Nutritional needs for a child who has been burned
A child who has been burned needs a diet higher in calories and proteins to help them heal and grow. Your child may have an I.V. (intravenous) line for extra fluids and possibly feeding when they first come to the hospital. It's also possible that your child will be fed through a tube inserted through the nose that extends to the stomach (nasogastric tube). When your child is more alert and is feeling better, they can start to eat.
Most children don't eat as well when they are feeling sick or when they are in the hospital. After approval from your child's doctor, there are many ways you can help encourage your child to eat, including:
- Bring your child's favorite foods from home.
- Serve your child small frequent meals.
- Praise your child after eating, even if it was only a small amount eaten.
- Offer your child high-calorie shakes and snacks (ice creams, puddings, and custards). Don't offer candy and soda, as they don't have any nutritional value. The dietitian will help you to set up snacks for your child.
- Let older children help choose their own meals by filling out their own menus. Also let them help set up their tray.
- Serve drinks with fun straws in fun cups.
What foods should I give my child?
Getting enough nutrition is one of the keys to managing burns. Give your child a variety of foods that have good nutrients to help the skin heal. Vitamins A and C are important vitamins for the skin. Some foods that have Vitamin A and C are oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, and carrots. Many enriched cereals also contain vitamins. Foods that contain protein, such as meat, fish, eggs, peanut butter, chicken, and milk, are also important for skin healing. If your child is able to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, they may not need vitamins or supplements unless specifically advised by your child's doctor.
Talk with your child's dietitian for diet and nutritional information, including dietary needs after discharge from the hospital. Make a list of your questions, and questions your child has. Be sure they are answered before you go home.
Urgent Care Near You
Get care for minor illnesses and injuries. Walk in to a clinic on O‘ahu or Kaua‘i, or schedule a Virtual Urgent Care visit.
View LocationsRelated Articles
Road Rash
Road rash is a common term for multiple skin scrapes (abrasions) that occur during a bicycle or motorcycle accident, or even any fall when you slide across a rough surface. It's important that you watch for any new symptoms that might be a sign of hidden injury.
Burn Emergencies
Electricity, chemicals, steam, very hot water, and fire can all cause serious burns. The care you receive for burns will depend on the type and severity of your injury. Many burns can be treated in an outpatient setting. If a burn needs inpatient treatment, it should be performed in a burn center. Very severe burns need treatment in a burn center.
Fire Safety and Burns: Identifying High-Risk Situations
Children are at increased risk for serious fire and burn injuries and death because they have thinner skin than adults. This results in burns at lower temperatures.
Home Wound Care for Burns
Your child may come home with unhealed areas that still need dressing changes. You will be trained on how to change dressings before you leave the hospital.
