IMMUNE-SUPPORTING FOODS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS Good nutrition can’t stop every cold, but it can help support your child’s developing immune system year-round. Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN, LDN, BLW, a child feeding expert and author of Safe and Simple Food Allergy Prevention , encourages parents to focus on variety by offering fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods, whole grains, healthy fats, and dairy products throughout the week. Some nutrient-rich foods to keep in rotation include: • Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash: Rich in beta-carotene, which supports immune function. • Berries, oranges, kiwi, and broccoli: Provide vitamin C and other important nutrients. • Eggs, meat, beans, and dairy: Offer protein, iron, and zinc to support growth and immunity. • Avocado, olive oil, and nut butters: Provide healthy fats important for development. •Yogurt and kefir: Probiotic-rich foods that support a healthy gut microbiome. Small additions can make a big difference. Try mixing berries into oatmeal, adding yogurt to snacks, or pairing a new food with a familiar favorite.
Dr. Frenck says young children can experience an average of 8–10 respiratory infections each year during their first two years of life. Many of these illnesses can look similar at first. Dr. Grosel explains that symptoms may include a runny nose, cough, fever, fussiness, or poor feeding. For parents, it is often less about identifying the exact virus and more about paying attention to how their baby is doing overall, especially their breathing, hydration, and energy level.
For parents whose babies seem to be sick constantly after starting daycare or preschool, Dr. Grosel offers reassurance: “The first year in daycare or preschool often feels like one illness after another because a child is meeting many viruses for the first time. Most healthy children recover well and build immune memory over time.”
WHEN TO CALL THE PEDIATRICIAN
Most childhood illnesses can be managed with rest, fluids, and plenty of cuddles, but parents should contact their pediatrician if their baby has: a fever in a baby younger than three months, trouble breathing, signs of dehydration, unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking, and symptoms that are getting worse instead of better. Above all, trust your instincts. Dr. Grosel reminds parents that they should always call their pediatrician if they are worried.
HELPING BABIES STAY HEALTHY
While there’s no way to avoid every sniffle or cough, there are simple steps families can take to help reduce the spread of germs and support their baby’s health during sick season. The experts share that the basics still matter: wash hands often, clean frequently touched toys and surfaces, keep children home when they are sick, avoid sharing cups or utensils, and stay up to date on recommended vaccines. Healthy routines also play an important role. Adequate sleep, hydration, and consistent schedules help babies’ bodies function and recover when illness does happen.
THE BOTTOM LINE
While no parent enjoys seeing their little one sick, these first years won’t always be filled with back-to-back illnesses. As babies grow, so do their immune systems, and with time, many families find that the sick season becomes a little easier to manage.
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 19
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