Did your kids make it through the holidays without a stuffy nose or fever? If so, you’re one of the lucky ones! We’re deep into cold and flu season, so it’s natural if you’re feeling achy, sniffly, queasy, or just plain worn out.
Some pediatric disease specialists say that toddlers and preschoolers can catch up to ten colds a year! And if that statistic doesn’t horrify you, this might: Colds and flu can spread from family member to family member and from kid to kid.
Let Mary Margaret help you keep sickness at bay with a few tips.
First Things First: Get That Flu Shot!
The best way to keep yourself healthy this winter is to get that flu shot! According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children older than 6 months can get the shot safely. It will protect your family throughout the winter season.
“Well,” you might say, “January’s almost over and I can’t get a flu shot.” Here are some recommendations that will get you through the next few months.
Dirty Hands Spread Germs: Teach Your Child to Wash His Hands Often
Viruses are often spread by hand-to-mouth contact. So, keeping your child’s hands clean is vital. Teach your kids to wash their hands before they eat. In fact, you should begin washing your babies’ hands regularly as soon as they can begin reaching for things.
Washing with ordinary soap and water works just fine before and after meals. Just make sure your kids are getting a good scrub, not just a rinse or a splashy playtime in the sink! During the day, keep antibacterial gel or wipes handy. We keep them nearby at all times in our centers, especially this time of year!
You can also teach your kids to cough and sneeze into a tissue or into their elbow, not their hands. This will help keep germs away, and encourage your child to use good manners as well.
Germs Linger on Toys and Other Belongings: Show Your Child How to Protect Herself
Germs are spread on household belongings and in playgrounds, too. Make sure your child washes her hands after playing on public playground equipment. Toothbrushes, cups, and other items can harbor germs, so encourage your kids to use only items that belong to them. Wash or wipe these items frequently, especially if you’ve recently had sickness in the house. Finally, watch out for shared toys! Wipe them down frequently if they’re handled by multiple kiddos.
What about infants? As you know, your adorable new baby is simply irresistible! Everyone wants to hold or kiss her. During flu season, however, it might not be the greatest idea to hand the baby over to auntie or let baby’s cousin lean in for a kiss. It’s okay to shield your infant from sick people and teach young children not to touch an infant’s face or hands.
We Do Our Best to Keep Kids Healthy: Advice on Mary Margaret’s Illness Policy.
To maintain the health of all of our kiddos and their families, we have an illness policy in place. Any time a child becomes ill while at one of our daycare centers, a parent or guardian will be called to pick them up. The child must be picked up within the hour. This policy is noted in our parent handbook and application. Please let us know if we can clarify or give you any additional information on our policy.
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