Long-simmered bone broth can be deeply nourishing and mineral-rich. However, when it comes to sick babies and toddlers, both the timing and the concentration of what you’re serving matter. For illness, I prefer chicken meat stock because it’s shorter-cooked, gentler on digestion, and often easier to tolerate than bone broth.

What Is Chicken Meat Stock (and How Is It Different From Bone Broth)?

Chicken meat stock is made by simmering a whole chicken for a shorter period of time — typically 1.5 to 3 hours. It usually includes:

• Whole chicken or bone-in thighs/drumsticks
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger (optional but helpful during congestion)
• Sea salt
• Filtered water

Unlike bone broth, which is often simmered for 12–24 hours to extract minerals from bones, meat stock focuses on:

• Gelatin from connective tissue
• Easily digestible proteins
• Gentle nourishment

The result is lighter, soothing, and simple.

Meat Stock vs. Bone Broth for Babies: What’s the Difference?

Meat Stock (2–3 hrs)	Bone Broth (12–24+ hrs)
Short simmer	Long simmer
Higher in gelatin	Higher in mineral extraction
Less concentrated	More concentrated
Gentle during illness	Richer, denser

Both can be nourishing. And of course, any fluids matter more than solid food during the first few days of a cold. But when a baby or toddler is sick, congested, inflamed, and not eating much — their digestion is often more sensitive. This isn’t about “good vs bad.” It’s about what feels supportive in the moment.

Does Bone Broth Contain MSG?

You may have heard that bone broth “releases MSG.” It’s true — when meat and bones simmer, proteins break down into amino acids, including glutamate. Glutamate is:

• A naturally occurring amino acid
• Found in meat, tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese
• Present in breast milk
• Produced by the human body

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is simply the sodium salt of glutamate. Longer simmering increases free glutamate, which gives broth its deep savory (umami) flavor. This does not mean bone broth is toxic. Modern reviews have not consistently shown MSG to cause harm in the general population when consumed in typical dietary amounts. Breast milk naturally contains glutamate, often in higher concentrations than cow’s milk. So glutamate itself is not foreign to babies. What can vary is tolerance to concentration. Some individuals, especially when already inflamed or sick, may feel better with less concentrated broths. This is likely due to digestive sensitivity or histamine load rather than MSG “toxicity.” In other words:

• Glutamate is natural
• It is not inherently dangerous
• Concentration and individual sensitivity matter

That’s why I personally reach for meat stock during acute illness — not out of fear, but because gentler nourishment feels supportive.

Why Meat Stock Can Feel Supportive During Sick Season

When babies are sick, they often:

• Refuse heavy meals
• Breathe through their mouths
• Wake frequently
• Seem clingy and depleted

Warm meat stock offers hydration, sodium and electrolytes, collagen and gelatin, easy-to-absorb protein, and comfort. Even small sips throughout the day can feel regulating. Sometimes I serve it plain. Other times I add soft carrots or celery. For toddlers, I might include shredded chicken, potatoes, or noodles. My kids let me know what feels good to them in the moment. It’s often the only thing they’ll accept — and that’s enough.

Simple Chicken Meat Stock Recipe for Sick Season

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (or 3–4 lbs bone-in pieces)
• 1/2 onion, chopped or whole
• 2–3 carrots, chopped
• 2–3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped or whole
• 1–2 inches fresh ginger (optional)
• 1–2 teaspoons sea salt
• Dash of pepper
• Filtered water to cover

Instructions:

If using a whole chicken, you can use the gizzards. However, liver can become bitter when cooked too long. I often freeze the liver to cook separately later.

1. Place all ingredients in a large pot.
2. Cover with water.
3. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Skim foam from the surface.
5. Reduce to a very gentle simmer.
6. Cook 1.5–3 hours (until meat is tender).
7. Strain broth from chicken.
8. Shred meat and return to broth if desired.

Store in the refrigerator for 4–5 days or freeze in small portions. Reheat gently.

A Note on Quality

If possible:

• Choose organic or pastured chicken
• Avoid heavily processed rotisserie chickens
• Choose organic vegetables and seasonings
• Use filtered water if available

However, perfection is not required. In early motherhood, I put enormous pressure on myself to do everything “right,” which eventually led me to reflect on mom guilt and burnout. What matters most is your intention and the warmth you put into the process.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, there is something timeless about simmering chicken during illness. It doesn’t require supplements or powders — just a pot, a chicken, time, and love. And when the house smells like broth, healing feels closer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meat Stock vs Bone Broth

What is the difference between meat stock and bone broth?

The main difference between meat stock and bone broth is cooking time and ingredients. Meat stock is made by simmering meat with bones for a shorter period of time, typically 2–4 hours. Bone broth is made by simmering primarily bones for a much longer period, often 12–24 hours or more. The longer cooking time of bone broth extracts more minerals, amino acids, and compounds like glutamate, which can make it richer but sometimes harder to tolerate for sensitive babies.

Is meat stock better than bone broth for babies?

For many babies, especially during illness or early introduction to solids, meat stock can be gentler than bone broth. Because it is cooked for a shorter time and contains more whole meat, it tends to be milder in flavor and easier on digestion. Some parents prefer meat stock during sick season when a baby’s system is already stressed.

Can babies have bone broth?

Yes, babies can have bone broth once they are developmentally ready for solids, typically around six months. However, it should be introduced in small amounts and observed for tolerance. Some babies do well with bone broth, while others may be sensitive to its richness or high glutamate content.

Does bone broth contain MSG?

Bone broth does not contain added MSG unless it is commercially prepared with additives. However, long cooking times naturally release glutamate from bones and connective tissue. Glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many foods. Some sensitive individuals may react to high levels, even when it is naturally occurring.

When should you use meat stock instead of bone broth?

Many parents choose meat stock during times of illness, digestive upset, or early solid food introduction. Because it is lighter and cooked for a shorter time, it may feel more supportive when a baby has a cold, fever, or reduced appetite. Bone broth may be better suited for older children or adults who tolerate richer broths well.

Is homemade meat stock or bone broth safer than store-bought?

Homemade versions allow full control over ingredients, cooking time, and salt levels. Many store-bought broths contain added sodium, flavorings, or preservatives that are not ideal for babies. If purchasing packaged broth, choose options with no added salt and minimal ingredients.

How much meat stock can a baby have?

Meat stock can be offered in small amounts alongside meals, mixed into purees, or served as a warm cup for toddlers. Start with a few tablespoons and observe tolerance. It should complement solid foods rather than replace balanced meals.

Sources

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). “Questions and Answers on Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).” Agostoni C. et al. (2000). “Free amino acids in human milk.” Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. Fernstrom JD. (2000). “Glutamate and the central nervous system.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.