Caring for a sick child

Every child gets sick sometimes. Usually these are harmless infections such as a cold, sore throat, fever or a gastrointestinal infection. Children then need extra rest, attention and care. Paracetamol may help to reduce fever and reduce pain from a sore throat. In case of fever it is important not to dress the child too warmly. The body must be able to lose the heat. The body temperature may also be too low. In that case, dress the child extra thickly and give him something warm to drink, such as a cup of tea.

A sick child usually has a reduced appetite, is tired and sometimes also has a fever. A child then needs rest, easily digestible food and possibly paracetamol to reduce the fever.

Don’t feel like eating and drinking, what can you do about it?

A sick child often has less desire to eat, but that is not a problem. If the child starts to feel better after a few days, the appetite will return automatically. The first food you give the child is easily digestible and contains little fat, such as crackers, rice and fruit. If the body tolerates this food, you can return to your normal eating pattern. It is important that the child drinks enough, especially in case of fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Because the body quickly loses a lot of fluid, there is a risk of dehydration. Does the child not feel like drinking? Then give it a little bit of moisture more often. A child with a fever can also eat some custard or yogurt to maintain fluid levels.

What do you give to a child with strep throat or a gastrointestinal infection?

Strep throat – Give the child a glass of nice cool drink, ice or a licorice to suck on.
Gastrointestinal infections – With these infections it is important that the child gets enough fluid. A banana or boiled white rice can help with diarrhea. Sometimes it is necessary to administer ORS. This supplements the resulting deficiencies in the body. With gastrointestinal infections, the child may lose quite a bit of weight, but this will quickly return with a normal diet.

Feeding a sick baby

For a baby who drinks poorly during a flu or cold, food can be offered in smaller quantities more often in a day. The food can also be diluted so that the baby becomes hungry more quickly. The baby receives less nutrition but sufficient fluid. Do not do this for more than a few days and if in doubt, always consult a doctor.

Fever in children

The normal body temperature of children is between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius. A body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more is referred to as fever. In a baby, an infection does not always have to cause fever, the temperature can also be lowered. Consult a doctor if the baby has an abnormal temperature and if you are concerned. It is better not to dress a child with a fever too warmly. The body temperature can then rise even further. In the morning the body temperature is usually lower than in the evening hours. It is normal for the temperature to rise during the day. Fever is most common in children up to four years of age.

A natural defense mechanism

Fever is a natural defense mechanism against viruses and bacteria. It helps fight the infection because bacteria and viruses grow less well at higher temperatures. It is therefore not necessary to lower the fever with paracetamol, but a child may start to feel better. In infections caused by viruses, the fever remains moderate. Bacterial infections cause higher fever.

Caring for a child with fever

A child with a fever sweats a lot and the body needs to be able to lose the heat. The clothing should therefore not be too thick and should be able to absorb moisture (cotton). Do not put hot water bottles in bed, only for preheating and ensure a cool, well-ventilated bedroom.

Measuring the temperature

The temperature can be measured in different places of the body. This can be done via the anus, under the armpit, in the ear or on the forehead. You can use a mercury thermometer, a digital thermometer, an ear thermometer or an infrared thermometer for this, depending on the place where you want to measure. The temperature measured through the anus is the most accurate.

Make sure you get enough rest

Sick children need a lot of rest. Environmental sounds and other stimuli are disturbing and extra tiring. They hit you harder when you are sick. Therefore, let the child rest and sleep in a quiet environment. When the child starts to feel better, he or she will automatically start playing again.

When should you consult a doctor?

A child usually recovers on its own after a few days, but sometimes it is necessary to consult a doctor. This is possible, for example, if your child becomes sicker or if you are worried. Contact your GP if:

The child does not want to drink and does not urinate enough.
The child is drowsy and does not want to wake up properly.
The child cries or moans.
There are small spots on the skin that you cannot push away. (meningitis)
The fever lasts for more than a few days.
The child looks pale or gray.
The child is short of breath.

The most common ailments in children