How to Build Up a Toddler's Immune System

It's true when people say the choices you make now can affect you for the rest of your life, but toddlers can't make their own lifestyle choices. That's why it's important for you, as the parent, to pay close attention to the health of your toddler. Establish and maintain a healthy immune system for your toddler, and you'll be adding essential protection from sickness and poor overall health. There are many ways to nutritionally prepare your child for a healthy future.

Instructions

• 1

  Provide your child with a vitamin- and nutrient-rich diet that's rich in fruits and vegetables. Sweet potatoes, oranges, blueberries, applesauce, broccoli and carrots are all great sources for the essential vitamins and nutrients that will build up your toddler's immune system.

• 2

  Make sure your toddler receives all necessary vaccines to prevent sickness. Consult your child's pediatrician about all of the typical vaccination options (e.g., polio, whooping cough, German measles). Vaccinating children now can help prevent them from getting sick later on in life.

• 3

  Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Studies show that when a body is tired, it works overtime to keep the brain and muscles functioning, according to Toddlers Today. This limits the number of nutrients available to fight viruses and prevent sickness. Sleep is essential to your child's immune system.

• 4

  Breastfeed your child for up to 15 months, or as long as possible. According to Toddlers Today, breastfeeding is the best way to boost a baby's immune system. Breast milk contains important nutrients that will build up the immune system and protect children from future illnesses.

• 5

  Don't smoke. Don't just stop smoking around your child---stop smoking altogether. Secondhand smoke is especially bad for a toddler because his lungs are not fully developed. Setting an example for your toddler by showing him that you're against smoking is another way to indirectly help his immune system. If you smoke, your child may be more likely to smoke when he gets older, making him more prone to sickness.