To stay fit and healthy, we all need strong immune systems. What are their roles?
Fighting infections, thwarting viruses and bacteria, parasites and fungi...: our immune defenses are always on high alert! In toddlers, the immune system is immature 1 .
How to develop the immune system? 1,2
From birth, your baby will be exposed to many agents, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic, during delivery and through exposure to the environment and the introduction of solid food. Unlike adults, their immune cells have never been exposed to antigens, which explains the immaturity of the immune system. During the first years of life, antigenic stimuli will contribute to the maturation of the immune system. Immune memory will develop thanks to each microorganism your baby has encountered and will help fight against the most common pathogens in their environment.
How to boost a baby's immunity?
Because babies' immune systems are immature, they're more susceptible to illness and infection. But as nature has it, you can help them strengthen their immune system and get back on their feet!
The first line of defense against viruses and bacteria: breastfeeding . By breastfeeding your child, you will transmit antibodies that will help them better defend themselves. This is one of the reasons why the WHO recommends 4 :
- exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life.
- continued breastfeeding supplemented with nutritionally appropriate foods until at least 2 years of age.
For mothers who do not want to breastfeed, you can rely on infant formulas . They contain nutrients such as certain vitamins, which are involved in the normal functioning of the immune system.
Important notice: Breast milk is the ideal and natural food for infants.
How to prevent baby from getting sick at nursery?
We sometimes hear that babies in daycare get sick more than others... Let's say instead that they will tend to come into contact with childhood illnesses earlier and more often 3 . The main thing to keep in mind is that the immune system of toddlers is not yet mature. In a group, they will tend to meet a lot of people, explore every corner of the daycare, touch everything and easily put objects in their mouths. Result? They will be more exposed to microorganisms and will tend to get sick more often. The good news is that these exposures contribute to the development of your baby's immune defenses! The body accumulates information and antibodies that will allow it to fight even more effectively when it is exposed to a microorganism again.
Sources:
- Medicine/Sciences. [Online] The immune system at birth (1993) [Accessed 04/30/2024] Available here
- France assos santé. [Online] Immunity in children (2021, July 20) [Accessed 04/30/2024] Available here
- Geneva University Hospitals. [Online] My child is sick all the time [Accessed 04/30/2024] Available here
- World Health Organization. [Online] Breastfeeding [Accessed 04/30/2024] Available here
