Let’s talk toddlers and immune systems

Sometimes it feels like our toddlers are bringing home a new cold or virus from daycare or preschool every other week. Did you know that on average, babies, toddlers and preschoolers get about 10 viral infections a year? So they are not actually sick every week – but it sure can feel like it!

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And with all of the colds, and living their best toddler lives playing in the rain and getting dirty – and lacking the understanding of that good old social distancing we’ve all grown accustomed to… you may be wondering just how their immune system is holding up.

Which is par for the course as, on average, babies, toddlers and preschoolers get about 10 viral infections a year. So they are not actually sick every week – but it may feel like it. And with all of the colds, and having fun in the rain and mud – you may be wondering just how their immune system is holding up.

How do immune systems work in toddlers? 

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The reason babies and toddlers get sick so often is that – unlike us as their parents – every little germ and virus is a brand-new encounter for their bodies. They do start with somewhat of a baseline, as some antibodies are actually passed from the mother to her baby through the placenta during the third trimester. But as our bodies develop defences against viruses through illness it, unfortunately, does take getting sick or getting vaccinated to build up immunity.

So strap in for at least a few years of this… however, by the time they reach high school, it should slow down! And at least when you have to be at home with a sick toddler, you can remind yourself that this is all a part of building a strong immune system which should keep them safe and well as they get older.

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How can I support their developing immune system?

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While their immune systems will undoubtedly develop on their own as they go about life – there are some key ways you can help support their immune systems.

Keeping up to date with their vaccinations is a really important step to support their immune system in defending against some of the more serious childhood infections.

Since 70% of the immune system exists in the gut, another way to support their immune system is to take care of their gut health. As your toddler continues their solids journey, providing a varied diet filled with different vitamins and minerals that their bodies need, will help encourage healthy growth and development. But as any parent will tell you, toddlers are much more interested in playing and exploring the world around them than they are in consuming all the vital nutrients they need at mealtimes.

Another supporting element when it comes to immune system development is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has been shown to support developing immune systems as breast milk contains nutrients and components that protect against infection. But we also know that breastfeeding isn’t possible or practical for all of us. Plus, at 12 months, only about 51% of toddlers in Australia are still receiving breast milk.

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Biostime 2’-FL HMO ProBoost + Vit D 

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Biostime 2’-FL HMO ProBoost + Vit D is Australia’s first children’s supplement containing 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) – structurally identical to the the third-largest solid component of breastmilk – and is such an exciting but also significant achievement. HMOs are a unique type of prebiotic found naturally in breast milk.

As it contains Vitamin D, this supplement can help to support healthy immune function and assist the absorption of dietary calcium to support healthy bone and teeth development.

Biostime® 2’-FL HMO ProBoost + Vit D is available in powder form which means from 12 months and above you can simply add it to their water, milk, toddler milk drinks or other beverages.

Getting colds is just another part of growing up – but luckily some practices and products can help support our toddler’s immune systems and help them develop.

Disclaimer – Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 2′-FL in Biostime® 2’-FL HMO ProBoost + Vit D is not derived from human breast milk.

This is a paid partnership between Kiindred x Biostime Supplements.