper examination or assessment is done to find out the exact cause so it is gcadvisable to consult your doctor so that he could examine and evaluate properly and will guide you accordingly for this .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
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Q. my baby has a cold. can I give bhath to her.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
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A. ok. Babe cold can be because of viral infections sometimes frequent cold can be due to allergies you had to treat symptomatically with steam inhalation if there is need for anti-histamics
Rashmi has added a new answer
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Q. Can we feel any pregnancy symptoms within one month of pregnancy that is 3rd week or 4th week.
Rashmi
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A. It is completely dependent from person to persons some people have no symptoms of pregnancy and whatsoever at all because it’s a very healthy pregnancy it will be lose or anything but we really cannot be much certain about it as different women can have different experience throughout their pregnancy
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Dr Sameer awadhiya
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A. In this here it is very difficult to comment properly until a proper examination or assessment is done to find ouhjt the exact cause so it is advisable to consult your doctor so that he could examine and evaluate properly and will guide you accordingly for this .
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