"How to boost my baby's immunity?" This is one question a lot of parents would like to know the answer to.
As parents, we wish to protect our children from all the bad things in the world. If we can shield them from every pain and sickness, we would without batting an eyelash. But if we're speaking literally, is there a way for us to safeguard our children from diseases that could put their health at risk?
Is it time for your bubba's well-baby check-up again? If you have a lot of questions about your newborn’s health, don't hold back! Your paediatrician is the best person to help you in ensuring that your baby is healthy and has a strong immune system.
That said, we also did our homework so that we could tell you what we know about increasing your baby's immunity to diseases.
How Strong Is My Baby’s Immune System?
Ever wonder why newborns are so fragile? It is because compared to us and older babies, they don't have a fully developed immune system yet, the very thing we rely on to help our child fight off viruses.
“It’s important to consider, especially in the early weeks of a baby’s life,” said paediatrician Camille Sabella, MD.
“An infant’s immune system doesn’t mature until they’re about two to three months old,” she added.
In the first few months, the immune system builds itself up so it becomes more developed. This is why a 2-week-old baby’s immune system can’t fight viruses or bacteria nearly as well as a 3-month-old can.
However, the mother's immune system continues to protect her infant with antibodies that were shared through the placenta immediately after birth, according to Dr Sabella. Those antibodies stay active for the first few weeks of a baby’s life, offering some protection from bacteria and viruses.
Baby immune system stronger than adults
When compared to an adult, the child's immune system has a reputation for being weak and immature, although this isn't entirely accurate. A new study contradicts this.
According to the findings, the newborn immune system is far more powerful than previously assumed, and it outperforms the adult immune system in combating novel diseases.
Dr Donna Farber, PhD, professor of microbiology & immunology, and the George H. Humphreys II Professor of Surgical Sciences at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons said,
“The infant's immune system is robust, it's efficient, and it can get rid of pathogens in early life. In some ways, it may be even better than the adult immune system, since it's designed to respond to a multitude of new pathogens.”
When thinking of your precious newborn baby, it's best to err with caution and assume that she needs all the protection she can get from us while her immune system is developing. So, how do you boost and increase your baby's immune system and make sure she doesn't get sick?
How to Boost Baby Immunity
Here are some ways to keep your infant healthy and keep those germs away from your baby.
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Make sure your child's immunisation is up to date
On your baby's first checkup, your doctor will give you a list of immunisation shots to protect your baby from life-threatening diseases. These shots may include:
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- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)
- Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b)
- IPV (polio vaccine)
- PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
- HBV (hepatitis B)
- RV (rotavirus)
Remember that these vaccines are completely safe, and your baby requires them to prevent him or her from a variety of life-threatening infections such as pertussis and whooping cough.
Immunisations should be updated. It helps prevent your baby from major childhood illnesses, so make sure he or she gets them on time. Immunisation regimens differ from office to office, so discuss your options with your doctor. Learn more about your child's immunisation schedule here.
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Breastfeeding
We cannot stress it enough: breastfeeding is a major factor in increasing your baby's early immunity. Breast milk contains all the nutrients and antibodies that your baby needs.
In fact, colostrum, which can be found in a mother's early milk, is said to be the most potent natural immune booster known to science.
So the best way to boost the immunity of your newborn is to keep breastfeeding him. It can be challenging, mums, but know that it is worth it. If you're struggling with engorged breasts or sore nipples due to breastfeeding, read this for some helpful tips.
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Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine
One of the orders we get from our newborn's paediatrician upon taking our baby home is to ensure they get at least 15 to 20 minutes of sunshine time every day. This is because the vitamin D we get from sunlight is a crucial bone-building and immune system-boosting nutrient.
Click here to know more about safe newborn sunbathing practices.
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Keep your baby warm
Although experts are split on this, there was a study that said being physically cold makes you more likely to catch a bug. It can also stress a child's immune system, making her more susceptible to illness.
As much as possible, make sure that your newborn feels snug and cosy in her clothing, although be careful not to bundle the baby up in too many clothes, as they can also cause your baby to overheat, which is one of the causes of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Paediatricians said dressing your child for the weather plus one more layer of clothing is enough to keep your newborn at the right temperature.
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Keep baby hydrated
"Water helps our kidneys flush out toxins, so it's vital for fighting illnesses," said Amanda Ursell, a UK-based nutritionist.
Drinking water will help flush out toxins as well as other infections in the body. Dehydration is extremely risky for infants, so make since babies 6 months and below cannot drink water yet, make sure that they are hydrated with your breast milk or formula milk.
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Make sure baby gets enough sleep
As your baby grows and becomes more interested in his environment, he starts to prefer playing to sleeping. While this is normal, a lack of sleep leaves babies more prone to infection.
Try to establish a regular bedtime routine for your baby to make sure that your child's immune system is kept to an optimum level. Read this for tips on how to build a good sleeping routine for your little one.
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Maintain good hygiene
Touch is the most typical route for an infectious disease to transmit. As a result, you should always wash your hands before picking up your infant or preparing food, as well as after diaper changes, restroom visits, or entering the house. Insist on the same requirements being met by everyone who wants to hold your infant.
While authorities recommend using soap and water to kill germs, alcohol-based hand sanitisers are also effective.
When you're out and about, always carry a bottle with you. If someone insists on touching your infant, ask them to dab some on their hands first to keep your baby safe. People must rub aggressively for a whole 15-20 seconds for it to function.
- Limit your baby's exposure to other people
You should avoid huge family gatherings and busy venues like malls when your infant is young. You can start being more daring after your baby is a little older — at least 3 months old.
It's easy to forget how susceptible small babies are to germs. It's not a bad idea to advise everyone who's coming to visit that if they're sick, they should stay at home. As soon as they're feeling better, offer to reschedule.
Cite doctor's orders if you're scared you won't be able to stop a particularly determined relative from kissing your baby's cheeks.
“Our pediatrician ordered that no one should kiss him on the cheeks because he might get sick.”
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Eat food that boosts the immune system
When your baby is below 6 months old, your breast milk is the best source of nutrient for him. However, when he hits the 6-month mark, you can now help your little one explore the wonderful world of food and the nutrients that will help keep him healthy and strengthen his immunity.
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This article was written by Margaux Dolores and republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.
With updates from Camille Eusebio
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.