Kids getting frequent infections is a big worry for parents. Noone likes to see their child suffering every now and then. Let’s discuss the challenge and what we can change to avoid this situation.
Challenges with kids getting frequent infections
Frequent infections mean lower weight, growth & development.
Infection means the body has to fight a pathogen (disease-causing microorganism). To fight, the body needs extra energy. More energy than a child would normally use.
Another problem is that a small child doesn’t understand what is happening. They give up food every time they get infections and become very cranky.
Now the body is using more energy to fight the pathogens, and the child refuses to eat. Hence, lower weight and growth & development is noticed.
Infections take longer to heal
There are two reasons for this.
- Since the child doesn’t eat well, the infection takes longer to heal.
- The immune system develops up to the age of 7 years in humans. Till then, kids are vulnerable
- An additional point occurs for kids who are already at a lower body weight.
The child doesn’t drink adequate water
Drinking adequate water is the first rule of any infection. Kids deny that. Especially in case the child is having throat trouble.
Many parents complain that the child anyway doesn’t drink enough water, making them drink during an infection becomes a bigger challenge.
Child Doesn’t sleep
A child who is not feeling well and hungry will be cranky and will have difficulty sleeping. Sleep and rest also play a crucial role in the healing process from illness.
Parents panic
Parents, espectially first time parents, panic in this situation. A stressed person finds it more challenging to adhere to a child’s emotional needs at this hour of pain and hurt. Sometimes mothers start crying themselves. Kids are emotionally attached and can feel the panic. That makes them more clingy and cranky.
Solutions for kids getting frequent infections
a) The solution doesn’t start when the kids get sick. It starts when the child is born. Studies have shown that during pregnancy:
- If the mother has been taking a healthy diet,
- Had a good meal and sleep schedule,
- Had supportive family who helped manage stress and
- Did pre-natal exercises
Then the child has better immunity as compared to peers.
Studies have also shown that if the child gets 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding and then continued upto 2 years with weaning, then immunity is much better. But in this scenario too, the mother needs to take a wholesome, healthy diet.
b) It has been seen that if the child is overprotected by parents, always being cleaned, not playing in parks with sand, near trees, never letting clothes get dirty, not playing with other kids for fear of infections, then the child can have lower immunity as the immune system learns as they encounter pathogens. If we do not allow the child’s immune system to encounter minor pathogens, the immune system is not ready when bigger infections hit.
c) If the weaning includes mostly milk. Yes, at weaning, we should start introducing a balanced diet. The form will start with liquid, then solid, but depending on only milk is not enough after 6 months of age. IF they do not eat well otherwise, they will not eat when they are sick.
If the child is eating well otherwise, there is a high chance that the recovery will be faster.
d) If we do not allow the child to be active due to the fear of falling. Most parents give mobiles/ tablets to toddlers to keep the child from creating a mess, falling or when the parents are working and they do not wish to be disturbed. Physical activity makes them use their energy, sleep well and on time, and makes them hungry enough to eat well.
e) If the child develops a habit of drinking water regularly, there is a high chance they will drink better during infections. That helps a lot in early healing.
When the child gets sick
- Family should support new parents. Not by imposing your own rules, but by helping with what they need. That helps them to not get panic.
- Identify a few foods from each food group (fluids, cereal, proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, fats) that the child never refuses. Try different combinations when they get sick. With a few trails you would know what works. Sometimes it’s not the taste but texture that works. A meeting with dietitian can help you further. If the child eats better they will heal faster. Still we cannot expect the child to eat like normal days, so please do not push.
- Give small and frequent meals. Give in a small bowl, not a platter. A large meal can overwhelm the child. You might need to keep asking entire day. Taking a day off from work will help. I know most offices are not generous enough, but a small child’s immunity requires you.
Final Word
Talk to a dietitian, not after getting sick, generally. At least 4 sessions (quarterly placed) per year are important. Get qualified guidance.
