Meals that Heal: What To Feed Your Sick Child

Serve: Clear fluids, such as water, broth (for kids over 1), or electrolyte solutions, to prevent dehydration (avoid juice and soft drinks- the sugar can worsen diarrhea); a normal diet that includes such binding foods as rice, ripe bananas, and cooked veggies.

Serve: Prunes or prune juice to stimulate bowel function; high-fiber foods, such as fresh apples, oranges, carrots, and celery; water to keep stools regular.

Serve: A regular diet, but since feverish kids generally eat very little, add dips, sauces, or butter to increase every bite's caloric density; plenty of fluids.

Serve: Hot noncaffeinated tea with honey (but only for children over 1); high-calorie ice-cream smoothies.

Serve: Warm foods, such as chicken soup, which act as a vaporizer, loosening nasal mucus.