The transition from warm, sunny days to crisp, cool ones can bring with it the pesky colds and coughs we hate to see little ones suffer through. But before you worry over every sniffle, take heart: A recent Australian study finds that common illnesses children encounter early in life make them less likely to fall ill once they start kindergarten.
As Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson, a pediatrician, explains, “Their immune system is getting primed and growing in maturity,” which is perfectly normal. In fact, researchers believe that exposure in infancy to a wider range of “bugs” may protect against infections at school age.
So take solace in all you do to minimize risks, but don’t sweat the occasional cold. Here are five ways to foster wellness this fall as we gear up for another New Jersey winter.
- Boost immunity naturally Think good food, adequate sleep, and water. Simple, right? Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods – greens, berries, veggies – into your child’s meals, even if you have to blend them into smoothies. Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep (10-14 hours for toddlers), and don’t forget to keep your little one hydrated with H2O, which helps the body carry nutrients to cells and rid itself of toxins.
- Stay current on key immunizations The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that children need vaccines to protect them from 14 serious illnesses, so check with the doctor to make sure you are up to date. Flu shots or nasal sprays are also recommended for kids (6 months and older) in preschool.
- Remember the power of a good soap-up Preempt infections by teaching your child to wash their hands frequently. Dr. Maritza Baez, a family physician, reminds us to “work up a lather and wash for at least 30 seconds before eating and after you go to the bathroom.” A good rule of thumb, have your child sing the “happy birthday” song twice while they wash!
- Create a chaos-free household When we stress out, our kids can, too. And the immune system doesn’t function at full capacity that way. So take stock, making sure things at home are well-organized, and that everyone’s taking time to relax, talk, share meals, or engage in healthy escapes – like jumping in a great big pile of leaves!
- Know when to seek medical advice Your intuition about illness is probably right on the money, but don’t hesitate to call the pediatrician if your child is lethargic, dehydrated, shows signs of an infection, or is having breathing issues.
Do you have some of your own time-tested ideas for keeping your child healthy year-round? Perhaps replacing the bathroom water glass with disposable paper cups through cold and flu season? We’d love to hear!
