Keeping Kids Healthy and Happy: Cold and Flu Season Survival Guide for Families and Sitters
As the chilly winds of cold and flu season sweep in, families and sitters find themselves on the front lines of defense against seasonal illnesses. It's essential to fortify the immune system, practice good hygiene, and foster a healthy environment to ensure the well-being of the little ones in your care. In this survival guide, we'll explore practical tips and tricks to navigate the cold and flu season successfully.
Boosting Immunity Through Nutrition and Supplements
A first simple step is to emphasize the importance of a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can include immune-boosting foods such as citrus fruits, berries, yogurt, and nuts in daily meals as well as research some kid-friendly recipes, smoothies and snacks that incorporate these immune-boosting ingredients. Be sure to discuss with the child’s healthcare providers the option of age-appropriate immune-boosting supplements, such as vitamin C or vitamin D to ensure any supplements are recommended and approved by your child’s healthcare professional. Hydration is something that even grownups seem to forget about from time to time, especially in winter. Even when you aren’t sweating in the sun, your body still needs amble hydration. It is very important to stay hydrated, even during the winter months. Encourage the kiddos to drink water, herbal decaffeinated teas and water diluted juices to maintain proper hydration. You can even make a game of it! Workspace for Children has some fun alternatives to nagging your child to drink more fluids.
Hand Hygiene 101
Teaching children the proper way to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water is the #1 way to decrease transmission of germs and illness. Encourage regular handwashing, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces and before eating meals. On outings it's extremely beneficial to keep hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol handy for situations where soap and water are not available. Cahoots “Five Fun Ways to Teach Kids to Wash Their Hands” uses some fun activities you can teach kids all about how germs stick to your body and other surfaces, make a game of washing hands and even includes environmental experiments to see how germs progress over time! In addition to frequent handwashing, surface cleaning is imperative to keep a germ free home. Implement a regular cleaning routine, focusing on frequently-touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and shared toys and use the proper disinfectants to reduce the spread of germs.
Maintaining a Healthy Sleep and Physical Activity
Quality sleep is crucial for overall health, and it plays a significant role in strengthening the immune system. During sleep, the body produces and releases cytokines, which are proteins that help the immune system respond to infections and inflammation, including the repair of cells and tissues, which is vital for maintaining a healthy immune response. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure children get the recommended hours of sleep for their age. The amount of sleep needed varies by age. While newborns may sleep up to 17 hours a day (including naps), toddlers and preschoolers typically need around 10-14 hours (including naps), and school-age children generally require 9-11 hours of sleep per night. Check out our Bedtime Wind Down Blog Post to help your children get the best night's sleep.
In addition to getting adequate zzz’s, daily physical activity keeps the body and immune system strong. We know it can be tough in the colder months to build in the motivation to get outside, on top of having to get the kiddos all layered up and out the door. But, trust us - it will pay off. There’s no such thing as bad weather! Bundle up for outdoor play, even in cold or wet weather, to get a breath of fresh air and some sunshine. In our blog post “The Ultimate Indoor + Outdoor Play List” you will find lots of options to get those kiddos moving!
Open Communication
Maintaining open communication with parents, sitters, and children about symptoms of illness and concerns is crucial for creating a safe and healthy environment. Set up clear and open communication channels, such as regular check-ins via text, email or phone call to keep parents and sitters informed about any concerns or changes in a child's health. Ensure that parents and nannies know who to contact and what information to provide if a child exhibits signs of illness. Parents can ensure that caregivers have updated emergency contacts, including alternative contacts in case the primary contacts are unavailable. Be sure to develop a basic plan for what to do if a child becomes ill, including quarantine measures and medical consultation.
With a proactive approach and a focus on health and well-being, families and nannies can successfully navigate the challenges of the cold and flu season. By implementing these practical tips, you can create a fortified environment that supports the immune system and keeps the little ones in your care healthy and happy throughout the winter months. Stay well, stay informed, and let the season be filled with warmth and joy rather than sniffles and coughs.