Focus on immunity-boosting foods and avoid anything that could be contaminated. During monsoon (barsaat), children are more prone to fever, stomach infections, and viral illnesses. The right diet helps build immunity and fight off infections naturally.
If it can be cooked, cook it. If it can be peeled, peel it. If neither - avoid it!
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Watch: 10 Clear Signs Your Child Has Vitamin Deficiency 😟 | Pediatric Tips Every Parent Must Know!
| Fruit | Benefits | How to Give |
|---|---|---|
| **Apple (Seb)** | Fiber, vitamins, easy to digest | Wash well, can eat with peel |
| **Pomegranate (Anar)** | High Vitamin C, boosts immunity | Fresh, avoid juice from outside |
| **Papaya (Papita)** | Digestive enzymes, Vitamin C | Ripe, fresh |
| **Banana (Kela)** | Potassium, energy, good for digestion | Great for diarrhea too |
| **Pear (Nashpati)** | Fiber, natural antipyretic | Helps during mild fever |
| **Plum (Aloo Bukhara)** | Antioxidants, hydrating | In moderation |
| **Jamun** | Iron, helps digestion | Seasonal monsoon fruit |
| **Guava (Amrud)** | Very high Vitamin C | Wash well, avoid street-bought |
| Vegetable | Benefits | Cooking Tips |
|---|---|---|
| **Bottle gourd (Lauki/Ghiya)** | Easy to digest, hydrating | Cook well in sabzi |
| **Bitter gourd (Karela)** | Antibacterial, blood sugar balance | Stir-fry or stuffed |
| **Pumpkin (Kaddu)** | Vitamin A, immunity | In soups, sabzi |
| **Tinda** | Light, easy to digest | Cook thoroughly |
| **Ridge gourd (Turai)** | Fiber, low calorie | In dal or sabzi |
Turmeric (Haldi):
Ginger (Adrak):
Garlic (Lehsun):
Tulsi:
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Give:
Avoid:
Give:
Avoid:
Give:
Avoid:
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| Food | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| **Street food** | Hygiene concerns, contaminated water |
| **Cut fruits from vendors** | Bacterial contamination |
| **Golgappa/Chaat** | Contaminated water |
| **Raw leafy vegetables** | Bacteria, worms, insects |
| **Seafood** | Breeding season, more contamination |
| **Mushrooms** | Can be toxic if wild |
| **Outside juice** | Water quality unknown |
| **Unpasteurized milk** | Bacteria |
| **Stale food** | Spoils faster in humidity |
| **Cold drinks with ice** | Ice from unknown water |
Leafy Greens (Palak, Methi):
During monsoon, leafy vegetables harbor more worms, bacteria, and insects. If you must give them:
Seafood (Fish, Prawns):
Monsoon is breeding season for fish. Quality is poor and contamination risk is high. Avoid or eat only from trusted sources.
Fried Food (Pakoras, etc.):
While tempting in rain, heavy fried foods:
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| Drink | Benefits | Age |
|---|---|---|
| **Boiled water** | Safe, essential | All ages |
| **Haldi doodh** | Immunity booster | 1+ year |
| **Ajwain water** | Digestive | 6+ months (diluted) |
| **Ginger tea** | Warming, immunity | 2+ years |
| **Coconut water** | Hydrating, electrolytes | 6+ months |
| **Fresh lime water** | Vitamin C, hydrating | 6+ months |
| **Vegetable soup** | Nutrients, warmth | 6+ months |
Ingredients:
Method: Boil all except honey for 10 minutes. Strain, cool slightly, add honey. Give 2-3 tablespoons.
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When your child has monsoon fever (bukhar), diet adjustments help recovery:
| Food | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| ORS | Prevents dehydration |
| Dal ka paani | Light, nutritious |
| Coconut water | Electrolytes |
| Khichdi | Easy to digest |
| Curd rice | Probiotics, soothing |
| Banana | Energy, potassium |
| Clear soup | Hydration, nutrients |
| Pomegranate | Vitamin C |
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Sometimes despite good diet, children catch infections. Here's your dosage guide:
| Weight | Calpol Drops (100mg/ml) | Calpol Syrup (120mg/5ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 kg | 0.5-0.6 ml | 2.5 ml |
| 6-8 kg | 0.6-0.8 ml | 3-4 ml |
| 8-10 kg | 0.8-1 ml | 4-5 ml |
| 10-12 kg | - | 5-6 ml |
| 12-15 kg | - | 6-7.5 ml |
Important: During monsoon, use only Calpol/Paracetamol until dengue is ruled out. Avoid Meftal-P, Brufen.
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Emergency (go immediately):
Consult same day:
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Expert Insight: As our doctors say, 'Focus on how your child looks and acts, not just the number on the thermometer.'
A: It's best to avoid ice cream from outside due to uncertain storage and water quality. Homemade ice cream or frozen fruit is safer. During fever or cold, avoid cold items completely.
A: Make them at home occasionally using fresh oil. Avoid daily fried food. Offer baked alternatives or air-fried snacks. Pair with warm soup or chai.
A: YES! Homemade fresh curd is excellent - it has probiotics that help digestion and immunity. Avoid sour/old curd and don't give cold curd at night.
A: Focus on hydration: ORS after every loose stool, coconut water, dal paani. Give khichdi, banana, curd rice. Avoid milk (except curd), oily food, and spicy items. Give Calpol for fever (dose by weight).
A: Children need about 4-6 glasses (800-1200 ml) per day depending on age. During fever or diarrhea, increase to prevent dehydration. Only boiled/filtered water - NEVER tap or street-sold water.
A: Watch for signs of food poisoning: vomiting, loose motions, fever. Start ORS immediately. Give light diet (khichdi, banana). If vomiting persists, fever develops, or you see blood in stool, consult doctor immediately.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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