How To Support Your Baby’s Immune System As The Seasons Change

Newborn babies have natural immunity that is passed on at birth. However, this protection only lasts a few weeks or months before it starts to wane. At that point, your tiny baby must start defending her own body from pathogens. 

While this may seem a terrifying prospect, there are things you can do to support your baby’s developing immune system. For example, significant research shows that breastfeeding helps preserve natural immunity, making it an excellent choice for some parents. However, the following questions and answers can provide guidance if you cannot breastfeed or are looking for other options like vitamins for babies immune system support.  

What Happens To My Baby’s Immune System Summer To Fall?

Certain seasonal changes can impact your baby’s immune system as it continues to develop after birth. For example, babies generally do not experience seasonal allergies. However, the reason behind this — a naive immune system — has its own downsides. For instance, that naivety means that your baby does not have natural protection against the germs it will undoubtedly encounter during the fall and winter.

Weather shifts mean that different viruses and bacteria can flourish in the environment. At the same time, cooler weather drives many people inside, maximizing your baby’s exposure to germs.

Just like adults, babies’ immune systems respond to germs they encounter. These generate a natural response that offers future protection against infection. Unfortunately, a baby’s immune system is unfamiliar with most germs it comes up against and has to learn the appropriate response. That means your baby’s tiny immune system can quickly become overwhelmed, making her susceptible to many common cold-weather illnesses.

How Can I Prevent My Baby From Getting Sick?

There are numerous natural options for supporting your baby’s immune health. Considering how much of the immune response starts in the gut, it should be no surprise that strategies to support gut health also appear to prevent some seasonal illnesses. For example, many parents find that dairy free probiotics for babies are an excellent way to help babies avoid common colds — or at least recover from them more quickly. 

Breastmilk and formula generally contain all the vitamins and minerals a healthy baby needs. However, many healthcare providers recommend adding a daily supplement to promote proper development, including your baby’s fledgling immune system. Additionally, specific vitamins have been associated with a more robust immune response, so exploring individual formulations might also be an option. As a result, some parents opt to include products like vitamin D for newborns to help keep babies healthy as seasons change. 

Baby supplements designed for infants are generally considered safe if you follow the recommended dosage and avoid contraindications. However, you must remember that infants should never take products intended for adults. In addition to improper doing, ingredients could be unsafe for a baby’s immature system. 

You want the best for your baby. That includes keeping her happy and healthy as she adjusts to the changing seasons. This fall, look into safe, natural options that support immune health to help keep seasonal colds at bay.