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Winter season is here, and unfortunately, so is the cold and flu. It’s probably safe to assume that you’d rather spend those cold days keeping warm, sipping some hot cocoa, heading out once in a while to build snowmen with your kids. But germs, infections, and winter-related illnesses usually appear to have other plans – and the little ones are often the easier targets. That’s why every parent needs to put in extra measures to ensure that their kids remain healthy throughout the season. Here are a few tips that can help.
Get enough sleep
Sufficient sleep is vital to good health and disease prevention. Studies have shown that a good night’s sleep can help the immune system function properly and make kids more active and productive during the day. Kids between the ages of 10 and 17 should get at least nine hours of uninterrupted sleep, while younger children should sleep for at least ten hours.
Don’t forget to have fun
The last thing you want is to stress yourself and the kids out during the day. Find fun activities you can all enjoy. For instance, you can dress your babies in cute baby rompers and take pictures of them. You can also try playing video games with your older kids or even head outdoors for a few minutes to build snowmen – only be sure that they’re dressed for warmth.
Wash hands regularly
The current coronavirus pandemic has taught everyone that you cannot take hand washing for granted. This is probably the single most effective way to prevent winter-related illnesses. Viruses easily spread through infected surfaces, and regular handwashing, when done properly, will significantly reduce your child’s chances of catching any of the winter-related illnesses. And, speaking of infected surfaces, the next point is also important.
Change your children’s toothbrushes
Believe it or not, one of the main culprits when it comes to dirty surfaces is your kid’s toothbrush. That’s because the bristles are usually a comfortable place for germs to hide and can cause various oral health issues and illnesses. The safest thing you can do is purchase new toothbrushes for your children whenever winter approaches, regardless of how long they’ve been using their current brushes. You can also soak the toothbrush in mouthwash for 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse with hot water to disinfect it.
Add vitamin D rich ingredients to your meals
Vitamin D is one essential nutrient that will prove beneficial during the cold winter months. The lack of sunlight during winter means that the body will require some form of vitamin supplement. While vitamin C tends to get all the hype, research has shown that Vitamin D can help lessen a person’s chances of catching a cold during winter or, at least, reduce its severity. You might also want to consider limiting your child’s sugar intake during winter, as refined carbohydrates and sugar can increase inflammation in the body. Eating healthy in general will also help boost your child’s immune system and keep them healthy throughout the season.
