Increasing Immune System.

Don't keep him from catching them. You won't be doing him any favors by keeping him from catching them. The best way for him to build an immunity is to be exposed to minor illnesses like colds, and minor episodes of other illnesses like the flue, measles, and chicken pox. Many new mothers do not realize that by trying to keep their children from getting chicken pox and the measles, they are leaving them wide open to much worse illnesses like, German measles, and the pox later in their life which can leave them sterile or even dead. Even contracting regular measles or chicken pox later in life can leave an adult sterile or dead.(For some reason these diseases hit adults much harder than they do children.) By allowing the body to be exposed to minor illnesses, we build up immunity to much worse illnesses. An example showing this can be taken from the past, where milk maids exposed to cow pox would often be immune to catching the pox.

I would recommend finding a great classical homeopath who could help you get through any colds etc. you may encounter. There is a wonderful homeopath in Heath/Rockwall named Dani Hudspeth. She has been a God send to our family! If my children get sick I can call her and she'll tell me what remedy to give. It alway works! There is an elderberry syrup at most health food shops called Sambucol that is great to give daily also. I am so into homeopathy that I bought a couple kits to keep at home. I just call our homeopath with our symptoms and she'll tell me what to give. Here's her info if you're interested:

Dani Hudspeth
Natural Healthcare
work ###-###-####
home###-###-####

work ____@____.com

work 1105 Smirl Dr
Rockwall TX 75032-8947

Chemicals in our cleaning products, bleach, ammonia, personal care products, etc. cause our immune systems to weaken over time.
Converting your home over to safer products is a great way to strengthen the immune system. My son was a premie, came home from the hospital in January(the heart of flu season) and has never been sick in 2 years. I attribute this to the safer products in my home improving my indoor air quality. You can learn more at www.livetotalwellness.com/texas
M.

NURSE NURSE NURSE and above all NURSE!
You really don't want to give them any herbs at this point.
I have to agree with the hand washing. Just keep sanitizer in you diaper bag and wash hands before you or any one else touches him.

L.

T&J Health Solutions
Category: Diet & Nutrition

ORIGINAL LIMU!
You might try this delicious drink made from seaweed from the coasts of Tonga.
It works with your immune system to strengthen the body and has anti bacterial and anti viral affects.
My grandson drinks it and has not had infections since. I am no longer getting allergy shots and do not get colds.
It is considered a food, not a drug, but it helps the body in so many ways.
It is great for the whole family. Email me and let me send you some testimonials or other information.

The best tasting super food ever!
If you are interested in optimal health, we recommend drinking 2 to 4 ounces a day every day.
Main ingrediant is Fucoidan. Not found in any land based plant. Over 700 scientific researches done on www.pubmed.org.

J. Carden
T&J Health Solutions
Http://judycarden.limupro.com
Http://timjudycarden.originallimu.com
Phone: ###-###-####
Best tasting Superfood in a bottle!!

I don't know if anyone has mention "airborne" but it is all natural created by a teacher, they make it for kids now. All herbal. I don't know about a babe, but you could probably safely reduce the amount by half and let him drink that, It's yummy and does wonders for us when we are feeling icky. But it's safe to drink otherwise too!

http://www.airbornehealth.com

Hi I.,

Nursing frequently is great advice. The key to making quality, nutritious milk, though, is eating a nutritious diet yourself. So be sure to eat the recommended 9-13 servings of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables every day. If you find you can't eat that many consistently, check out the website that I've already given to you. I also have a coupon here on this site.

I also like the advice about frequent hand washing since that's how germs are passed. If your son's in daycare, make sure they sanitize the toys since they love to pass them around and mouth them at that age.

Good luck to you!

M.
"My son never gets sick anymore. Hallelujah!"
www.GoodHealthMadeSimple.com

Hi I.,

I'm a Birth Doula, Massage Therapist, Personal Trainer(pre/postnatal exercise specialist) & Physical Therapy Tech. In addition, I'm a Distributor for Forever Living Products, (all aloe vera-based health products/cosmetics!)

Beyond the advice you've already rec'd, most importantly, 1) nurse your son, 2) his own immune system is sufficient, 3) the winters here in south Texas are fairly mild.

Have a nice winter I..

D. P., LMT, CPT
###-###-####

Having a preemie we are very well informed with germ prevention. The main thing you can do is lots of handwashing. Guests who come in the home need to wash their hands. When out and about, having someone sanitize before holding him. Also, large indoor places have bad air quality. So if you are wanting to be very cautious, avoid malls and stores unless you have to go with him.

I would also make sure that he is on some type of high quality supplement. Making his immune system strong will help, if you are breastfeeding he is also getting alot of immunities from you.

GL!

perhaps someone has already said ... but i bought small little bottles of herbs for children at whole foods. astragalus can be used long-term and echinacea short-term (like if someone in your home is sick, or you're travelling, etc.)

i'd drop them into his cups (or maybe bottles in your case).

discontinue use if your child DOES get sick and/or gets a fever.

eta: we had good luck w/herbs ... but i guess it's your own comfort level. i nursed for 5.5 months, too ... of course washing and purel -- we spent a lot of time at gymboree and couldn't possibly purel everything (though i honestly did see moms following their babies w/wipes and wiping everything the babies' hands went for).

also, getting sick helps their immune system too. no one _wants_ a sick child -- but it's going to happen, all you can do is your best.

If you're breastfeeding, you're already giving him the best possible immune support. Keeping yourself and his father healthy by eating a good diet, exercising and getting enough rest will minimize your baby's exposure to bad stuff. Also, making sure that you and your husband wash your hands as soon as you get home from anywhere and minimize handling him until you've done so will also be extremely helpful. Also, avoiding crowds as much as possible will minimize his exposure. But, my experience has been that nursing babies and mothers typically have exceptional immune systems. There was one winter where everyone except my sister and her nursing baby got the worst flu.

I.,

Hi. I would breast feed and give your child necessary immunizations. Have a great winter.

D.

Hi I.,

My 6 month old daughter started day care 2 months ago and has caught several colds and passed them onto me. I am still nursing her and am hoping to continue, but I think that generally nursing provides postiive affects for the long term. You can't really prevent colds and such especially when they go into day care or are exposed to large crowds. Just keep washing and sanitizing hands and prepare for something which I feel is inevitable... humidifiers/ infant vicks vaporub, saline drops and the dreaded suction tool.

G'Luck!

A.

I nursed my daughter who is five and twins who are now 2 for less than 3 months. They have always been extremely healthy and they were formula fed for most of their first year. Wash, wash, wash your hands! I would try to keep him away from big crowds if possible. But, lets face it, you can't stop living. I would suggest always keeping antibacterial wipes with you. Wipe everything. I don't stayed away from places such as Chuck E Cheese (Yeak!!!) and ball pits. But ALWAYS wash your hands before touching him if you have been out. If your husband works outside the home, make sure that he washes his hands well!!!

If you want to protect your son from colds and other viruses, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner like Purell. Most respiratory viruses are spread by hand contact.

I suggest continue nursing and make sure everyone is washing hands well. Do not allow other children to get their faces close to the baby's face. Most cold/flu germs are spread from airborne droplets.