Ramadan fasting in children: when and how?

Overview

A child needs a large percentage of fluids and a large source of energy to maintain the health of his body, especially for brain development. If a child loses the calories he needs during the day, even after a few hours, glucose (blood sugar) which is the main source of energy in the brain decreases. And this lack of energy can lead to a set of changes such as:

• Weakness.
• Fatigue and exhaustion.
• Decreased cognitive function.

What is the safe age for fasting a child?

Children's fasting depends on a set of factors, which are mainly concentrated on the age of the child, and his psychological and health condition. But, in general, it is forbidden to fast young people who have not exceeded 10 years, and then children who suffer from some disease with which fasting can lead to harm to their health, weight growth, and height. 

What is safe fasting for a child?

In the case of children's fasting, it is important that fasting is done gradually, it is also advisable to determine the form of fasting. Through the: 

• Determine the number of fasting hours; such as fasting from dawn to noon.
• Not eating food but continuing to drink water.
• Fasting specific days in Ramadan, such as fasting on the first and last day and the 15th day of Ramadan.

Important tips for safe fasting for your child

For safe fasting, your child must have a balanced diet, this includes:

• Eat all the essential nutrients necessary for its growth, such as vegetables, fruits, and meat.
• Eat foods that contain minerals and vitamins such as calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, such as dates and fruit juice.
• Eat foods rich in proteins, such as meat and eggs.
• Take care to take the calories that the child's body needs to avoid his lack of energy.
• Take enough fluids to avoid dehydration and constipation, such as drinking water, eating a soup rich in greens, and eating Harira.
• Replace processed juices with natural juices to get enough vitamins and minerals for the baby's health. 

Necessary things to pay attention to in case your child is fasting

Take care to get a Suhoor meal, to give him the necessary energy during the day.

Do not encourage the child to fast if he does not eat the suhoor meal.

Break the child's fast if he feels hungry, tired, and unable to complete the fast.

Avoid forcing children to overeat to compensate for their calorie deficit, as overeating can lead to:

• Indigestion.
• Bloating.
• Discomfort. 

Instead, children should divide meals to prevent overeating.