Mommies, winter is just around the corner and it may bring with it a host of cough and cold bugs. Here are 5 tips (confirmed by Dr. Reshma Pais, Sp. Pediatrician at iCare Lamcy Plaza, Dubai) that you can easily implement at home to help ensure that your little ones catch fewer colds and develop a stronger immunity this winter.

1. Feed them right

The first step towards building a strong immune system is ensuring they are eating right. Kids who do not eat healthy will get sick faster and stay sick longer than kids with healthier eating habits. Keeping in mind any allergies your kids may have, you can try these foods for starters:

Carrots, Kiwi, Nuts & Seeds, Turkey, Salmon, Milk, & Leafy Vegetables.

2. Make sure they sleep enough sleep and stay active

Ensure your little one gets enough sleep. When one sleeps, they produce melatonin, which has a powerful antioxidant effect that helps the body fight diseases. Keep them active by involving them in sports and playground activities.

3. Keep the environment just clean enough

Though cleanliness is great for keeping your child healthy, understand that to help develop a strong immunity they need to be exposed to some germs too. While you are keeping the house spick and span, take them for walks outside in open areas so that their immunity against germs becomes stronger.

4. Develop clean habits

Cleaning themselves thoroughly when they return from playgrounds, as well as washing their hands before meals and after they’ve touched pets, are just some of the small but important habits that you need to help your little one develop.

5. Get them important vaccinations

All children older than 6 months can be vaccinated by two doses (1 month apart) of flu vaccine which will protect them against Influenza A and B.

Lastly, before winter arrives make arrangements to keep their room temperature right, stock up on warm clothes and medicines, just in case.

Have a pleasant winter, mommies!