Babies' Immune Systems: Keys to Understanding
To stay fit and maintain our health, we all need strong immune defenses. Their role?
Fighting infections, outsmarting viruses and bacteria, parasites and fungi…: our immune defenses are always on high alert! In very young children, the immune system is immature 1 .
How to develop the immune system? 1,2
From birth, your baby will be exposed to numerous agents, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic, during delivery and later through exposure to the environment and the introduction of solid foods. Unlike adults, their immune cells have never been exposed to antigens, which explains the immaturity of their immune system. During the first few years of life, antigenic stimulation will contribute to the maturation of the immune system. Immunological memory will develop thanks to each microorganism your baby encounters and will enable them to fight the most common pathogens in their environment.
How to boost a baby's immunity?
Because babies' immune systems are immature, they are more susceptible to illnesses and infections. But nature has a way of helping them strengthen their immune defenses and recover!
The first line of defense against viruses and bacteria: breastfeeding . By breastfeeding your child, you will pass on antibodies that will help them defend themselves better. This is also 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 at least until 2 years of age.
For mothers who do not wish to breastfeed, infant formula is a viable option. It contains nutrients, such as certain vitamins, which are essential for 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 daycare?
It's sometimes said that babies in daycare are sicker than others… Let's just say they tend to be exposed to childhood illnesses earlier and more often. The key thing to remember is that toddlers' immune systems aren't yet fully developed. In a group setting, they'll interact with many people, explore every corner of the daycare, touch everything, and readily put objects in their mouths. As a result, they'll be more exposed to microorganisms and 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 exposed to a microorganism again.
Sources:
- Medicine/Science. [Online] The Immune System at Birth (1993) [Accessed 30/04/2024]
- France Assos Santé. [Online] Immunity in children (July 20, 2021) [Accessed April 30, 2024]
- Geneva University Hospitals. [Online] My child is always sick [Accessed 30/04/2024]
- World Health Organization. [Online] Breastfeeding [Accessed 30/04/2024]
