What would you do to protect your child from the infinite variety of germs and viruses to which they are exposed every day? Sadly, being sick when you’re a kid is just part of the job description in certain respects. Six to eight colds, flu bouts, or ear infections a year are considered common by many pediatricians. But there are safe behaviors that you can introduce that will provide a boost to the immune system of your child. 

1. Include fruits and vegetables

Carrots, green beans, oranges, strawberries: all of them contain carotenoids, which are phytonutrients that improve immunity. Phytonutrients can increase the body’s output of white blood cells that fight infection and interferon, an antibody that coats cell surfaces, blocking viruses from infection.

2. Protect against germ spread

Technically, battling germs does not improve immunity, but it’s a great way to alleviate tension on the immune system of your infant. Make sure your children wash their hands regularly and with soap. Before and after each meal and after playing outdoors, handling pets, blowing your nose, using the toilet, and coming home from school, you should pay special attention to their sanitation.

3. Don’t pressure your pediatrician 

It is a bad idea to urge your pediatrician to write a prescription for an antibiotic every time your child has a cold, flu, or sore throat. Only diseases caused by bacteria are treated by antibiotics, but most illnesses are caused by viruses.