Your child's immune system helps keep her from getting sick when she comes into contact with bacteria and germs, reports KidsHealth. The immune system works by attacking potentially dangerous germs to help prevent your child from getting ill. In order to work properly, your child's immune system must be healthy and in top condition. You can help build a healthy immune system by introducing several healthy habits into your child's life so she can fight off disease and remain healthy.
Step 1
Feed your child a healthy diet. Make sure your child eats a variety of nutritious foods because getting enough vitamins and minerals will keep his immune system working properly so he can fight off invading bacteria and germs. Include fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, recommend Lucy Burney and Noelle Sheehan, authors of "Boost Your Child's Immune System: A Program and Recipes for Raising Strong, Healthy Children."
Step 2
Encourage your child to be physically active most days of the week. Turn off the television, computer and video games and take your child outside to play, recommend Burney and Sheehan. Play a game of soccer, go for a long walk or play on the playground. Adequate exercise keeps your child's body moving properly so nutrients get where they need to go and allows the immune system to fight off infections.
Step 3
Teach your child how to wash her hands properly. Washing hands is one of the best ways your child can avoid getting sick, reports KidsHealth. Show your child how to wet her hands, squirt on some soap and lather up for at least 20 seconds. Teach her wash the backs of her hands and in between her fingers to kill all the germs. Help her rinse with warm water and dry with a clean towel. Make sure she knows to wash before eating, after going to the bathroom, after blowing her nose and after playing outside. Use hand sanitizer if you are not near a sink to help kill germs until your child can wash.
Step 4
Steer clear of germ-ridden places. Staying away from places where your child could easily get sick will help prevent his immune system from being weakened so he is unable to fight off future illness. Do not go to children's museums that allow children to touch everything because these places harbor many different germs. Stay away from indoor playgrounds that are not cleaned at least once a day. Bring your own toys and books to doctors' offices so your child does not touch ones that many other children have played with.
Tips and Warnings
- Teach your child a short song to sing while washing hands to ensure she washes long enough. Consider buying shopping cart and high chair covers to prevent your child from being exposed to potentially dangerous germs. A portable high chair can also be used to avoid using dirty ones at restaurants.
- If your child is sick often, make sure you see his doctor. A pediatrician can help you learn more about boosting your child's immune system so he can regain his health.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy foods
- Soap
- Hand sanitizer
References
- KidsHealth: Immune System
- "Boost Your Child's Immune System: A Program and Recipes for Raising Strong, Healthy Children"; Lucy Burney and Noelle Sheehan; 2005
- KidsHealth: Why Is Hand Washing So Important?
