Simple Ways To Protect Your Child Against the Common Cold
When kids are interacting with each other in great numbers as the temperatures turn colder, the common cold inevitably follows. Most children recover within 7 to 10 days, but others with weakened immune systems may develop serious respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis. To help you keep illness at bay, we’ve compiled some simple ways to protect your child against the common cold.
Teach Them Proper Hygiene
As many parents know, young children put their hands in their mouths or noses after coming in contact with surfaces, where cold germs are most likely to linger. Generally not visible to the naked eye, these cold germs are mucous droplets expelled by coughing and sneezing.
Tip for Success
The best way to avoid them is to lead them by example and teach your kid good hygiene, especially when you’re in public areas.
Disinfect Commonly Touched Surfaces
Disinfecting doorknobs, smart devices, and other unexpected breeding grounds for germs is equally important. Some of the commonly used home disinfectants that kill disease-causing germs include alcohol solutions and bleach.
Tip for Success
When cleaning your home, always pay attention to the cleaning instructions, and keep the products out of the reach of your child.
Choose Weather-Appropriate Clothing
To ward off the common colds that seem to spread through day care centers and schools during the winter, parents should strategize their children’s winter-weather outfits to prevent their kids from catching colds.
Tip for Success
Shop with your kid and look for breathable inner layers along with waterproof outer layers that will protect them from snow, wind, and rain. Checking the weather each morning to prepare your child for the day and to determine if you need to bring an extra umbrella can also be helpful.
Let Them Rest and Eat Well
Kids between 3 and 6 years of age need at least 10 hours of sleep per day, while older children require 9 full hours per night to stay healthy.
Tips for Success
Let your child rest! Moreover, be sure to keep your refrigerator stocked with immune-boosting foods such as citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables to help your child’s immune system perform at its best.
This winter, keep your whole household healthy with these simple ways to protect your child against the common cold. Children are adventurous and curious about everything around them—including dirt and germs. Prevent health concerns in the future by keeping your home clean and healthy today!
Photo – Andrea Piacquadio
