Summer can be a difficult time for health, and it becomes even more difficult when it comes to your baby or toddler. The rising temperature makes them irritable and disinterested in food and parents often fret that the children are not getting the required nutrition. However, parents should not worry too much. Dr. Sanket Goyal, Head of Department, Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, shares, “Please remember, it is normal for a baby’s palate to differ from one food to another or from one food to another. Will be when your child eats. Well and when they refuse.”
Summer season: Top health tips for kids
Here are some key points Dr Sanket Goel says parents should remember:
1. It is essential to ensure that your child gets the necessary nutrition and stays hydrated, as these are his growth years.
2. Create an environment where your child happily likes the food he eats. Both these factors are interdependent.
3. A friendly environment makes it easy to feed your baby, and the right nutrition ensures they can handle the summer.
4. Make mealtimes enjoyable and not just about the food. Sit down and talk about other things that interest him. Try to appeal to their mind as much as their taste buds; You can make a smiley face with peanut butter on top of their dish. Some fun-shaped tableware can help out even the pickiest eaters.
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how to create the right environment or choose the right food
“Don’t worry too much if your child hasn’t eaten much at one sitting or even in a day. It’s the quantity and quality of food they consume throughout the week that is more important. By giving baby a varied, healthy diet, you can be sure they are getting all the nutrition they need,” shares Dr Goyal.
The summer heat also drains the vitality and appetite of children. Children are generally active and energetic, often expending more energy than they take in in the form of food and nutrition. Here are some things Dr Goyal can suggest to keep your child comfortable in the summer:
• Cool your home.
• Engage your child in various activities to stimulate appetite and eat well.
• Bathe and wipe them at regular intervals and make them feel fresh.
• Make hydration fun. Give them a variety of juices and fruits to ensure they get the required water.
Tips to keep kids healthy and hydrated during summer
1. Avoid direct sunlight
2. Avoid soft drinks.
3. Avoid spicy, fried food
4. Consume natural and fresh fruits such as watermelon, and cucumber, foods such as yogurt, and beverages such as lemon water and coconut water.
change the diet of the child
Make the following changes to your child’s diet:
replace snacks with fruit
avoid spicy food
Modified Dairy Products: While milk is a staple for kids, try to limit milk consumption in summers, especially in summers. Instead give them curd, milkshake, thandai, homemade juice or cold milk with rose syrup