To parent a child is to worry. In this culture, fear is built into child rearing right from the positive pregnancy test and before. There are choices to be made from what supplements you need in pregnancy, to which car seat has the best safety ratings, to how to keep your child safe at school.
With the changing seasons, less sunlight and more indoor activities comes the worry around viruses and infections. What are the current recommendations for immune support for babies and children? How do we consciously make decisions around attending events? What things can we do that are evidence based to keep our children as healthy and protected as possible?
At For Love & Babes we encourage gathering in order to prevent isolation during the parenthood journey. We believe that, during the newborn phase and beyond, parents need support, a safe space to be heard, to deeply listen to other parents and to share feelings with their peers.
In consideration of peak virus season, we encourage safe distancing, limiting contact with others if you have a newborn or infant, and avoiding contact with those who are sick. We ask people to not attend groups in person when ill and offer a variety of virtual groups for those who would rather stay home.
In this article I’d like to share some current recommendations from pediatric providers and clinics that are evidence based and practical on how to keep your baby healthy.
Feed your baby a healthy diet. Breastmilk is ideal, but fed is best! If you have an older baby or toddler that is having solids, include whole food, fruits and vegetables.
Probiotic powders can be useful when breastfeeding isn’t an option.
Limit the contact your newborn has with others. This means practicing baby wearing (this prevents strangers from getting close to your baby’s face), asking people who hold your baby to wash their hands, and asking those that are providing childcare to notify you in the event of illness.
Dress your child warmly when outside so you all can enjoy the sunshine!
Keep active with indoor activities for healthy lungs and blood flow.
Pediatricians recommend supplementing Vitamin D-- check with your provider on dosage and administration.
Consider care with a holistic practitioner like a naturopath, acupuncturist or cranial sacral therapist to ensure your baby is getting overall health support that can help prevent illness.
Avoid contact with those who are obviously ill, and stay home when sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
When illness does occur, rest, adequate hydration and healthy food are important!
Consider the use of a humidifier in dry climates.
While viruses are a part of life, and required for the development of a baby’s immune system, it can be frightening to winter with an infant. There is freedom to be found in doing your best, following the recommendation of your care provider and surrendering to the truth that viruses will happen, and good microbiome development occurs as a result! When your baby encounters a virus, they develop antibodies that then know how to fight those same invaders in the future.
Remind yourself that this little soul is safest in your arms and that no one knows your baby better than you do. You’ll know when to contact your physician, when to seek out holistic care, and when to rest and enjoy the cuddles from your sick little one. Those sleepless nights will pass, and those immune systems will build!!! You’ve got this!
Written by:
Beka Blythe, registered midwife
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