Children are very susceptible to bacteria and viruses entering the body because their immune system is not yet fully developed, especially when the weather starts to turn cold. Cold air and frequent rain make children prone to respiratory illnesses such as cough, sore throat, colds and bronchitis.
That is why strengthening children's resistance is extremely necessary, to keep their bodies healthy and avoid illness in the cold season. Yến Sào Sài Gòn will show mothers some measures to help children build good resistance for your reference.
1. Why do children need stronger resistance in the cold season?
A child's resistance is the barrier that protects the body against harmful agents such as viruses and bacteria. When resistance is poor, these agents can easily enter the body and cause illness.
In young children, the immune system is still immature because the body is not yet fully developed, so during seasonal changes they are easily affected by the outside environment, leading to flu and respiratory infections. If this condition drags on, it can significantly affect the baby's health.
2. How to help children build good resistance in the cold season
2.1. Add Vitamin C and Vitamin D
Vitamin C is known as a substance able to remove toxins from the body, support the development of strong bones and teeth, and support wound healing, thereby raising young children's resistance. Mothers can supplement vitamin C for their baby with fruits such as oranges, lemons, strawberries, guavas, papayas, mandarins, grapefruit, etc.
Vitamin D promotes energy metabolism and helps the body absorb nutrients easily, especially calcium and phosphorus, keeping the body healthy and strengthening natural resistance. Foods rich in Vitamin D include shrimp, salmon, oysters, mushrooms, etc.
2.2. Let your baby get enough sleep
Sleep is very important for the body, especially for young children, helping them develop well in body, height, weight and intelligence. To help children build good resistance, parents should let their baby have deep, long enough sleep – depending on age, 8 to 11 hours each night. A good night's sleep makes the baby comfortable and relaxed, with a positive effect on the child's weight and intelligence. Conversely, if a child does not get enough sleep, the body will be tired and sluggish and more prone to illness.
2.3. Drink enough water every day
Children are very reluctant to drink water in the cold season. So parents must train their children to drink enough water every day. Water plays an important role in carrying white blood cells around the body, eliminating harmful substances through sweat, helping the heart pump blood effectively and boosting metabolism, etc., which is very good for young children's resistance.
2.4. Get all vaccinations
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to strengthen a child's immune system and prevent disease proactively. To help children raise their resistance and reduce the risk of illness, from pregnancy mothers need to get all their vaccinations, and once the baby is born, mothers should take the child for vaccination on the schedule set by the doctor. Mothers should make sure all vaccinations are given, such as measles, chickenpox, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, etc.
3. Some notes on disease prevention for children in the cold season
- Keep the body warm, and dress children in enough warm clothes when going outside, especially the head, neck, feet and hands.
- Eat cooked food and drink boiled water, balance all nutrient groups in the daily menu, and add plenty of fruit and green vegetables to provide vitamins and raise resistance.
- Teach children to wash their hands with soap before eating, after using the toilet and after playing. Keep the environment hygienic and the home clean and airy.