5 Tips To Boost Your Child’s Immune System

It’s back to school, during Covid-19 and the winter months are quickly approaching…PHEW! Let’s take some deep breaths and chat about our 5 favorite ways ways to naturally boost your child’s immune system.

Tip #1: Prioritize Healthy Sleep

I know…you’re shocked this is my number one suggestion, right? But seriously, sometimes we all need a reminder that sleep and immunity go hand and hand. Adequate, restorative sleep is vital for our immune systems to function properly!

When our little ones are not meeting their sleep needs their immune systems are suppressed, making them more likely to catch a virus they are exposed to. Let’s do all we can to protect their precious sleep as we are headed back to school and head into the winter months.

Tip #2: Build In Time To De-stress

There is a direct correlation between chronic stress and a weakened immune response, so make sure your little ones have some downtime to play, move and unwind each day.

Better yet, send them outside to run around in the fresh air and sunshine. By doing this you get the added benefits of Vitamin D absorption, exercise and movement. Both of which greatly benefit the immune system!

Tip #3: Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is a key component to supporting our immune system. Adequate water intake helps regulate our temperature, remove waste and toxins, and transports white blood cells throughout the body. We, quite literally, depend on water to survive!

So how much water does your child need to drink each day?

A good, general guideline is to make sure your toddler drinks 8 oz cup of water for each year in age. You can aim for two cups a day for your 2-year-old, three cups for your 3-year-old and so on.

So make sure you are sending your little one to school, daycare or Grandma’s house with a full water bottle that they can refill throughout the day to stay hydrated!

Here is my favorite kids non-toxic water bottle. The Yeti Rambler Jr. is leak-resistant, insulated, durable, and easy-to-clean. Mom win!

Tip #4: Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry syrup is our go-to in the winter months or when we are fighting something…and with good reason! These dried berries are contain massive amounts of vitamins, nutrients and immune boosting compounds. It’s sweet and goes down easy so it’s almost always a hit with little ones too.

One thing I love about Elderberry syrup is that it’s very high in Vitamin C. Since the human body cannot manufacture vitamin C itself, it’s so important we get enough of this vital antioxidant every day. A little Elderberry each day is an easy (and yummy) way to ensure we doing just that!

If you haven’t jumped on the Elderberry bandwagon yet, go for it! This is my favorite recipe.

Not a DIY type? No worries, here’s my favorite premade Elderberry from Eathley.

They even have a DIY kit option in case you change your mind!  Or this is another good Elderberry gummy alternative that you can get on Amazon.

Tip #5: Thieves Essential Oil Blend

There are so many uses and benefits from using essential oils, but immune system support is one of the greatest (IMHO). One of my favorite blends is called Thieves…

Legend has it, during the bubonic plague in the 15th century a group of thieves who were known for robbing victims of this sickness were captured. In exchange for a lesser sentence, the men turned over their homemade concoction that had supposedly been protecting them from contracting the illness: lemon, clove, eucalyptus rosemary & cinnamon bark. Enter: THIEVES.

In our home we diffuse Thieves oil almost daily. When Thieves oil is diffused, studies show it significantly lowers the airborne levels of multiple types of bacteria!

You can learn more about this powerhouse blend and how to use it here.  

I hope some of these tips help boost your child’s immune system and help keep you and your family healthy! What are your favorite ways to support your family’s immune systems?  Head on over to Instagram and share your tips with us!