– Dr. Saurabh Khanna is a neonatologist and paediatrician with over 15 years’ experience, and lead consultant, Pediatrics and Neonatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram

An oft-repeated complaint of parents is that their toddler tends to fall ill frequently. This could be because of exposure to ailing children in preschool or low immunity to viruses. Here are some ways parents can build and strengthen their child’s immune system.

Minimise exposure to air pollution. In urban areas, rising air pollution is a big threat to children’s health and well-being. So, where possible, limit time spent in areas with heavy pollution and use air purifiers at home.

Avoid second-hand smoke. Exposure to second-hand smoke can weaken a toddler’s immune system. Ensure that your home and surroundings are smoke-free to minimise this risk.

Limit stress. You may be surprised but it’s true that mental stress negatively affects a toddler’s body immunity. Create a nurturing and supportive home environment to minimise stress levels.

Breastfeeding. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends continuation of breastfeeding up to the age of two years. This provides vital antibodies and nutrients that bolster a child’s immune system.

Good nutrition. A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in strengthening children’s immunity. Ensure that the diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This provides essential vitamins and minerals that support development of a strong immune system. Moreover avoid junk food and limit sugar intake.

Regular exercise. Encourage active play and physical activity to boost immunity. Whether it’s playing in a park or participating in toddler-friendly sports, encouraging young children to keep physically active is important to developing good bodily immunity.

Immunisation. Keep your child up-to-date on all recommended immunization. This is vital to protecting toddlers from serious infections and diseases prevalent in the local community.

Sufficient sleep. Quality sleep is vital to building a strong immune system. Establish a bedtime routine and ensure that your child gets the recommended hours of sleep.

Good hygiene habits. Teach children the importance of good hygiene, such as handwashing before meals, after playing outside, and after using the toilet. This reduces the likelihood of contracting infections.

Probiotics and supplements. Consult with a pediatrician about the potential benefits of giving probiotics and vitamin supplements to your child. Probiotics support a healthy gut, which is linked to a strong immune system.

Regular health check-ups. Schedule regular visits to a pediatrician to ensure consistent monitoring of your child’s overall health and development. This will ensure early detection and treatment of illnesses.

Social interaction. While being cautious about exposure to ailing individuals, encourage positive social interactions with children. This builds resilience to common infections over time.

By implementing these strategies, parents can boost their children’s immune system and reduce risk of common infections. However, remember that each child is unique, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

Also read: Natural immunity boosting foods for children