Pediatrics: Lillian Beard, M.D.

My 3-month-old is going to start day care this month, and I'm worried about exposing him to the runny noses of other children. Is there anything I can do to help make him more resistant?

By Lillian Beard, M.D.

There always will be runny noses, coughs and colds at day care. However, at 3 months old, your child is at an important stage of developing his immunities and a lot of that actually is made possible by being around others. To help him resist infection, give your baby plenty of rest and make sure breast milk or iron-fortified formula is his primary source of nutrition. Also, frequently wash his hands and face to help prevent the spread of germs. Many day-care providers try to limit the spread of colds and flu by frequently washing the children's hands and faces and frequently cleaning the children's toys. It's also important that adults frequently wash their hands (and must do so after changing a diaper). Providers also have policies about keeping children at home when they have an infectious illness. You may want to monitor how well this policy is being followed after your child starts day care.

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