- Baby's immune system: a gradual protection
- 5 elements to strengthen your baby's immune defenses
- The support of natural medicines
- Postpartum: how to protect and strengthen your immune system?
- Focus on cuddle therapy!
It's cold and damp, night falls quickly... It's the season for persistent germs and sudden fatigue. Bronchiolitis, colds, ear infections, and gastroenteritis are all too often on children’s schedules, while parents also struggle with flu, colds, or sinusitis. Fortunately, the parade of bacteria is temporary, and a number of simple natural tips can help boost immunity in babies, children, and yourself.
Baby's immune system: a gradual protection
The immune system protects the body and allows it to stay healthy. To do this, it uses several successive lines of defense against harmful microbes and viruses.
- Innate immunity (also known as congenital immune defenses), present from birth, is the body's first major line of defense. It relies on the skin and mucous membrane barrier, the inflammatory response and the cells responsible for phagocytosis (destruction of foreign bodies);
- Acquired immunity (also called adaptive immune defenses) is the body's second, deeper barrier. It develops gradually during the first years of childhood through the development of immune defenses (T lymphocytes) and specific antibodies (B lymphocytes), which help the body become more resistant.
At what age does baby benefit from full immunity?
At birth, a baby's immune system exists, but it is immature. Throughout pregnancy, the placenta transmits its antibodies to the baby — especially immunoglobulin G, which helps fight bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. This is known as passive immunity, which protects baby during their first few months.
After birth, breastfeeding maintains a regular and effective transmission of maternal antibodies, including immunoglobulins A, M, and G. Infant formula contains vitamins and nutrients that support proper immune function and the establishment of healthy gut microbiota.
Through multiple colds and fevers, the immune system of a child is not fully complete and effective until around the age of five. Until then, thanks to immune memory, some diseases once caught will never be contracted again— the child is immune. Vaccines and a healthy lifestyle provide additional protection against illness.
Since 2001, the WHO has recommended exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life, and continued breastfeeding alongside complementary feeding up to age 2 or beyond. This is especially because breast milk is rich in antibodies. On a daily basis, breastfeeding or pumping thus helps ensure babies’ health.
5 elements to strengthen your baby's immune defenses
Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, in addition to nursing or the daily bottles of milk your baby drinks, good habits and a healthy lifestyle can significantly increase your baby’s immunity. Nutrition is the cornerstone of a strong immune system. First through breast milk or with a formula adapted to your baby, then through the introduction of solid foods around 6 months, both solid and liquid foods provide the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your baby needs for good health. Did you know that the bibROND Elhée bottle supports your baby no matter what foods they consume? It goes from bottle for milk and water to a small jar for puree or applesauce!A current vaccination record is another way to help your baby's immune system function well. By exposing the body to a low dose of a pathogen (measles, mumps, rubella, etc.), vaccines help the body recognize and develop the necessary antibodies.
The support of natural medicines
Traditional and ancient medicine have shown for centuries that health lies in plants. For your baby too, it’s possible to use their benefits as immune boosters.
Plants
Aromatherapy offers a wide range of essential oils and hydrosols, while herbal medicine focuses more on plants prepared as herbal teas or decoctions. Homeopathy uses various dilutions from plant, mineral, and more rarely animal sources for the preparation of pellets.
- For babies
Essential oils before age 3 must be used with caution and are strictly forbidden before 3 months of age. Whether diffused, massaged (mixed with a plant oil—sweet almond, apricot, avocado...), linalool thyme or thujanol thyme, true and fine lavender, eucalyptus radiata, tea tree, or ravintsara, these may be helpful once cold weather sets in.
Hydrosols can be diluted in bathwater, sprayed, or applied to the skin with a cotton pad. The must-have linalool or thujanol thyme hydrosols are commonly used.
Herbal teas can be given in the bottle, warm or cold, from 6 months on and even during breastfeeding so mother and baby can both benefit.
Homeopathy can generally be used from birth with medical advice. Among the most well-known remedies, echinacea angustifolia helps strengthen immune defenses throughout the winter.
- For children
Essential oils allowed for children between 3 and 6 are more numerous. Ginger and myrtle, for example, can be added to the above plants to help children stay healthy.
Hydrosols can be taken orally from age 3. Floral waters of savory, myrtle, or geranium are consumed, usually diluted in a little water.
Probiotics
What we call probiotics are actually living bacteria, naturally present in foods like fermented yogurt, pickles, or raw sauerkraut, as well as in medications and dietary supplements. They contribute to overall health and maintain the balance of gut flora, which has a direct effect on digestion and immune function. Probiotics may be helpful when changing diets, after a stomach bug or antibiotics.Do you know what the intestinal microbiota is? With close to 10 billion bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, it naturally inhabits our intestines. Also known as gut flora, this microbiota develops from birth, supports digestion, protects the entire digestive system, and helps the immune system grow and function properly. Often called the “second brain,” the intestines and their microbiota are also thought to influence mood and stress levels.
Postpartum: how to protect and strengthen your immune system?
To pamper yourself and naturally strengthen your defenses against winter, apply the same recommendations given to your child. Essential oil massages, protective herbal teas, or targeted homeopathy—all while remembering these three pillars. Eat well : nutrition is your first medicine. By choosing a colorful, varied plate every day—with meat, fish, vegetables, or fruits—you ensure your own better health.
Superfoods that do you good
Whether you want to boost your baby's immunity or your own, eating well is one of the first keys to consider. There are a few superfoods always worth keeping on hand to strengthen your defenses:Also, don't forget about self-care. Sleep during your baby's naps, read an exciting novel, give yourself a foot massage (it feels amazing!) or let your mind wander. Well-being is one of the solutions to support your immune system.
Focus on cuddle therapy!
Everyone needs hugs. The many #freehugs campaigns prove it.
- Hugs lift your spirits: hugging or being hugged releases oxytocin (the "love hormone"), endorphin (the "feel-good hormone"), and dopamine (the "pleasure hormone").
- Hugs build self-confidence.
- Hugs reduce stress and anxiety, which alone can compromise immunity.
- Hugs support effective immune defenses.
If the soothing effect of hugging your baby is instantly visible, scientific data also shows that affection helps ease illness symptoms. Why? Because hugging creates human connection and acts naturally as a a form of “prevention” against certain bacteria.
