How to Feed a Sick Child, Toddler, Baby the BRAT Diet

Flu season is here and pediatricians will tell you it's one of the worst they've seen in decades. Knowing how and what to feed a baby or toddler with stomach flu is essential to minimizing their distress and ensuring a faster recovery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Apple Sauce
• Toast

1. THE BRAT DIET
   
   The BRAT diet is a simple approach to easily digested nutrition for children suffering from stomach flu. Doctors advise parents to feed small portions as their child will tolerate them. If your child is unable to limit their intake of food during the flu, you must be able to cut them off after only a small portion. This will allow time to see how they react to food.
   
   If your child will not eat at all, call your pediatrician for advice.

2. BANANAS
   
   Bananas are one of the first foods babies eat because it is so gentle and easy to digest. Try mushing up some bananas for your sick child. Feed bananas alone, without sweetener, toppings, or additives.

3. RICE
   
   Rice is another first food that is gentle on sick tummies. Note that this rice is WHITE RICE. Not brown or long grain. Do not add butter or flavorings of any kind.
   
   You may also try using instant rice cereal for babies.

4. APPLESAUCE
   
   Unsweetened applesauce is the third food recommended in the BRAT diet. Do not purchase sweetened applesauce or attempt to sweeten it yourself. As with all foods on the BRAT diet, applesauce is to be given in its purest form.

5. TOAST
   
   Use white bread to make plain toast when your baby or toddler has the flu. Avoid any bread that is high in fiber or grains. Toast the bread and offer it in small portions, in small slices. Do not butter the bread or flavor it in any way.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect your child has a stomach flu, call your pediatrician. Feedings are only one concern for parents of sick children. Your pediatrician will let you know of any additional warnings, methods, or treatments available.

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 2/8/2009 Good article on feeding a child the BRAT diet. 5*

[bethjess39564]

on 2/8/2009 I love this!! Not just for kids! And the toddler is the cutest ever.

[lastgunslinger]

on 2/7/2009 Nice advice. Thanks for sharing! 5*

[luv2laugh]

on 2/7/2009 Thank you, I love the acronym and the advice.