7 Simple and Kid-friendly Ways to Help Prevent Colds

I dread winter, as with a three-year-old in preschool, it is the season of unending colds.  Though I recognize that colds are a fact of life, I am always seeking simple ways to keep them at bay, and below are some of my favorites.   



Probiotics: my grandfather was a doctor who believed "the gut is the window to the soul," so could it also be the gateway to a strong immune system?  Always consult with your doctor before giving your child any drug, supplement, etc., but as probiotics are found in yogurt, they are probably not too scary.

Keep fingernails trimmed: for one reason or another, kids always have their hands in their mouths and noses and long fingernails trap extra dirt and germs, so keep them short to minimize how much they can store.  

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Saline Nasal Spray: if the cold virus enters the body through the nose, why not clean the nose as we do our hands?  Most children will not stand for a neti pot, so elect a saline mist.  Have your child lean forward and spray (so that everything rolls back and not into their ears), and then ask them to gently blow their nose. 

Clean Well Wipes: Washing your hands is the best way to win the war on germs, but soap and water are not always convenient. Clean Well wipes are all natural, store easily, and allow you to scrub some of the grime off of little hands before snack time.

Sunlight: most people spend more time outside and have fewer colds in the summer, but is there a connection between these two?  Research has shown that there may be, as sunlight is our most efficient source of Vitamin D, which is not naturally abundant in many foods, but plays a major role in helping our bodies fight disease, even the common cold.  Many sources state that as little as fifteen minutes in the sun is sufficient for the average-size person, but why limit your kids?  If they want to play (exercise is another great way to help keep you healthy) in the fresh, winter air all afternoon, then dress them well (see post for help with dressing kids for winter play) and let them have fun.

Sleep: your body needs sleep to fight infection, and a lack of sleep can not only make you more likely to get sick but also prolong your illness.  Most adults need 7-9 hours, school-aged kids 10-11, toddlers 12-14,  infants 14-15 (source: Mayo Clinic).

Eat well: a well balanced diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in saturated fats, is key to your body's ability to produce germ-fighting cells.

None of the aforementioned will keep you 100% cold-free.  Colds are a fact of life, especialy for children, who can have up to twelve per year.  And as there is no proven way to boost your immune system, as everyone's body is unique, the best way to stay healthy a majority of the time is to make healthy decisions for yourself and your family on an ongoing basis, which means making exercise, hygene, sleep, and a healthy diet your habit not a hail Mary when all else has failed.