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Keeping well this winter

Eek! Our child is sick

Although children are prone to illness all year round, winter is always the time of year where you would expect to see an increase in those pesky viruses doing the rounds. Here is our informative and well-timed blog about supporting your child through winter illnesses .

Winter in New Zealand brings a surge of illnesses, especially among the young and whilst there is good evidence that children who attend Home-Based early learning services are not exposed to as many germs so therefore experience less illness, the nature of childhood and especially young children who may mouth things or those who are still developing an understanding of good hand hygiene we sadly can’t evade them all. So, we are here to help you understand the common ailments, knowing how to comfort your child, and when to seek advice so that your family can have a more manageable ‘winter illness season’.

Common Winter Illnesses in Children

Children are particularly susceptible to respiratory infections during winter. Conditions like the flu, strep throat, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and common colds are more prevalent, and the change of season Gastro bug (commonly norovirus) also starts to make its way through the community in wintertime with people spending more time indoors.

Comforting Your Sick Child at Home

When little ones fall sick, they need plenty of love and support to help them feel safe and start to recover. As a parent or caregiver, your calm presence can make all the difference during these times.

Here are a few gentle ways you can support your child while they’re unwell:

  • Keep them hydrated: Offer small sips of water or clear fluids regularly, especially if they don’t feel like eating much. Staying hydrated helps their body fight off illness and is more important to their intake than having solids.
  • Encourage rest: Allow your child to nap more often or relax with quiet activities. Their body needs extra downtime to recover.
  • Offer lots of cuddles: Physical comfort can go a long way. A warm cuddle, a soothing voice, or just being nearby helps them feel reassured.
  • Practice good hygiene: Keep hands clean—yours and theirs. Washing hands often with soap and water helps stop the spread of germs to other family members.
  • BRAT diet: This anagram always gives us a little giggle, it is not referring to a child being a brat in any way shape or form, but stands for BANANA’s , RICE, APPLE, TOAST. You might like to consider this diet for a few days whilst a child is recovering from a gastro bug. These foods are easier on the tummy when their digestive tract has been irritated.
  • Consider supplements/pain management: You can give Pamol (obtained from over the counter at the chemist or prescribed free of charge from your child’s GP)  for pain and or fever. We also highly recommend a combination of the following supplements year round to increase children’s immunity as well.  The particular products being recommended are products that one of our team leader has used in her children for years, and also recommended to countless other parents who agree – they make a remarkable difference.

A daily Probiotic

A healthy gut supports a stronger immune system. We especially recommend the radiance probiotics kids gummies – a tasty, sugar free option suitable for children 2yrs+

A daily Vitamin C

A daily vitamin C chewy can help support a child’s immune system also, especially during cold and flu season although we find better results if taken year round, . It also plays a role in wound healing, iron absorption, and keeping skin, gums, and bones healthy. They are especially good if you have a ‘picky eater’, as a chewable supplement is a simple way to help fill any nutritional gaps too which can lead to repeated infections. We recommend the Kids go healthy vitamin C (Available in Blackcurrant Or Orange Flavour).

Kaloba – We believe this is the magic potion!

Now if a germ does happen to sneak past this added support system Kaloba is your friend! This can be taken in children 1years and up, and is a completely natural bug fighter. Our experience and that of many others we have put on this elixr, agree that if you keep Kaloba on hand and take it at the very first hint of a runny nose, cough or sore throat it will support your body to fight the germ faster and in some cases can help stop a cold in it’s tracks. You should try it for yourself.

 

If your child seems very unwell—for example, if they’re having trouble breathing, running a fever higher than 38 degrees, are vomiting frequently, or if they are unusually sleepy or hard to wake—don’t wait. It’s best to check in with your GP or call Health Line (0800 611 116) or PlunketLine (0800 933 922) for advice. You can access these free call helplines 24 hours a day.

When to Keep Your Child Home from ECE

The Ministry of Education advises that children should stay home if they exhibit

  • A fever or feeling unwell.
  • Diarrhoea or vomiting. Keep home for a minimum of 48 hours after the last lot of symptoms
  • Lack of interest in play or activities.
  • Irritability or discomfort.

For other specific illnesses, exclusion periods vary. Refer to the below sheet or ask your Educator for a copy of our sickness policy.

There are other systems you can put in place to help support your child and family get through the winter season, things such as getting out into the fresh air and receiving your daily dose of sunshine, vitamin D and nature make a world of difference also!

We wish you all the best with a healthier winter season! The Nurture Team.

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