Baby Health 8 Ways to Boost Kids' Immune Systems

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition Specialist Many recent headlines regarding kids and the ubiquitous winter colds have been discussing what to do once your child gets sick. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and although is inevitable your child will catch a cold; especially those in preschool or daycare, there are few things you can do help boost your childs immunity. Here are 8 ways to boost kids immune systems: 1. Lather, rinse, repeat: Hand washing may not boost a childs immune system directly, but it most certainly helps reduce stress on their bodies by reducing exposure to bugs. Hands are laden with germs, so make sure your kids wash often and with soap-teach them to lather while singing twinkle twinkle or happy birthday twice before rinsing. 2. Identify allergens: Symptoms of allergies, both food and environmental, often produce very similar symptoms to that of the common cold. If your child has allergies and is frequently exposed to the allergen, their immune system is under constant attack leaving little left to fight an actual cold. Food allergies are no different, as they can elicit the same immune response. If your child has chronic flu-like or cold symptoms, you may want to talk to your pediatrician about allergies. 3. Get some Zs: Several studies have found adults who lack sleep are more susceptible to illness and researchers are finding the same hold true for little ones. Kids in daycare are particularly at risk because the flurry of activity can make it difficult to nap. If your child will not nap but is needing extra sleep, make bedtime a little earlier. 4. Keep them moving: This may seem like an easy one if you have a busy toddler, but keeping kids bodies moving with daily exercise can help increase bacteria-fighting cells. It is also a great way to instill a lifelong healthy habit. 5. Push produce: Fruits and vegetables contain a wealth of immune boosting nutrients like vitamin C and carotenoids in addition to cell-protecting phytochemicals and antioxidants. Try to work your way up to 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day. 6. Dont demand medications: Exposure to various bugs and illnesses is actually what helps build everyones immune system. If you have taken your baby or child to the doctor and she doesnt recommend taking antibiotics then follow her advice! Most kids colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics can only make things worse weaken the immune system in the long run. 7. Try a vitamin: although it is best to obtain nutrients from foods, if your child is a picky eater or refuses to eat fruits or vegetables, a quality age appropriate vitamin might help get in those immune system helpers found in foods. 8. Stay hydrated: make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids like water and 100% fruit juices while avoiding sugary drinks and sodas.