How to Support a Toddler’s Immune System Naturally: 7 Mum-Approved Tips

Even from before your child was born, they are building their immune system, but now they are here and growing fast they seem to be picking up every bug under the sun. Like many things in life there is a balance, and even with immune health there is a balance, you don’t want an under-functioning immune system, but you don’t want an over-stimulated immune system either. Exposure to new pathogens is part of building a resilient immune system for life.
Your little bundle of joy will be moving from a passive immune system where they receive antibodies from their mother’s breast milk (if possible), to where their adaptive immune system starts to develop as they encounter germs and pathogens. Every time the immune system comes across a new germ, it learns to recognize it as foe, rather than friend, and therefore learns to fight it off and stores it in its memory to respond quicker in the future.
Gone are the days in recent history where we thought sanitizing every single thing was good for our babies, and now we have understanding that they need bugs from their environment to support their microbiome and developing immune system and that licking the dog and eating dirt is a good thing.
Building resilience naturally is important for your child’s immune system, not just for now while they are little but for the long term.
Let’s check out 7 ways you can support your toddler’s immune system, naturally.

Let’s start with bedtime. Sleep is one of the most important factors in your preschoolers immune building life! But sometimes it’s the hardest code to crack.
Studies have shown the link between sleep duration and immune markers (cytokines: IL-6 and TNF-α) in preschool children, in other words, the appropriate amount of sleep showed an increase in immune system function.
But what is the appropriate amount of sleep for a toddler?
Ages 3 – 5 should be getting around 10 – 13 hours of sleep, plus naps for some children during the day as well.
A consistent bedtime routine is super helpful, so choosing the same time every night and having a wind down routine like reading a book is essential to support the little one’s sleep.

We’ve all heard about gut health and how it’s important for the immune system, but have you heard of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO)? They are present in human breast milk and are just one of the wonderful ways breast milk supports your baby’s immune system. HMOs may support immune function development in young children and provide immune support directly through the interaction of the gut lining or indirectly through the gut microbiome, including the support of the bifidobacteria. Two well-studied forms of HMOs are 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), these have been shown to support the good gut bacteria and therefore support the infants developing immune system.
Good Health Viralex® Kids Immune Powder has been formulated to include these two immune supporting compounds to better serve our young population.

The dreaded sugar monster battle where sometimes the SuperMum comes off second best. It’s tough out there but reducing your preschoolers sugar intake is worth it on many levels. Sugar can impact the immune system in a negative way, so it’s best to keep it to a minimum especially if they are already sniffly. Another battle that is important to know when to pick and choose is the use of antibiotics. Most of the time, your child’s immune system can support them against harmful bacteria. However, antibiotics are
sometimes required. Talk to your doctor, use your discretion and always utilise a probiotic at the same time as antibiotics tend to disrupt the gut flora.

One of the best things you can do for your child is playing outdoors, especially if it’s in the dirt, with other children and with pets! The exposure to new helpful bugs that support their microbiome and immune system is invaluable.
Of course, the bonus of being outside is exposure to sunlight which stimulates vitamin D production naturally in the body. As we know vitamin D is important for many things in the body including immune system health.

Supporting your toddler’s immune system naturally doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By focusing on the basics—quality sleep, wholefoods, time in nature, and gut-loving nutrients—you’re building a strong foundation for your child’s lifelong health. Ill and chills are part of growing up, but with consistent daily habits and the right nutritional support like Good Health’s Viralex® Kids and Viralex® Kids Immune Powder for fewer days off daycare.
Remember, resilience starts early, and even the smallest changes can make a big difference. With these mum-approved tips in your toolkit, you’re well on your way to raising a happy, healthy, and thriving little human.

Luôn đọc nhãn và làm theo hướng dẫn sử dụng. Thực phẩm bổ sung vitamin và khoáng chất không nên thay thế chế độ ăn uống cân bằng. Nếu các triệu chứng vẫn tiếp diễn, hãy gặp chuyên gia chăm sóc sức khỏe của bạn. Để biết thêm thông tin, hãy liên hệ với Naturopath của chúng tôi theo số 0800 446 634 hoặc truy cập www.goodhealth.co.nz Good Health, NZ, Auckland.