6 measures that can help boost your child’s immunity
Watching your child fall sick is the biggest nightmare you could have as a parent. A runny nose, colds, cases of flu, and gastrointestinal bugs are common and, in most cases, aren’t something to worry about. However, if these keep cropping up regularly, then it indicates that your child has a weak immune system. The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against harmful toxins and infections.

Diet
The first step toward building a strong immunity for your child is ensuring that they eat adequate and right kinds of foods. Every child’s daily diet should comprise of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables because they are rich in essential phytonutrients, which help in producing antibodies needed battling infections. Some research studies also suggest that phytonutrients found in fruits and veggies can prevent the onset of various chronic disorders. Likewise, fatty fish, lean meats (chicken and turkey), whole grains, eggs, and legumes contribute to fortifying the muscles, bones, and improving blood and skin health.

Preparing and cooking children’s meals at home is also necessary to ensure that the nutrient quality isn’t compromised. Similarly, limit their junk food intake as it is loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives that can weaken the immune system and cause health problems like childhood obesity and/or diabetes.

Breastfeeding
If you have recently welcomed a newborn, then ensure that you breastfeed them at least for the first 8 months. Breast milk has antibodies that can guard the baby against allergies, diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis, and ear and urinary tract infections. Some experts also believe that breastfeeding can also protect the baby from developing insulin-dependent diabetes, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other types of chronic disorders in adulthood.

Sufficient sleep
Not just for adults, daily routines are also stressful for children. To cope with the stress and increased cortisol levels, kids need to have adequate sleep hours. School-going children should at least sleep for 9 to 11 hours so that their immune system can function better and protect their bodies against all kinds of diseases. During bedtime, restrict children’s access to TV and/or other types of electronics so that their sleep quality isn’t affected.

Hygiene
Healthy hygiene habits don’t really improve your child’s immune system; however, they come in handy as they prevent any germs from attacking it. Washing hands regularly, especially, before and after meals or after coming home can help to put an end to the germ invasion before it enters the system.

No smoking
If you or your spouse smoke, then ensure that you don’t smoke in your home as kids, especially, babies and toddlers have a sensitive immune system. Secondhand smoke exposes a child’s body to almost 4,000 toxins that can irritate their cells and develop respiratory allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and ear infections. It might also affect a child’s neurological development.

Regular immunizations
The best way to save your child from diseases is by giving them all the proper vaccinations on time. Depending upon the condition, some immunizations have to be taken every few months or years. Therefore, it is advised to keep a close eye on their immunization schedule. Moreover, getting a flu shot every year is also critical, especially, if your child is suffering from asthma or any other forms of chronic medical conditions.

Adopting the above measures can help minimize the sick days your may child have in a year. If your child falls sick, then ensure that he or she gets the right medical attention at the right time along with all the caregiving and support so that they can bounce back quickly.