For parents, one of the biggest fears when raising a child is for the kid to get sick. There are many harmful bacteria and substances out there that can enter their system. Some are even at a higher risk due to simple circumstances. For instance, C-section babies are more at risk due to lacking exposure to bacteria that they would have gained through passing through the vagina. Children who frequently use antibiotics are also at risk due to the antibiotics killing both bad and good bacteria found in their bodies. Building up the child’s immune system remains a vital part of ensuring they can have a safe and healthy upbringing, here are six steps to ensure your kids can remain strong and have a healthy immune system.

Stay up-to-date on vaccinations.

Vaccinations are the first line of defense against viral infections. Many might think getting these shots done is the reason they get sick. In reality, these are just temporary side effects that go away after a day or two. It’s your body trying to understand how to better defend itself against the potentially harmful diseases that can enter our bodies.

Sleep is essential.

Sleep, especially for younger children, is vital in helping the body restore any cells it used up throughout the day’s activities. For kids, the recommended amount of sleep is at least 10 hours. The younger the child, the more amount of sleep is needed so they can have a stronger immune system.

Always keep active and exercise.

Through daily exercise, kids strengthen their bodies. It helps give them stronger bones and helps keep their muscles and bones healthy. Based on data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, doctors recommend at least an hour of physical activity daily for children aged six through 17. 

Practice proper hygiene.

As we learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, diseases are spread easily when we disregard proper hygiene. Always ensure proper hand hygiene through washing hands and taking daily showers. When outdoors and in crowded places, have the child wear a mask to ensure minimal exposure to germs. 

Stress-free is the key.

Maintaining a stress-free environment is vital in ensuring children have a healthy upbringing. Playtime and being active are crucial in ensuring the child can avoid stress. Learn to sit down and take some time off with them to talk about what they’re feeling and to indulge in their creative insight. Not only will you ensure a stress-free lifestyle for the child, but you’ll also build happy memories along the way.

Watch over your gut.

Gut health is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of overall wellness, particularly in young children. Seventy percent of the immune system resides in the gut, which is why it is crucial to support children’s developing digestive system and provide the building blocks they need from the start. “One of the best-kept secrets in preventing illness and boosting the immune system can be found in the gut because of the strong connection between a child’s gut and their immune system,” shares Abbot Asia Pacific nutrition medical director Dr. Jose Dimaano, Jr. during the recent launch of Abbot’s Similac Essencia Plus. He was joined by renowned pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Jenniffer Olay and event host Cerah Hernandez at the Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City.

Similac Essencia Plus is the company’s next generation of milk formula with a blend of five different HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides), BB-12 probiotics, and nucleotides. This new formula provides nutrition to support children’s growth, development, and overall health, including their developing brains, immune and digestive systems. By introducing this new product in the market, it hopes to bolster Abbott’s ongoing commitment to support Filipino children’s health from an early age.