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When you’re a parent, your top priority is keeping your new baby healthy. So, what can you do to help your child’s immune system during sniffle season? Fortunately, there are plenty of resources, such as Wellements baby immune support and parenting tips, to help you out.
Knowing How Your Baby’s Immune System Works
Before you can strengthen your child’s immune system, you need to know how it works. Since babies are new, they haven’t been exposed to many bacteria and viruses and therefore don’t have adults’ immunity. That means you need to take special care while your baby’s immune system develops.
Matures at Two to Three Months
When babies are born, they don’t have their own antibodies. For a time, they still have their parent’s antibodies from time in utero, but those only last a few weeks.
During the first few months, infants develop their own antibodies. Their immune systems are still weak until they’re around three months old, making them vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
Gets Stronger With Vaccines
Babies get their first vaccines within their first few months, which is helpful for their immune systems. Vaccines prompt infants to develop antibodies without actually getting sick. Many dangerous childhood diseases, such as whooping cough, are still around, so vaccines are crucial to keeping your child healthy.
Needs Limited Exposure
While your infant’s immune system is fragile, you should limit contact with others. For the first two months, try to limit contact to family only. You should also ask people to stay home if they’re sick and always wash their hands before touching the baby.
How To Protect Your Baby’s Immunity
So, what are some steps you can take to ensure your baby’s immune system can fight off illness as the months turn colder? There are plenty of options — and you may already be doing some of them without even realizing it.
Give Your Baby the Right Supplements
Depending on whether you’re breastfeeding or using baby formula, your child may benefit from supplements. These usually come in the form of drops. For example, if your child has an iron deficiency, Wellements organic iron drops may be useful.
Prevent Germ Spread
Germs, such as viruses and bacteria, are what cause illnesses. One way to protect children is to limit their exposure to germs. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to limit spread:
- Throw out toothbrushes when kids get sick
- Carry wipes for unexpected messes
- Teach kids how to wash their hands, especially before eating
Breastfeed
Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your child, as it allows you to share your antibodies for longer. It also has many long-term benefits, such as protecting children from the following:
- Certain kinds of cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Insulin-dependent diabetes
- Colitis
Medical experts recommend breastfeeding until babies are six months old.
Ensure Your Baby Gets Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential to a robust immune system, so make sure your baby is getting enough sleep. Until infants can sleep through the night, ensure they’re napping to reach the 16 hours they need.
Keeping your child healthy is a full-time job, but you have help. From Wellements multivitamin drops to breastfeeding tips, there are many resources for parents with a new baby.