Prevent Colds in Babies - Keep your baby from any people who may be sick. Babies' immune systems do not function fully until they are older. Difficulties will arise if you have older children who go to daycare because they can pick up colds from other children and give them to the baby. Make sure your older children wash their hands as soon as they get home. Also, explain that they shouldn't touch the baby's face. If your friends have sick children, ask them not to bring their children to your house until they are past the contagious stage, which is approximately one week.
Feed your baby breast milk if possible. Infection-fighting antibodies are found in breast milk. The first breast milk you produce has colostrums, which help build the immune system so your baby gets fewer colds. A study mentioned in the British Medical Journal says that milk with lactobacillus decreases the rate and severity of respiratory infections in children as young as 1 year old. This may be because lactobacillus can increase the numbers of circulating immune cells and raise the body's antibody response.
Prevent Colds in Babies
Quit smoking, and do not allow anyone to smoke near your baby. Babies' lungs can weaken if they breathe in too much cigarette smoke. Women who smoke during pregnancy can cause their children to develop respiratory problems and increase the risk of their developing an excessive number of colds after they are born. For a baby with weakened lungs, a cold can lead to something more serious such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Also, cigarette smoke can cause colds and ear infections in babies to last longer.
Provide a healthy diet to boost your baby's immune system and reduce his chances of getting a cold. Clinical dietitian Lauren Graf stated that feeding babies or toddlers plenty of fruits and vegetables will boost their immune systems, as they are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Also make sure your baby gets enough sleep. Babies need to sleep through all the sleep cycles to benefit their health.
Babies are very susceptible to colds. The American Academy of Pediatrics stated that babies catch approximately 8 to 10 colds within the first 2 years of life. There are ways you can lower your baby's chances of catching a cold. - by eHow
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