Immunity of kids is a great concern for parents. Although everyone must have good immunity system to keep ailments at bay, it is often the toddlers who are more prone to diseases due to their constantly active routine, playing on the surface, putting everything in their mouth, etc. Let’s take a look at 7 ways to improve immunity in your toddler:
1. Breastfeed
Breast milk improves a child’s immunity. It provides proteins, sugar, fat and antibodies that benefit a baby’s immune system. It is recommended to breastfeed a baby exclusively for first 6 months and then continue breastfeeding with other foods for next 2 years.
2. Nutritious food
There are various food items that improve immunity system of a toddler. You can include the following:
- Green leafy vegetables are immunity boosting foods.
- Eggs are a rich source of proteins and has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants too.
- Curd has probiotics, the good bacteria that fights with the bad bacteria in the stomach. It is a great immunity booster.
- Fruits, nuts and seeds, lean meat, poultry, fish etc are all healthy and play a major role in the immunity development and growth of a child.
3. Vaccination
Vaccines contain viruses that look like antigens. So the body produces antibodies that can protect you in the future if exposed to antigens. Following a regular vaccination schedule is always good and guards toddlers against various diseases.
4. Hygiene
Children should wash their hands before and after every meal, after playing with pets, coming from playground, using the bathroom etc. A hygienic personal care and environment is a must for the improving and maintaining toddler immunity.
5. Exercise
Exercise keeps bones healthy and strong. It flushes out bacteria from lungs thereby reducing chances of catching cold or flu. The body’s ability to fight diseases is improved.
6. Avoid Passive Smoking
Second hand smoking affects a child’s immunity. It increases their risk of infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia etc. Asthma is very common among kids of smokers.
7. Proper sleep
A toddler requires 12 to 13 hours of sleep a day. Sleep deprivation can lower their immune system. It can lead to many mental and physical health problems as they become irritable if they do not get their required amount of snooze time.
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