Daycare is a great chance for your child to learn, grow, and develop. But it’s also the start of them being exposed to lots of germs and illnesses from the other kids. This could mean you having to take days off of work to care for them through their illness, doctor visits, medications, and more. It may feel impossible to keep your child healthy at daycare, but there are steps you can take.

You can reduce the number of times your child gets sick at daycare (and hopefully reduce the number of times you get sick too!) by taking a few preventative measures.

And we have 5 tips to help you do just that!

Start with nutrition

One of the most effective ways to keep your child healthy at daycare is to focus on their nutrition. Offer a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that support a strong immune system.

Avoid giving sugary snacks and drinks since too much sugar can weaken the immune system. 

Try vitamin D and multivitamins

Adding vitamin D and multivitamins to your child’s daily routine can help boost their immune system. 

Vitamin D is important for immune system strength, bone health, and overall well-being. Multivitamins help provide a range of essential nutrients, filling in any nutritional gaps. 

By adding supplements to your child's diet, you're giving them an extra layer of protection.

Practice regular handwashing

Teach your child the importance of regular handwashing. Encourage them to wash their hands before eating, after using the restroom, and after playing with shared toys. 

When you pick them up from daycare, have them wash their hands once you get home. Make it a fun and engaging activity by singing a handwashing song or using a special soap. 

Regular handwashing can reduce the risk of infections and help keep your child from spreading germs at home.

Plan for enough sleep

A well-rested body can fight off illnesses better. So make sure your child is getting the right amount. For example, 1-2-year-olds need 11 to 14 hours of sleep, and 3-5-year-olds need anywhere from 10 to 13 hours of sleep in 24 hours (this includes naps).

The best way to do this is to stick to a consistent bedtime routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and limit screen time before bed to promote better sleep.

Encourage physical activity

This probably won’t be too hard to do, but encourage your child to run, jump, dance, and play! Exercise helps boost the immune system by promoting circulation and overall health. 

Outdoor play and games are excellent ways to keep your child active and healthy. If the weather keeps you inside, turn on the music and have a dance party. Or set up an obstacle course that requires them to crawl, twirl, and jump.

Add herbal supplements

Herbal supplements are a great way to give your child’s immune system an extra boost to stay healthier longer while at daycare. 

Think of an herbal supplement as a daily investment in helping keep your child healthy so they can enjoy their time at daycare. And you can save your days off for doing something fun.

Dr. Rydland has several herbal supplements that can help!

Our liquid herbal supplements are designed to support your child's immune system naturally. With ingredients derived from plants, they provide a gentle yet effective way to strengthen immunity.

To give your child’s immune system a daily boost, try Dr. Rydland’s Family Daily Defense. It’s a preventative tonic you and your child can use daily to prevent colds and viruses brought home from daycare, preschool, or school.

If your child becomes sick from daycare, temporarily stop the Family Daily Defense while you try out these 3 herbal supplements to help:

• Immune Formula: great for battling colds, flu, ear infections, and bronchitis.
• Respiratory Cough Formula: helps support lung tissues, and fight chronic coughs and coughs brought on by colds & flu.
• Fever/Pain Formula: will help lessen fevers, chills, body aches, headaches, and muscle pain

Speak with your pediatrician about any concerns you may have when your child gets sick or about adding herbal supplements to their diet.

With these 5 tips combined, you’ll keep your child healthy at daycare!

And keep your family from dealing with wave after wave of colds, flu, and other icky daycare or preschool germs.