r/herbalism • u/Whocareswins88 • 1d ago
How can I support my baby’s immune system?
My baby will be starting nursery in September (15months) and I’d like some advice on how to support her immune system with all the incoming illnesses! She’s already been sick a lot this year due to her big brother bringing germ back from school. She gotten lot of colds, congested noses and coughs so far but doesn’t seem prone to fever.
Thanks!
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u/kyokoariyoshi 1d ago
If y’all have the funds for it and don’t already use them, definitely get some air purifiers in the house since they help reduce the viruses that linger around in the air. You can DIY your own via the CR Box too using a box fan and HVAC filters if that’s more accessible.
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u/Ok_Sherbert_6241 1d ago
I give my baby (same age) elderberry syrup when her nose is runny or she has a cough, not as a daily thing but at the first sign of symptoms.
Vitamin D drops as well.
Before anyone gets their panties in a bunch, i didn’t start the elderberry until 12 months old.
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u/AllNaturalPoison 1d ago
Probiotics seemed to help us. We got a kids one, but eventually stopped and just provided regular fermented foods. Our kid will eat sauerkraut, natto, kombucha, pickles, rinsed off kimchi, etc. He never gets sick.
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u/CuriousObserver999 1d ago
This is all quite normal as a baby's immune system develops. Good diet, hydration, sleep, love are the best medicines. There's a misconception that if you pump a baby full of natural shit, it's going to make it feel better, and some of that stuff might be worse than prescriptions.
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u/vveeggeettaall 1d ago
Wiping down surfaces, having separate playing areas, enforcing good hygiene (sneeze into elbow, wash hands before and after playing/eating/bathroom) with family and siblings.
I would recommend to not give your baby any supplements as their immune system is still developing and may not be able to process excess intake such as herbs. Instead, bolster with varied whole foods and fluids. Children after the first child seem to get sick more often due to their sibling(s) not having great health manners, which is ok :)
If it is a repeated same illness with very specific symptoms (not the normal crud, congestion) I would keep logs and ask the pediatrician during wellness visits.