Children enrolled in day care are often exposed to germs from other children, and occasionally get colds, ear infections, or runny noses. Fortunately, there are multiple steps a parent can take to reduce the chance of their child getting sick. Use these tips to ensure they remain healthy during their early years while attending day care.

How to Protect Your Child’s Health in Day Care

1. Handwashing

Proper handwashing can prevent the spread of germs between children at day care centers. Teach them this habit at an early age, especially because they’re likely to come in contact with kids who have runny noses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend washing your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water to kill the most amount of germs. To make the time pass a little quicker, sing the Happy Birthday song twice while your little one washes their hands.

2. Vaccinate

Vaccines still remain the most effective way to kill and prevent infection from spreading from person to person. This is done by placing an inactive virus so white blood cells can attack that strain, so these blood cells can remove the illness if you come in contact with it again.

Ensure that your child is vaccinated against mumps, chickenpox, hepatitis, and diphtheria so they can’t contract these deadly diseases. Schedule an annual flu shot for your little one who is older than 6 months to protect them from influenza.

3. Healthy Lifestyle

Encourage younger children to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables daily, so their immune system stays in the best shape. Although most children dislike these foods, you can start by adding potatoes with salt or fresh berries with every meal.

Pick foods rich in antioxidants and carotenoids, like blueberries, because they reduce the risk of many diseases, including certain cancers. For day care, avoid packed lunches with processed sugar. Instead of packing gummy bears for a snack, opt for fresh strawberries and bananas.

When you need professional, clean, and experienced day care services in Monroe County, NY, you can trust the staff at Imagination Childcare Academy, Inc. They offer both full-day, before- and after-school programs for all children ages 2 through 12. They have an approach to learning that encourages initiative, curiosity, creativity, and engagement. Visit their website to view their curriculum or call (585) 413-3948 to schedule a tour.