Treat It
Food & Drink Recommendations
What to offer, what to avoid, and how to keep your child hydrated — organized by illness.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
Foods to offerMashed veggies, applesauce, oatmeal, warm soups, soft fruits
Best drinksWater, breastmilk/formula, electrolyte drinks (like Pedialyte), warm diluted tea, broth
Popsicles okay?Yes — good for hydration and sore throat relief
AvoidSugary drinks, acidic juices (like orange juice), rough or dry foods
Milk concernsOkay for most; some kids may cough more — try warm fluids if needed
Tip: Offer small sips often to prevent dehydration from fever or fast breathing.
Bronchiolitis
Best drinksWarm broth, water, diluted juice, breastmilk/formula
Foods to offerSoft, hydrating foods (soups, yogurt, mashed fruit)
AvoidCold drinks if they trigger coughing; greasy foods; large meals
Milk okay?Yes — if tolerated. If coughing worsens after milk, pause and reintroduce slowly
Tip: Hydration is key — offer fluids often even if appetite is low.
Pneumonia
Best drinksWarm fluids like broth or herbal tea; water and electrolytes
Foods to offerSoup, scrambled eggs, soft fruits, mashed potatoes, yogurt
Before bedLight snack okay (oatmeal, toast), but avoid heavy or greasy meals
AvoidDry snacks, chips, spicy or acidic foods, anything that makes coughing worse
Milk okay?Usually fine unless it worsens cough — test and track in MamaBear
Tip: Appetite may be low — prioritize fluids and small, frequent meals.
COVID-19 (Mild Pediatric Cases)
Best drinksWater, electrolyte drinks, warm fluids to soothe cough
Foods to offerSoups, fruits high in vitamin C, soft grains, yogurt (if tolerated)
AvoidCold/acidic drinks if throat is sore, high-sugar snacks
Milk okay?Generally fine unless congestion worsens
Tip: Kids may lose smell or taste — don’t force food, just encourage fluids.
Croup
Foods to offerApplesauce, soft-cooked veggies, eggs, soup, smoothies
Best drinksWarm broth or cool water; try alternating temperatures
Cold drinks/popsiclesHelpful in some kids, irritating in others — try both
AvoidAcidic foods (citrus, tomato), dry or scratchy snacks, spicy items
Milk okay?Use caution if your child coughs more — test warm alternatives
Tip: Keep meals small; breathing effort may make big meals uncomfortable.
Post-Viral Cough / Lingering Cough
Best drinksWarm water with honey (age over 1), herbal tea, broth
Foods to offerSoothing soft foods like oatmeal, rice, steamed veggies, pears
AvoidCold drinks, crunchy/rough snacks, sugary treats
Milk okay?Watch and adjust — some kids cough more after milk
Tip: Hydration, humidified air, and calm foods are the best combination.
Stomach Bug + Respiratory Combo
Best drinksSmall sips of water, oral rehydration solution, diluted juice
Foods to offerBRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), bone broth
AvoidDairy, acidic or fatty foods, anything too cold or sugary
Milk okay?Often avoided until GI symptoms resolve
Tip: Prioritize hydration first, then slowly reintroduce gentle solids.
Asthma (During Flare or Illness)
Best drinksWater, warm herbal tea (no caffeine), broth
Foods to offerAnti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, lean proteins
AvoidKnown allergens, preservatives (e.g. sulfites), acidic juices, carbonation
Milk okay?Fine unless it’s a personal trigger; note patterns
Tip: Avoid large meals before activity or bedtime — reflux can worsen wheezing.
Seasonal Allergies
Best drinksWater, warm tea with honey (if over 1 year old), clear broths
Foods to offerAnti-inflammatory foods: fresh fruits, vegetables, omega-3-rich foods
AvoidDairy (if it worsens congestion), histamine-releasing foods (fermented items, aged cheese)
Milk okay?Sometimes avoided if mucus worsens, but evidence is mixed
Tip: Warm fluids can help flush allergens and calm irritated airways.
Sinus Infection / Sinus Congestion
Best drinksWarm liquids — broth, lemon water, warm tea
Foods to offerSoups, citrus (if tolerated), ginger, garlic, cooked veggies
AvoidDairy (if mucus worsens), thick/creamy foods, processed sugar
Milk okay?Try substituting warm herbal tea or clear soups if congestion is heavy
Tip: Keep meals light; warm, steamy foods can ease sinus pressure.
Laryngitis / Hoarse Voice
Best drinksWarm water, non-caffeinated tea, clear soup
Foods to offerSoft and non-acidic foods like oatmeal, banana, mashed potatoes
AvoidAcidic foods (tomatoes, citrus), crunchy snacks, spicy foods
Milk okay?Warm milk can soothe, but avoid if phlegm increases
Tip: Avoid whispering — let the voice rest and keep foods bland and smooth.