Top Tips for Keeping Your Kids Healthy This Winter Season
Posted on January 23, 2023 by Ladybug Child Care Center
Winter is in full swing in Minnesota, and for many families, that means the start of flu and cold season too. While we think of winter as a time for caroling and cocoa sipping, the truth is that germs, infections, and illnesses are common. Since kids are especially prone to getting sick during the winter months of the year, you should take a few extra steps to keep your bugs healthy and happy. Follow these tips to boost your child’s immune system and make the season a little brighter and merrier.
Feed Your Kids Foods and Drinks to Boost Their Immune Systems
When your child has a healthy, robust immune system, they have a better chance of fighting off colds and dealing with flu symptoms. One of the best ways to keep your child’s immune system strong is by serving them foods and drinks rich in vitamins and nutrients.
Try adding these foods to your child’s winter diet:
- Beef: Lean beef products contain zinc, which is crucial for white blood cell production. When your child has a healthy white blood cell count, your child’s body has a better chance of destroying bacteria.
- Fruits with Vitamin C: Though sugars aren’t ideal, strawberries, pomegranates, oranges, and raspberries are packed with this crucial, cold-fighting vitamin.
- Yogurt with Probiotics: Probiotics work wonders for keeping your digestive system free of germs that cause diseases and sickness.
- Garlic: Incorporating this antioxidant into your child’s diet may be easier said than done. But it’s worth a shot because garlic contains allicin, which is a compound known to fight infections and bacteria.
Reduce Intake of Sugar
The winter months between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day are littered with more sweets than you can shake a stick at. Unfortunately, many of the sugary-sweet snacks kids love during the holidays wreak havoc on their immune systems.
High sugar consumption doesn’t just cause inflammation in your child’s body – it also depresses their immune system. As a result, children who eat grams and grams of sugar are more likely to suffer from colds, cases of flu, and more. Limit your child’s sugar intake to one treat a day and supplement the lack of snacks with the healthy foods and drinks listed above. That way, your little bug stays healthy, full, and ready to fight colds.
Change Toothbrushes
Yes, you read that right. Your child’s toothbrush (and yours, too) is one of the dirtiest surfaces in your entire house. Riddled with germs and bacteria, using an old toothbrush can do more harm than good, leading to illness and infection. Try to replace your child’s toothbrush every month. If they get sick, replace their toothbrush right away.
Practice Regular Hand Washing
One of the first lines of defense against the common cold is to keep your hands clean and washed. Unfortunately, many parents overlook this important principle – especially if they have very young bugs in rugs. The cleaner your child’s hands are, the less likely they are to get sick.
Help your kids wash their hands:
- Before and after they eat
- After touching animals, garbage, dirty, or other humans
- After wiping their nose, coughing, or sneezing
- For at least 30 seconds, with hot water and soap
Ensure Your Kids Get Plenty of Sleep
When you sleep, your body has a chance to repair and heal itself. Sleep is crucial for fighting colds, so be sure your little ones are getting enough. Here’s a quick guide to follow:
- Babies under 1 need 12-18 hours of sleep
- Toddlers between 1-3 years old need 12-14 hours of sleep
- Preschoolers between 3-5 need 11-13 hours of sleep per night
- Older kids aged 5-10 need between 10-11 hours every night
Let Your Kids Take a Break
Between traveling to see grandma and grandpa and going to holiday parties, wintertime is busy for both you and your kids. While you’re used to the additional stress, your little one’s immune systems aren’t as robust. In fact, they tend to get weaker with more hustle and bustle. On top of ensuring your kids get enough sleep, make sure they get a break from the holiday action. Rest and relaxation often equal better recuperation.
About Ladybug Child Care Center
Choosing the right childcare center for your kids is a big decision. If you’re like most parents, you’re probably grappling with a mix of questions and emotions. As a family-owned and operated childcare center, we know how you’re feeling. We also know how rewarding the right childcare choice can be for both you and your little ones.
At Ladybug Child Care Center, our goal is to provide your children with the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow within a nurturing atmosphere. Everything is designed with your child in mind, from our individualized and nurturing infant program to our stimulating toddler and preschool curricula. We also offer programs for school-aged children through our unique AdventureCentre.
Ladybug is all about meeting the individual needs of your child. When we meet the individual needs of your little bug, we are meeting your needs as a parent.
Filed Under: Tips for Parents