7 Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy and Safe During the Winter

1. Sleep is essential to a healthy immune system—it allows the body to heal and repair itself. If you’re not sure how much sleep your kids need, here is a quick review:

• Babies younger than 1 year require 12-18 hours per night.
• Toddlers ages 1-3 need 12-14 hours each night.
• Preschoolers between the ages of 3 and 5 require 11-13 hours per night.
• Kids ages 5-10 need between 10 and 11 hours each night.

2. Encourage kids to relax during the busy holiday season. Whether they choose to watch an episode of their favorite show on TV, build a snowman, color, or play with toys, the slower pace will give their immune system time to rest and recuperate.

3. Remind your kids to wash their hands and cover their sneezes.

4. Buy your child a new toothbrush at the beginning of winter, and replace it right away if your child does get sick.

5. Try to limit children’s sugar intake to one small treat per day. Too much sugar can actually suppress your immune system!

6. Keep exposure to the cold at a minimum. Babies and young children don’t have the same tolerance for cold that adults do. It’s important to limit time outside.

7. Stay hydrated! You may not feel as thirsty in cold weather, but that can up your risk for dehydration. Water helps the body carry nutrients to cells and get rid of toxins.