Babies can catch colds an average of 6 to 8 times a year from birth to age 3. The rate of illness increases especially during the winter months. This may cause you parents to hesitate to take your baby outdoors. However, in order for your baby to stay healthy in winter, what you need to do is not only to protect him against external factors, but also to provide lifelong protection for your baby by supporting his immunity.
The immune system, which is the defense mechanism of your baby's body, develops over time. If you wish, let's see how the immune system develops and how you can support your baby, so that your baby will have a healthy winter with your help.
Your Baby's Immune System is Waiting to Be Strengthened
During birth. and then, as it comes into contact with the outside world, your baby's body becomes acquainted with bacteria. These bacteria form your baby's intestinal flora. The presence of beneficial and harmful bacteria, which we call intestinal flora, is of great importance for your baby's immune system. Because approximately 70% of immune cells are located in the intestines. Beneficial bacteria in the intestines help strengthen the immune system. One of the most effective things you can do to strengthen your baby's immunity by increasing the presence of beneficial bacteria in his intestines is to pay attention to his nutrition.
The Secret to a Healthy Winter: Nutrition
The biggest supporter of the immune system is breast milk. Breast milk helps strengthen your baby's immune system thanks to the prebiotic components it contains. Prebiotics increase the development of beneficial bacteria in your baby's intestines. In this way, your baby's immune system becomes stronger and becomes resistant to bacteria and viruses that cause diseases.
You can feed your baby only breast milk up to 6 months, and from 6 months to 2 years of age, you can feed your baby with supplementary food to supplement breast milk. In case of absence or deficiency of breast milk, you can ensure that your baby gets the nutrients he needs by giving him follow-on milk. Prebiotic and postbiotic components of the follow-on milk you give to your baby You can support your immunity by taking care to consume it.
Why Are Prebiotics and Postbiotics Important for Your Baby?
You know that your baby's immune system is strengthened with the help of beneficial bacteria in the intestine. So, what increases the number and activity of these beneficial bacteria? The answer to this question takes us to prebiotics. Prebiotics prevent harmful bacteria from settling in the intestine and help the development of beneficial bacteria. In addition to strengthening the immune system, prebiotics also have other benefits for the body. For example, it increases the absorption of vitamins and minerals and regulates the digestive system.
You learned the importance of prebiotics for your baby. Now it's time to meet postbiotics, which, although their names are less well-known, have a great immune-boosting effect. Postbiotics are compounds produced by beneficial bacteria that support the immune system. They increase the number of beneficial bacteria and immune cells in the intestine. By the combination of prebiotics and postbiotics, the activity and activity of beneficial bacteria are supported.
Introduce Your Baby to the Strengthening Effect of the Outdoor Air
You have supported your baby's immunity by making sure that there are prebiotic and postbiotic components in your baby's diet. Now it's time to enjoy the winter freely with your baby. You can take him out often by dressing him according to the weather conditions. While walking with your baby, allow him/her to come into contact with his/her surroundings. Because your baby needs to meet different microbes and bacteria in order to strengthen the immune system. Let your baby meet snow, rain and mud. By coming into contact with different objects, your baby will have a stronger immunity and will prepare for life by making new discoveries.
Your Baby Doesn't Need a Very Sterile Environment
Like most parents, you may think that you can protect your baby from diseases by providing a sterile environment. However, your efforts to create a sterile environment will not help strengthen your baby's immunity. On the contrary, it helps your body meet different bacteria and microbes. Since it is an obstacle, it may cause the immune system to develop slower. For this reason, be careful not to use baby care products such as wet wipes, shampoo or soap that have antibacterial properties.
Antibacterial products kill beneficial bacteria as well as harmful bacteria on your baby's skin. However, it is beneficial for your baby to come into contact with harmful bacteria as well as beneficial ones. Because when the immune system encounters these bacteria, it fights against them and produces antibodies. This way, your baby will not get sick when he/she encounters these harmful bacteria again.
Also, be careful not to use chemicals such as bleach extensively when cleaning the house. Not opening the windows frequently, especially during the winter months, may cause your baby to inhale these chemicals.
Instead, create areas in your home where your baby can move safely and let your baby explore all the items. These tiny discoveries he makes are big steps that prepare him for life. The greatest support you can give to your baby in his adventure of having his own wings is to help strengthen his immunity. With your support, your baby will be resistant to all the difficulties that life brings.
I hope all parents have a healthy and enjoyable winter with their babies.
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