As the weather turns cold and children spend more time together indoors — at school, at daycare, and at winter birthday parties — colds, coughs and other bugs tend to do the rounds. Dr Carolyn Ee, a medical doctor and mum of two, shares her favourite ways to help keep kids healthy through the winter months, and some gentle comfort measures for when a cold does strike.
Tips On Keeping Your Child Healthy This Winter
Welcome to “snot season.”
If you have small children at daycare or school, especially more than one, you might already be bracing for a long winter. In our house, one cold used to run straight into the next, with weeks of green noses and sick days at home. With asthma in the family too, we’ve always had extra reason to be careful.
The good news is there’s plenty parents can do to tip the odds in their favour and keep the healthy, snot-free days coming.
#1. Handwashing. All. The. Time.
It’s the simplest thing, and still one of the best defences against winter germs.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s often not a cough in the face that spreads a virus — it’s touching doorknobs, keyboards, phones and toys that have been contaminated. Encourage regular handwashing, keep hand sanitiser handy for when you’re out and about, and wipe down shared surfaces and toys often.
It can be hard to police with little ones, especially when they’re sharing a classroom or playroom with lots of other children, but every bit helps — including keeping your own hands clean so you can look after everyone else.
You May Also Enjoy 10 Good Tips To Keep Your Child Healthy This School Year
#2. Support Their Gut with Good Bacteria
A healthy gut can play a role in a healthy immune system, which is why some parents include probiotic-rich foods — like natural yoghurt — in their child’s diet over winter, or consider a children’s probiotic supplement.
If you’re thinking about adding a supplement, it’s worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or GP first, so you can choose something suitable for your child’s age and get the right amount for them.
#3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D levels naturally dip over the darker winter months, so it’s worth keeping this on your radar. Get outdoors on bright days whenever you can — even a short walk helps — and ask your GP or pharmacist whether a vitamin D supplement makes sense for your child, and what dose would suit their age.
You May Also Enjoy 11 Best Outdoor Activities to ensure Kids Stay Fit
4. Dose Up on Garlic
Garlic is a safe, everyday food to add to your child’s diet, and some parents like to include a little extra over winter. Try sneaking it into a homemade garlic bread or a warming soup — a tasty way to mix things up at dinnertime, whatever the season.
Comforting Your Child Through a Cold
Even with the best prevention routine, colds still happen — and that’s completely normal. When they do, the basics matter most: plenty of rest, fluids, and a bit of extra TLC. Let your child sleep when they’re tired, offer their favourite comfort foods, and keep them cosy and warm.
If you’re considering cough or cold remedies — including honey, vitamin C, zinc, or herbal remedies — it’s best to check with your pharmacist or GP first, particularly for younger children, as suitability and the right amount can vary a lot by age.
You May Also Enjoy Easy Tips to Encourage Healthy Eating
We hope these tips help your family through the winter months ahead. Have you got a tried-and-tested way of keeping the germs at bay? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
This post is by Dr Carolyn Ee. Carolyn is a medical doctor and researcher who writes about health and family life. Find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the single most effective way to stop germs spreading at home?
Regular, thorough handwashing is still one of the best tools parents have. Encourage it after school or daycare, before meals, and after nose-blowing or coughing, and keep frequently touched surfaces and toys wiped down.
Should I give my child supplements over winter?
Some parents choose to give their child a probiotic or vitamin D supplement over the winter months. It’s best to check with your GP or pharmacist first to find the right product and dose for your child’s age.
When should I keep my child home from school or daycare with a cold?
If your child has a fever, seems unwell, or isn’t up to their usual activities, it’s sensible to let them rest at home. If you’re ever unsure how unwell they are, or symptoms aren’t improving, check in with your GP.
Are there simple home comforts that help while my child has a cold?
Yes — rest, fluids, warmth and comfort go a long way. Keep an eye on how they’re doing, and speak to a pharmacist or GP before trying any cough, cold or herbal remedies, especially for younger children.
You Might Also Like
- 10 Good Tips To Keep Your Child Healthy This School Year
- 11 Best Outdoor Activities to Ensure Kids Stay Fit
- Easy Tips to Encourage Healthy Eating
Keep the Ideas Coming
Looking for more family health and lifestyle tips throughout the year? Browse our family life section for more parent-tested ideas, or save this article to come back to as the season goes on.
Want tips like these delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly ideas, family-friendly recipes, expert advice and parenting tips — no spam, just the useful stuff.
