Keeping Diseases at Bay
The immune system is a structure of tissues and cells found in different organs. Its function is to protect the body from harmful bacteria and infections. Babies are born with an immune system. However, newborn babies do not posses a fully developed immune system. During pregnancy, your baby was protected by your own antibodies reaching his or her organism through placenta. Between 2 and 3 months old, these antibodies start running out of his or her organism. During that time, your baby is therefore highly sensitive to most diseases as his or her body has not yet either encountered nor recognised harmful microorganisms.
Penelope
Child Developmental Specialist
Continuing breastfeeding as a way to boost your baby’s immunity through his or her first few months is key. Thanks to its high content in immunoglobulins, breast milk protects your baby against most diseases. Meanwhile, your baby starts developing his or her own antibodies. Amongst all natural substances contained in breast milk, prebiotic fibbers are particularly effective at strengthening your baby’s immune system during his or her first few months. The later works by multiplying beneficial bacteria in your baby’s intestinal tract. At the same time, it is essential to protect your baby against measles, polio and whooping cough by way of vaccination.
Even at one year old, your baby’s immune system is in constant development. As your baby comes in contact with more and more people around, he or she is will encounter new germs every day. Effectively protecting your little loved one during this period requires you to continue supporting his or her immune system. Besides breastfeeding, you may want to boost your baby’s immune system by starting exposing him or her to direct sunshine. For your baby to produce enough Vitamin D, you should expose him or her to unprotected sunshine for at least a few minutes and for at least 3 times per week. Meanwhile, once your baby reaches 6 months old, do not neglect introducing him or her to additional food rich in vitamins and minerals. Those are found is fruits and vegetables but also in cereals which are rich in iron and zinc. Moreover, regular sleep is essential in strengthening the immune system. Research shows that a large portion of the diseases seen in young children stem from inadequate or disorderly sleeping patterns.
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Finally, remember that hygiene is key in disease prevention at a young age. Wash your infant’s toys as frequently as possible. Use antibacterial microfiber cloths to cleanse door handles. Wash your child’s hands as often as possible. Furthermore, avoid crowded places and especially health care centres or hospitals as much as possible. Nonetheless, do not exaggerated hygiene. This will only have the reverse effect of making your child more sensitive to bacteria.
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