As temperatures drop and the air turns crisp, you and your children are likely soaking in all the fall festivities you can this autumn! However, chillier weather also brings with it seasonal allergies and colds, so it’s essential to be proactive about keeping your children safe, warm, and healthy. Here are some essential tips to help your little ones enjoy a cozy, safe, and illness-free fall:
Prioritize Hand Hygiene
Doctors report that consistent hand hygiene is one of the best practices for preventing seasonal colds. Ensuring your child washes their hands regularly, especially before meals and after playing outside, helps to reduce their risk of catching any seasonal illnesses. For younger children, you can even try making handwashing fun by singing a song or counting to 20. Having hand sanitizer for on-the-go situations is also helpful for promoting hand hygiene throughout the day if handwashing isn’t possible.
Dressing for the Weather
Fall weather can be unpredictable, and it’s always better to be over prepared than underprepared when dressing for chillier temperatures. Dressing your children in layers that can easily be added or removed is a good strategy for making sure they’re prepared for whatever weather changes may be in store. Gloves, hats, and scarves are also a good move on colder days, especially if you know your child will be walking or playing outside.
Boost Immune Health
Another strategy for keeping your child safe and healthy this fall is boosting their immune health with nutrient-rich food full of vitamins and minerals. Yogurts, fruits high in vitamin C, and nuts or seeds can be great additions to your child’s diet to keep colds at bay and keep your child feeling strong and energized.
Maintaining A Healthy Sleep Routine
As the temperatures get colder, the days also get shorter, which can sometimes impact children’s sleep schedules. Prioritizing sleep can be a key way to proactively prevent colds and seasonal illnesses, so it’s critical to maintain a consistent sleep routine with set bedtimes and wake-up times to keep your child on track and well-rested.
With a little extra care and planning, fall can be a wonderful, worry-free season for your family. Prioritizing hand hygiene, weather-appropriate clothing, immune health, and consistent sleep schedules help ensure that you and your children can enjoy your beautiful fall traditions safely and comfortably.
Heaven’s Elect Christian Learning Center is a Non-denominational Christian childcare center fully licensed by the state of Michigan. Our Midland childcare center has been serving the community since 2000. Please contact us at heavenselect.com.