Your child getting sick is something which you will experience numerous times as their immune system starts to develop. As they have limited immunity to lots of bugs, they will get sick at some point. And let’s face it—kids love sharing. Unfortunately, this includes viruses and germs, which can leave them feeling under the weather.
You cannot completely protect your child from these bugs, but there are some things you can do to help them out. Take a look at how to boost your child’s immune system in six easy steps.
Breastfeeding
We know that breastfeeding isn’t for everyone, but there is no doubt that it has many health benefits for your baby. This is because breastmilk contains antibodies, as well as vital nutrients such as fat, protein, and vitamins. Research has highlighted that breastmilk offers extra protection against a variety of bugs while also reducing the chance of developing allergies and asthma.
Stay up to Date with Immunizations
Your baby is born with limited immunity, which is developed during the pregnancy. However, illnesses like the flu, hepatitis, and rotavirus can be very problematic for little ones, so it makes a lot of sense to keep up-to-date with their immunizations. Your pediatrician will provide you with a detailed schedule of all the recommended shots and will often schedule them during your regular checkups.
Healthy Diet
A balanced and healthy diet will always help your little one in terms of their general development. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of nutrients that are vital for a healthy immune system. Introduce these foods as soon as possible and try and make it fun by creating “rainbows” of different types of foods. You should limit the amount of sugar and processed foods in their diets, as these can do more harm than good.
Lots of Sleep
Babies sleep a lot, and that is a good thing because it helps them develop their overall immunity. As they get older, they should still have time for regular naps. You should aim for around ten hours a day for preschoolers, then a little less as they grow into adolescents. Once they hit their teens, you may get frustrated that they want to sleep all the time, but they do need a minimum of eight hours every day to ensure that their immune systems function properly.
Good Habits
From an early age, you should encourage your kiddies to wash their hands regularly. They should take time to give their hands a thorough washing, especially after trips to the toilet and when they are sick. It is essential that you be a positive role model in this area, as they are likely to copy your actions.
Washing the hands with warm soapy water can eliminate a lot of bacteria, which reduces the chance of getting specific bugs and viruses.
Get Active
Regular exercise can really make a big difference in the development of a healthy immune system. The more, the better—especially if you do those things as a family. This can have a positive impact on their mental and physical development, so try and set aside time for bike rides, games in the yard, and sports.