Kids at childcare catch around 7 colds a year – but it’s normal and beneficial

To all parents who feel like they are dealing with or catching endless colds, flus and gastro bugs from their children at childcare: You are NOT alone.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, the average adult catches three colds a year. But it’s more than double for young children.

In fact, research shows that kids who attend childcare, preschool and kindy catch between five and seven upper respiratory infections – which includes colds, runny noses and coughs – each year. AND it’s actually good for your little one to be exposed to all these germs…

Kids at childcare catch around 7 colds a year, on average

It’s not always easy for working parents to have sick kiddies, especially if they also catch their illnesses and have to take a day off from work to look after their child or children (if they’ve passed their bug onto their siblings).

But the good news is, catching these minor infections are good for your little one’s immunity. 

Research shows that babies who attend large-group child care centres before they are two and a half years of age are more prone to getting respiratory and ear infections, but are less likely to be sick once they start school.

How to boost your family’s immune system

It may seem like your cough has been lingering a lot longer than usual, as your body’s ability to respond to colds or bacterial infections isn’t what it was before you had kids.

“Often parents are working while their children are in daycare, so it’s common they’re already feeling run down when sickness enters the household,” House Call Doctor exclusively tells The Healthy Mummy.

“If your child comes home with a cold or other illness, maintaining general healthy lifestyle habits is the best way to fight off sickness and boost your immunity.”

7 ways to boost your family’s immune system:

1. Eat a healthy diet

This includes lots of fruits and vegetables. For more inspiration, check out 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge recipe app for a host of yummy, healthy recipes that the whole family will enjoy.

2. Get adequate sleep

This is a hard one if you have a young family! One top tip may be to go to bed when you put your kids to bed a few nights a week, to make sure you are getting enough rest and staying healthy.

3. Live a healthy lifestyle

Exercise as much as possible. It’s important for you to stay active with the kids to stay healthy. You could also try doing the exercises from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge from home.

Here are 12 exercises to do in your front room.

4. Keep up hygiene

Make sure you wash your hands regularly and keep your household clean to stop germs from spreading.

5. Manage stress

Stress puts a lot of toll on the body and it can weaken your ability to fight off infections. Try to unwind as much as possible when you can. 

You can find the Mind.Body.Breath sessions on 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge. These meditation sessions are a great way to help calm the mind and support your overall wellness.

6. Get out in the sun

Vitamin D has been shown to help boost your immune system and overall health. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen though!

7. Increase our zinc intake

Zinc is a mineral that helps strengthen our immune system. Foods that contain zinc include meat, shellfish, seeds, nuts, dairy, eggs and whole grains.

6 surprising signs you may have a zinc deficiency 

6 immunity-boosting smoothies to try

What else can I do to boost my zinc levels?

The Healthy Mummy Smoothie is packed with a potent combination of 24 vitamins and minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fibre and healthy fats, providing a nutrient hit for busy mums.

One serve (or shake rather) of The Healthy Mummy Smoothie mix contains 25% of the recommended dietary intake of zinc. Along with 25% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin E.

For more information on our Smoothies download our Smoothie factsheet. If you are looking for some EASY, TASTY and HEALTHY smoothie recipes then grab a FREE copy of our Healthy Mummy Smoothie Recipe pack here. 

Need an extra boost? Try Healthy Mummy Immune!

The Healthy Mummy Immune supplement is specifically designed for busy mums to help boost your immune system naturally.

The delicious, berry flavoured Healthy Mummy Immune is a supercharged blend of real food ingredients. The supplement contains Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, B12 and Zinc which nourish the immune system naturally.

The Healthy Mummy Immune assists with immune function and helps keep you healthy.

Grab your Healthy Mummy Immune HERE.