FACTS ABOUT IMMUNITY

Can you boost your child’s immature immune system? Yes, the experts say. One of the easiest ways to do so is to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of his life. Plus it’s free! Breastmilk contains antibodies and probiotics (or good bacteria). You can also do the following:

Consider a natural, vaginal birth, because your baby is exposed to bacteria when he moves through the birth canal.

Make sure your child gets all his vaccinations. Immunisation stimulates an immune response and develops a “resistance memory” against illnesses without your child having to acquire the illness. Even though you cannot protect a child younger than six months against the annual flu virus, he’ll enjoy quite a bit of protection if his older siblings and parents have been vaccinated. Bloemfontein-based paediatrician Dr Barbra-ann Saunders says the same goes for illnesses such as whooping cough, which are life-threatening for babies younger than six weeks old. If all the older kids in the house have been vaccinated against it, and the parents have been re-vaccinated as adults (we unfortunately lose our immunity against whooping cough over time), baby’s chances to get it are a lot slimmer.

Eat healthily. The general recommendation is five portions of fresh fruit or vegetables a day, and that goes for big and small people.

Live healthily. Go for regular walks with your kids and allow them to do outdoorsy things like climbing trees or playing ball on a daily basis. Wash hands. Often. Teach your children from a young age not to touch their eyes or nose all the time.