Winter is on its full swing and parents are gearing up with clothes, winter foods and supplements to protect their children. But when their darling is sick they just follow stringent rules while treating them, doctors say don’t get hung up on complex rules for a sick child. Ask any doctor and they will confirm that there are no strict rules for a sick child, just look for few signs and the child will be fine. Forget some rules to see improvement, sticking onto rules might worsen your child’s health. I have collected a few instructions from doctors for some simple and flexible rules for a sick child.

Feeding infants with solid food is unscientific they need milk which is a good source of energy for them. Do not over feed them.

Dr. Bill Cotton, medical director of Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, says it’s normal for a kid to eat his usual food, feed him only if he is hungry. The only rule for a sick child suffering with diarrhea and vomiting should be to avoid heavy food, simple food like plain toast, apple sauce, crackers or even chicken soup.

Foods that are rich in fat and greasy are hard on the child’s digestive system and so would be milk. But parents cannot ban milk for more than one day as it is a major source of energy and calorie for infants, toddlers and young kids.

Similarly, a child suffering with vomiting should not be kept on electrolyte for more than a day, especially young children; older kids can stretch a little longer but should be fed with normal food and drinks for energy.

The biggest concern parents face is a situation where kids refuse to eat. According to doctors, there are no hard and fast rules for kid’s diet, even though kids don’t eat for several days, its fine as long as they are drinking enough liquid and passing urine normally at frequent intervals. A happy and active child is a sign of child’s good health.

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