Children have differences in anatomy and metabolism from adults which makes them face a greater risk from environmental exposures. For example, to sustain their smaller and more active bodies, they breathe more, eat differently and have more contact with more contaminated surfaces during play as compared to adults.

It is important to boost the immunity of children and safeguard their health as they have an immune system that is less prepared to deal with toxins. Also, when children enter child care or preschool, there will be an increase in the exposure to germs and environmental pollutants that will pose as health risks to them.

To boost your child’s immune system, here are some ways you can adopt:

1. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides the most natural nutrient source for your baby and also allows the transfer of maternal antibodies that can provide protection against infections and diseases while your infant’s immune system is undergoing maturation.

2. Prebiotics

Prebiotics are a type of non-digestible fibre compound found in nature. They make their way through the stomach without being broken down by gastric acids or enzymes and bring about positive changes in the digestive tract and organs.

Prebiotics help a baby’s innate immune cells mature more effectively. Additionally, they may encourage the immune system within your child's intestinal tract to mature efficiently.

Prebiotics also fuel and promote the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria in your child’s G.I. tract as insoluble fibre can provide food and structure for them to multiply.

Foods that contain prebiotics include raw or cooked onions, raw garlic, raw dandelion greens, baked wheat flour and oats.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that reside in the G.I. tract of children and adults. They crowd out and fight off dangerous bacteria thereby reducing the chances of sicknesses and intestinal disease. They also alter metabolism in a way that helps to protect against certain food allergies.

As the health of your child’s gut is closely tied to many of his or her other bodily functions, having prebiotics and probiotics to work together is important for fighting inflammation and lowering disease risk.

Foods that contains probiotics are fermented vegetables like homemade sauerkraut and kimchi, kombucha, coconut kefir and other fermented foods.

4. Vaccinations

You should bring your child for vaccinations as they are important and proven to be an effective tool in protecting your child against preventable childhood diseases. Parents should take note of the optimum timing for childhood vaccinations so as to maximise their effectiveness.

In Singapore, it is strongly encouraged that children are vaccinated based on the National Childhood Immunisation Programme schedule even though only the diphtheria and measles vaccination are compulsory by law.

5. Antibiotics and Restoring Good Bacteria in the Gut

Whenever your child falls sick, the use of medication and antibiotics should be done under a doctor’s guidance. Parents should be aware that the overuse of antibiotics may harm the immune system. Hence, the doctor should evaluate the medical necessity for young children with immune systems that are still developing.

Furthermore, following antibiotic use, it is important to restore the gut friendly bacteria in the G.I. tract killed by the antibiotic, especially after a long course of antibiotics. The good bacteria plays a crucial role in fighting off infections as they synthesize vitamins and repel invading pathogens, preventing your child from getting sick in the future.

Hence, to restore the good bacteria killed by antibiotics, you can give your child prebiotics, such as from raw vegetables and fruits. Insoluble fibre can provide food and structure for the good bacteria to multiply. Parents can incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet for this period.

On the other hand, you should avoid giving your child processed sugar which feeds bad bacteria and the pathogen you are trying to destroy with the antibiotic. Processed food and chemicals such as sugar substitutes, artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives should be avoided at this time so as to rebuild healthy intestinal flora.

You can also feed your child probiotics which can help to restore good bacteria in their gut.

6. Diet - Antioxidants and Vitamins

You can ensure that your child has a diet balanced in protein sources with plenty of fruits and vegetables for a good start.

Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium are also important in immune maintenance and protection against inflammation.

Vitamin C intake increases the numbers of natural killer cells present in your child’s blood and their ability to make antiviral compounds. Sources of vitamin C include guava, orange, papaya and broccoli.

Scientists have also found that vitamin A activates and proliferates lymphocytes and helps with the production of specific antibody isotypes and regulating immune responses. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrot, spinach and sweet potato.

Vitamin D also helps to prevent inflammation and aid the immune system in mounting an adequate response to a threat. Hence, parents can allow their child to be in the sun without sunscreen for 10 to 15 minutes a day as being in the sun is the easiest and safest way to get the dose of vitamin D. However, if they are sensitive to the sun, parents give their child foods rich in vitamin D such as salmon, canned tuna or sardines and fortified milk or orange juice.

You can also give your child omega 3 fatty acids to minimize the negative effects of inflammation.

7. Items at home

The items used to feed, dress, entertain and sustain your child might be sources of toxic chemicals. Certain toys are found to contain high amounts of lead while some plastic items may leech endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Bedding may also contain flame retardant chemicals.

Hence, it is important to be more careful of items that will be of close proximity and contact with your child such as toys, utensils and clothes and ensure that they have reached safety standards.

8. Hygiene and Exposure to Occasional Bacteria

While it is good to sanitize and eliminate bacteria from your house, it is advised that you do not sanitize too regularly as you will be creating a dangerous chemical environment since detergents and cleaning agents contain high concentrations of harmful chemicals.

In addition, it is good for your baby to be exposed to occasional bacteria, like those found in nature or farm setting so that they will have better and faster maturation of their immune system. Some level of exposure to bacteria, some of which are prebiotics, can help the immune system of babies and young children to be more prepared to fight off infections.