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Article provided by americanbaby.com
You know your children catch colds--lots of them. But do you know why? Here are some tips on what's behind colds and how to keep them away.
- Don't let them share cups. Avoid letting your children share cups--they'll also be
sharing germs. In addition, use paper cups whenever you or your child
has a cold; germs can hang around on drinking glasses. By tossing paper
cups out after each use you can prevent the spread of germs.
- Teach them to use tissues. This may seem obvious, but teach your child to use tissues
whenever sneezing or blowing his nose. This will prevent infection from
spreading through the air.
- Enforce hand washing.
Soap and water are the best tools for stopping the flow of cold and flu
viruses. Show your child how to wash his hands thoroughly and have him
do so often throughout the day, especially before eating and after using
the bathroom.
- Be vigilant about day-care hygiene. If your child is in a day-care arrangement with
other kids, he'll be exposed to more viruses, so make sure he practices
good hygiene. Don't let him share food or utensils with other kids, and
teach him to wash his hands frequently with soap and water. Check to
make sure that the toys children share are washed regularly.
- Make sure they get enough sleep. Inadequate sleep can take a toll on your child's immune
system, leaving her more vulnerable to colds.
- Discourage them from touching their eyes and nose. Most cold and flu viruses are spread
by hand contact. By touching a surface that's been touched by an
infected person, your child may introduce the virus to his system
through the mucus membranes in his eyes or nose.
- Stock up on Vitamin C. Feed your kids oranges, grapefruits, potatoes, green peppers, strawberries, and pineapples--they're loaded with vitamin C, which can boost their immune system and keep those colds away.
Read more on americanbaby.com:
Your Medicine Chest Checklist
Fast Facts on Child Allergies and Asthma
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