Most Kids Get Sick Every Year—These Simple Habits May Help Reduce It

Wouldn’t it be fabulous if our kids never got sick? Unfortunately, sickness happens from time to time, especially during school, cold, and flu season. While we can’t prevent every cough, stomach bug, or runny nose, a few simple habits can help reduce how often germs take over your house.

And for the illnesses you can’t prevent, I also have practical sick kid tips for those long nights, mystery coughs, and stomach bug emergencies.

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Simple Ways to Help Prevent Kids From Getting Sick

Taking Vitamins

Most kids need vitamins but they aren’t given to them on a regular basis. In order to give your kids’ bodies the strength they need to fight off illnesses, they’ll need vitamins. Research and our pediatrician say to avoid the gummy vitamins and go for the real stuff. The vitamins in gummies are not as easily absorbed by our kids’ little bodies.

Eating Healthy

If your kids eat a relatively healthy diet, they most likely won’t need vitamins because they are getting everything they need from their diet. If your child is a tad picky (like mine), it’s a good time to start. Nutrient dense foods can help prevent sickness during this upcoming year. When your body is getting fed the right stuff, it has a better chance of fighting off the bad stuff. I regularly offer the kids “healthy” snacks that they see me eating. Eventually they try it–sometimes after you’ve offered it a gagillion times.

Washing Hands

I know moms are in a hurry and so are their kids, but washing hands is like the best thing you can do to prevent sickness. You should wash your hands several times a day and if you’re not washing them, use hand sanitizer. Soap and hand sanitizer can dry out your skin, you’ll want to have a good hand moisturizer readily available. Apply the moisturizer liberally to avoid chapped and dry skin.

Cute signs in the bathroom always help the kids remember to wash!

Cleaning and Sanitizing Regularly

Another major way busy moms can prevent sickness this year is to take 15 minutes each day and clean or sanitize as much as possible. If your family goes through wipes quickly, these easy homemade sanitizing wipes can help you keep doorknobs, counters, and other frequently touched surfaces clean during cold and flu season. Or if you prefer a spray, my granite cleaning spray recipe also doubles as a disinfecting spray.

My advice to you busy moms would be to stay vigilant about washing hands and cleaning surfaces. You never know when your kids will bring something home from school, bacteria wise, so it’s important to make these steps an everyday part of your life.

What are some practical tips for busy moms to prevent sickness this year that you’d like to share? I don’t know about you, but a few steps preventing sickness is well worth a season free of coughing, sneezing, and puking. Are you with me?

Want to keep track of your child’s health? Grab this sick kid printable set for your family binder!

Don’t worry, I have some solutions for common sick kid complaints!

What to Do When Your Child Still Gets Sick

Even with handwashing, healthy food, and regular cleaning, kids still bring germs home. These posts can help you manage some of the most common sick kid situations.