How to Boost Immunity Naturally in Babies? This is a question many parents are asking in the current scenario, so let’s find out the answer!
Ever since the pandemic began, there has been an increased focus on boosting immunity, and several brands have made use of the surge in demand by manufacturing products claiming to boost immunity. However, the question most parents ask is – how safe are these for kids?
Babies are born with an immune system that is weak and underdeveloped, owing to the lack of exposure to pathogens. As they grow, their bodies begin to build immunity slowly, and part of this process is by getting exposed to infections. This is why doctors consider about 6-8 episodes of the common cold or mild infection common during the course of the year.
However, some babies may experience more than their fare share of infections, which can have you looking for ways to boost their immunity. Since we want to ensure that whatever we do for our little ones is completely safe, it’s best to opt for natural remedies. Here are some tips on how to boost immunity naturally in babies, as well as in older children.
How to Boost Immunity Naturally in Babies and Kids?
1. Breastfeed
Breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby’s health in many aspects, immunity included. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life and such babies have shown to have a better developed immune system.
The magic of breast milk is such that it naturally contains contains immunity-boosting antibodies and white blood cells that protect against a range of illnesses, including diarrhea, allergies, ear infections, meningitis, colitis, pneumonia and urinary tract infections. It also protects against illnesses in adult life, like diabetes and cancer. Ensure your baby gets all kinds of breast milk, from colostrum to the foremilk and hind milk.
2. Vaccinate as per Schedule
It is crucial to ensure your baby’s immunization goes as per schedule, even during the pandemic. Giving each vaccination at its prescribed time makes the baby’s body immune against serious illnesses, and many of these offer life time protection. Delaying vaccinations for any reason can reduce the efficacy of the vaccine, making the baby susceptible to illnesses like Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Typhoid, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis.
Some vaccinations are considered optional, and you can decide whether to take them after a discussion with your doctor. It is important to get any doubts regarding vaccination cleared well in advance so the immunization proceeds without delays.
3. Feed the Rainbow
We’ve often heard of this term, and it refers to eating fruits and vegetables of various colors. To ensure strong immunity for a lifetime, it is recommended to introduce all fruits and veggies to babies in their early months. Modern recommendations from experts don’t think waiting to introduce any food is necessary, although you can consult your doctor if you have doubts. You can serve them up as purees or as finger foods.
Foods that boost immunity naturally include colorful ones like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, pumpkins, berries, citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables. These foods are packed with antioxidants that fight cell damage and they are also rich in Vitamin C, the immunity boosting nutrient. Leafy veggies increase the production of white blood cells that help fight infection.
4. Go for an all-in-one Immunobooster
When feeding babies, one challenge parents face is that baby tummies are so small, and they can only hold a small amount at a time. This can make it difficult to ensure that young children are able to eat a variety of foods to ensure they get all the nutrients needed to boost their immunity. Fussy eating also adds to the problem.
In such cases, it is a good idea to use an all-in-one immunity booster food, that contains a variety of ingredients combined, making a whole range of nutrients available in one go. One example is the My Little Moppet Foods’ Choco Immunobooster Drink, a mix that contains flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and turmeric, all well known for their immunity boosting benefits. This mix can be easily added to baby’s food to increase the nutrition quotient.
5. Focus on Gut Health
Our gut houses the microbiome, which is a collection of various friendly organisms, like bacteria. A good balance of this bacteria keeps the immune system strong, and several studies have shown that consuming foods that boost gut health has resulted in a lower risk of colds as well as ear and throat infections in children.
Breast milk is great for gut health, as are probiotic foods. A good natural probiotic is yogurt, which can be consumed by babies under one year. Babies over the age of one can have other fermented foods which are also naturally rich in probiotics.
6. Ensure proper Sleep
One of the easiest yet most underrated ways to boost immunity naturally is by ensuring proper sleep. Inadequate or improper sleep can reduce the number of antibodies in the bodies, and can make children more susceptible to illnesses. Babies need to sleep around 16 hours, although the time varies according to age. Toddlers need about 11-14 hours of sleep a day, while preschoolers need at least 10 hours of sleep.
Right from infancy, it is important to set a proper bedtime routine that helps babies wind down from all the stimulation of the day and sleep well. A warm bath, dim lights and light massage are perfect bedtime rituals that induce sleep naturally. It is particularly important to follow these during night time potty training so the child’s sleep isn’t interrupted too often.
7. Set aside Time for Activity
Staying physically active has a huge impact on boosting the immune system, even for young children. Getting enough exercise increases the number of natural antibodies in the body as well as improving overall health and wellbeing. If possible, let babies and kids get some activity outdoors, as the Vitamin D from the sunlight also helps in building stronger immunity.
Young babies can enjoy tummy time as well as in a play gym or other baby activities. Older babies will naturally use their newly developing physical skills to crawl and move about. Childproof your home so your child has enough freedom to move and stay active without getting hurt.
8. Don’t overdo the Antibiotics
Since we’re talking about natural ways to build immunity, it is important to see that we’re not suppressing the natural immunity our bodies have. One way this happens is by overdosing on antibiotics, which not only weakens the body’s natural defenses but also leads to the creation of super bugs.
Most common infections go away on their own, and only specific infections require antibiotics. Studies show that many doctors are pressured to prescribe antibiotics since parents think of them as a quick fix for any health problem. Avoid doing this, and go for antibiotics only when absolutely necessary. For common infections, try natural remedies like turmeric milk, Ayurvedic oils or ajwain potlis.
In addition to these, it is important to get your child into healthy habits right from a young age, particularly pertaining to personal hygiene. Brushing twice a day, taking a bath at least once a day and washing hands frequently with soap and water are all life saving habits that can keep us safe from common pathogens. Keep baby’s clothes, toys and utensils clean and well maintained, and use baby-safe cleaners and detergents.
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