Immune system development: Why do kids get sick so often?

When children are small, parents want to protect them from every possible harm. Many would probably roll them in bubble wrap if it could keep them from skinned knees, broken bones or getting sick.

But germs can be a stealthy opponent. You quickly realize this once your children start interacting with others. Runny noses and coughs make it to your house in shockingly short order. So much so that you’ll find yourself asking: Why are kids always sick?

It’s all part of growing up. Immune system development in children starts when they’re still in the womb, is bolstered during birth and breastfeeding then continues to strengthen and mature until they reach age 7 or 8. In fact, experts say it’s normal for babies and toddlers to have as many as a dozen colds a year. That number can grow for children in group settings like daycare or regular playdates and during the winter months when people spend more time inside in close quarters. That’s why immune support for kids is at the top of many parents’ minds.

Immune support for kids

Helping kids build a healthy immune system is one of the best ways to equip them to fight off germs. A strong immune system means they will be less likely to pick up every sniffle that is making the rounds and guard against small infections turning into serious illnesses. You can also teach them healthy habits to reduce the chances for infection in the first place.

Clean hands are key to fighting infections

Teach your kids to wash their hands frequently. The “hygiene hypothesis” aside, it’s one of the biggest and easiest things they can do to reduce their chances of getting sick. That means at least 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and water. There are plenty of songs they can sing that will help them gauge the time. (Baby Shark®, anyone?)*

Teach them to avoid touching their face

According to the CDC, people touch their eyes, nose and mouth about 25 times per hour without even realizing it. Each one of those is an opportunity for germs to enter the body. Show your kids how to cough and sneeze into the crook of their arm instead of their hands. The less they touch their face the better. When they do, you can hope their hands are clean.

Encourage physical activity

Getting regular exercise looks a lot like play when it comes to kids, and that’s OK. It’s an important part of supporting their overall health. Plus, research shows that high physical activity in children has a beneficial effect on their immune system.

Sleep and immune systems

Most kids need at least 9-11 hours of shuteye each night. Sleep is one of the things that helps keep our immune systems strong. But with school, sports, play and the amount of time they spend in front of screens, some children are getting shortchanged.

If that’s true in your house, help your kids set a bedtime routine they can stick to. Turn off TV and tech at least a half-hour before bed and help them wind down before they brush their teeth and say goodnight.

Make sure they eat a healthy diet

We all know the pint-sized crowd doesn’t always love green, leafy vegetables that are so good for our bodies. But a nutritious diet filled with colorful fruits and vegetables that provide plenty of vitamins like C and D, minerals like zinc and plant nutrients helps support kids’ immune systems.

Probiotics are also beneficial because they help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut where 70% of the immune system is located. Probiotics are found in yogurt, fermented foods like kimchi, miso and kombucha, or in supplements.

Consider a daily supplement to help fill nutrient gaps

Getting nutrients from food is the best source, but supplements can help fill nutrient gaps and support their immune system. Vitamins C, D and E along with probiotics, zinc and echinacea all play a role in supporting the immune system.

You can try traditional daily multivitamins to help kids fill nutritional gaps or others formulated to specifically support kids’ immune systems. Nutrilite™ Kids Immunity Blend has probiotics plus an exclusive blend of vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D to provide immunity support for ages 4 and up. They can sprinkle it right on their tongue or mix it with cold water or other drinks. Super easy!

Once you help your children build a strong immune system and practice healthy habits, they’ll be better equipped to avoid or fight off the latest bugs making the rounds. Need some tips for the adults in your life? Read 8 Supplements and Vitamins for Immune Support.

^{*Baby Shark® is a registered trademark of The Pinkfong Company, Inc.}