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Children are the apple of our eyes and protecting them from various germs raises their immune system against many a bacterial infection. What will you do to protect your child from getting exposed to the endless array of germs and viruses every day? Unfortunately, getting sick when you’re a kid somehow or other is merely a role in a job description.

“We will all enter this world with an inexperienced immune system,” reveals some pediatric doctors. Slowly, kids prime their immunity by battling an ongoing series of germs, viruses, and other organisms which is the reason many pediatricians consider six to eight colds, bouts of flu, or ear infections per year as normal. But then there are healthy habits you can adopt that will give your child’s immune system a boost without breaking the bank.

#1. Feed children more fruits and vegetables.

Feeding high fibrous foods beneficial for Kids like carrots, oranges, green beans, and strawberries, etc. as they all contain immunity-boosting phytonutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids. Phytonutrients may increase the body’s release of white blood cells which fight infection and interferon, an antibody that blocks out viruses. Studies prove that a phytonutrients rich diet can even protect against such chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease in adulthood. Try to feed your child at least eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day.

#2. Breastfeed your baby

Breast milk carries immunity-enhancing cum turbocharged antibodies and white blood cells. Nursing protects against any ear infections, allergies, pneumonia, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, meningitis, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Studies reveal that it may also heighten your baby’s brain power and help her protect against insulin-dependent diabetes, Crohn’s disease, colitis, and several forms of cancer later in life. The American Academy of Pediatrics prescribe that moms breastfeed for a year since the baby’s birth to supplement the immunity your baby received in the uterus.

#3. Exercise as a family

Research shows that as exercises increase the number of natural killer cells in adults it can also benefit kids in the same way along with regular activity. Playing a good role model for your children can get them into a lifelong fitness habit. So exercise with them instead of urging them to go outside and play. Fun family activities include bike riding, hiking, basketball, in-line skating, and tennis.

#4. Watch toward germ spread

Nursing germs doesn’t technically boost immunity, but it’s often a great way to reduce stress on your child’s immune system. Make sure that your kids clean their hands frequently and with soap or hand wash. You should pay particular attention to their hygiene before and after each meal and especially after playing outside, blowing their nose, using the bathroom, handling pets, and after arriving at home from daycare. When you’re out, carry disposable wipes with you for quick cleanups.

#5. Toss Toothbrush when infected

According to Barbara Rich, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry says that another critical germ-busting strategy is when to throw out a toothbrush right away. Toothbrush must be disposed of immediately when your child does get sick. A child can’t catch the same cold or flu virus twice; however, the virus can hop from toothbrush to toothbrush, infecting other family members. In the cases of bacterial infections like strep throat, however, your child can reinfect himself/herself with the same germs that got him/her sick in the first place. In that instance, tossing the toothbrush protects both your child as well as the rest of your family.

#6. Boost sleep time

Studies performed on adults show that deprivation of sleep can make you more susceptible to illnesses by reducing natural killer cells. These killer cells are the weapons of the immune system which attack microbes and cancer cells. The same is true for children especially in daycare when they are especially at risk toward sleep deprivation as all the activity can make it tough for them to nap. Research claims that a newborn may want up to 18 hours of bed time a day, toddlers need 12 to 13 hours, and preschoolers need about 10 hours at least in a day.

#7. Quit secondhand smoke

If you or your spouse smoke, then it’s time to call it to quit. Cigarette smoke has more than 4,000 toxins, most of which can irritate or destroy cells in the body, as per Beverly Kingsley, Ph.D., an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta. Kids are more vulnerable than adults to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke because they breathe at a somewhat faster rate; This is also because a child’s natural detoxification system is even less developed. Secondhand smoke increases a child’s risk of SIDS, bronchitis, ear infections, and asthma thus affecting their intelligence and neurological development. If you can’t quit smoking entirely, then at least you can reduce your child’s health risks considerably by smoking only outside the house as pointed out by Dr. Kingsley.

#8. Don’t pressure your pediatrician

Urging your pediatrician to prescribe an antibiotic whenever your child catches a cold, flu, or a sore throat is not a welcome thing to do. Antibiotics only treat illnesses that are caused by bacteria, but as pediatrics professor Howard Bauchner says, the majority of childhood illnesses are mostly transmitted by viruses.

Studies, however, point out that many pediatricians prescribe antibiotics a bit reluctantly at the urging of parents who mistakenly thinks it can’t harm. The truth is it can hurt. Strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have flourished. As a result, instead, a simple ear infection is harder to cure if it’s caused by stubborn bacteria that cannot respond to standard treatment. Whenever your child’s pediatrician wants to prescribe an antibiotic for your child, make sure they are not prescribing it solely thinking that you want it. But Dr. Bauchner urges and strongly encourages parents to say, ‘Do you think it’s quite necessary?’ when it comes to asking for antibiotics.

#9. Get some probiotics

Naturopathic physicians endorse probiotics as they work fabulously for gut integrity. Also, probiotics need not be taken live for enhancing the immune system. It is even better to look for and take probiotics in the form of pills or food. Avoiding dairy products when your child is sick is recommended as they can contribute to inflammation and mucus build up.

Before commencing a new school year it is best to start boosting your child’s immune system prior to the stress, germs, and shorter days all come together. Since getting sick is not any fun, the strategies and remedies as mentioned earlier shall boost your child’s immune system to keep them from getting sick in the first place! Therefore, keep your child healthy by taking care of their immune system & health in advance.

Author Bio

Emylee is a freelance content writer and a blogger who is specialized in home remedies, natural cure, fitness and power yoga.  She is a nature enthusiast who contributed her piece of work for many website like www.howtocure.com. In her free time you can find her in adventurous trips and hanging out with family and friends.