What dietary recommendation does IMCI make for children recovering from illness?

The recommendation for increased feeding with soft, easily digestible foods for children recovering from illness is based on the need to support their nutritional recovery and healing process. When children are recovering, especially after an illness that may have caused a loss of appetite or digestive distress, it is crucial to provide them with foods that are gentle on their stomachs and easy to digest.

Soft, easily digestible foods help ensure that children can consume the necessary calories and nutrients without straining their digestive systems. These foods can also help stimulate appetite and ensure better nutrient absorption, which is essential for regaining strength and health. Additionally, this approach aligns with the IMCI guidelines, which emphasize the importance of continued feeding during and after illness to promote recovery.

Other dietary recommendations, such as restricting total caloric intake or introducing solid food alternatives exclusively, are not aligned with the strategies promoted for recovery post-illness in the IMCI framework. These recommendations may lead to inadequate nutrient intake, which could hinder a child's recovery.