As your little ones grow, their immune systems are constantly evolving. That’s why it’s important as a parent to do everything you can to make sure they’re staying healthy. Here are some things your local kids’ physicians would recommend to keep your child’s immune system healthy.

Healthy Diet

The best way to be healthy is by making sure that you’re eating healthy, nutritious, clean foods every day. Feed your child a range of colorful fruits and vegetables. While children are known to love sugary snacks and treats, keep those at a minimum. According to the American Heart Association, eating five daily servings of fruit and vegetables helps reduce your risk of chronic health issues.

Plenty of Sleep

It’s natural for young children to fight off nap time or early bed hours. However, proper sleep is just as important for their health as eating vegetables. While, according to the Sleep Foundation, adults should get at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night, kids need even more for their bodies and brains to fully recharge. KidsHealth reports that preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours, and school-aged children need 9 to 13. Good sleep also helps you fight off infection and inflammation that can encourage disease.

Immunizations

It should come as no surprise that your kids need to stay up to date on their vaccines. The point of getting vaccination shots is to protect you and those around you from contagious diseases that can often be fatal without a buildup of antibodies. Make sure your child gets all their proper immunizations against measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, and now, COVID from one of your local kids physicians.

Hand Washing

It’s no secret that younger children can often get sick. According to the National Library of Medicine, they tend to have more colds than adults, amounting to an average of 6 to 8 of them per year. Help your child prevent colds and avoid spreading germs to other children and adults by encouraging them to be as sanitary as possible from a young age. Teach them to properly wash their hands for at least 20 seconds every time they use the bathroom or touch a dirty surface.

With the help of good home training and regular visits to kids’ physicians, your child’s immune system can be strong. Hopefully, these tips will help keep your child safe and healthy. If you need to make an appointment for your child with a trusted doctor, call us at Pediatrix today.

Posted 7/17/23