Colds and flu are a fact of life for children, but you can take clever steps to help reduce their number of sick days. Unfortunately, getting sick is part of the job description in some ways when you’re a kid. Kids prime their immunity by fighting an ongoing series of germs, viruses, and other organisms — which is why many pediatricians consider six to eight colds, flu bouts, or ear infections to be normal per year. But you can adopt healthy habits that will boost the kids immune support.

Serve more vegetables and fruits. Carrots, green beans, oranges, strawberries: all comprise phytonutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids that boost immunity. Phytonutrients can increase the production of white blood cells and interferon for infection-fighting by the body, an antibody that coats cell surfaces and blocks viruses. Try getting your kid to consume five fruit and veggies servings a day.

Boost room for rest. Adult studies indicate that sleep deprivation by decreasing natural killer cells, immune-system guns that assault microbes and cancer cells can create you more vulnerable to disease. Children in daycare are especially at danger of sleep deprivation because they may find it hard to nap through all the exercise. How many children need to rest? A baby may need up to 18 hours of crib moment a day, toddlers need 12 to 13 hours, and preschoolers need about 10 hours.

Breastfeed your child. Breast milk includes turbo-charged antibodies and white blood cells that enhance immunity. Nursing care for ear infections, allergies, diarrhea, tuberculosis, meningitis, diseases of the urinary tract and unexpected syndrome of infant mortality (SIDS). Studies indicate that it can also improve the brain power of your baby and assist safeguard her from insulin-dependent diabetes, Crohn’s illness, colitis, and some types of cancer in lives. Colostrum, the slim yellow “premilk” that runs from the breasts during the first few days following conception, is particularly wealthy in antibodies that fight disease.

Training as a household. Research demonstrates that exercise improves the number of artificial killer neurons in adults — and children can profit from frequent activity in the same manner. Be a nice role model for getting your kids into a lifetime fitness practice. Biking, walking, in-line skating, basketball, and sports are some of the fun household activities.

Watch against spreading the germ. Fighting germs does not increase immunity technically, but it is a good tool to decrease stress on the immune system of your child. Make sure your children frequently clean their hands with water. Before and after each dinner, and after playing outside, managing animals, wiping their nose, using the bathroom, and getting back from daycare, you should give specific consideration to their hygiene. For fast cleanups, bring disposable wipes with you when you’re out. Let children select their own beautifully painted hand clothes and soap in pleasant forms, colors, and smells to assist them to get into the hand-washing routine at school and various places.