Whether you live in the Chicago area or another part of the world, all small children have an increased risk of catching a cold, picking up a virus, or developing a runny nose. Every parent has been there. However, it's even scarier to think about sending your baby to preschool amid the Covid 19 outbreak in today's world.
If you're sending your preschooler to school this year, there are a few secrets you can follow to try and prevent your little one from catching a cold this upcoming school year.
1. Start With the Basics
If you want your preschooler to be healthy once they start school, it's essential to take care of the basics before they begin. These include regular checkups with their pediatrician, their vaccines being updated, and regular checkups with a pediatric dentist. If you are in the Chicago area, check with a dentist in Palos Heights or another suburb to make sure they are equipped to handle little ones.
The best way you can ensure your preschooler is in good health to start preschool is by having reputable health insurance, so you can get them the physicals they need.
2. Fill Their Bellies With Healthy Food
You'd be hard-pressed to find a preschool child that doesn't love chips, candy, and cookies. While these junk foods have their place, when you're trying to keep your child well, it's best to fill their bellies with healthy snacks and foods instead.
Lean proteins, fruits, whole grains, and plenty of veggies will not only keep them full but will give your child the immune system boost they need to withstand the germs that preschool classrooms are full of.
3. Make Bedtime a Habit
Remember, your child is not a little adult, which means he needs more sleep than your average adult does. It's estimated that children between three and five years of age need on average 11 to 13 hours of sleep nightly and naps throughout the day.
It's essential to make bedtime a habit, not a choice for your preschooler, as lack of sleep lowers your child's immune system making it easier for them to catch colds, the flu, and other viruses.
If you have a firm bedtime and a bedtime routine in place, then it'll be easier to get your preschooler on a schedule. Just make sure that you start that sleep schedule before school begins for the best results.
4. Teach Them Hygiene Basics
While it may be challenging to teach a four-year-old the importance of washing their hands, covering their mouths, and not putting just anything in their mouth, if you practice with them, it'll soon become routine.
Teach your preschooler the basics of hygiene before he starts school, and you'll have more success keeping him from catching any sicknesses that are floating around. Teaching hygiene basics has always been important, but it's even more essential as the world tries to recover from the pandemic.
5. Don't Forget Their Mental Health
The physical health and happiness of your little preschool student are essential, but it's important not to forget their mental health as well. Going to school will be new for your child, and he may be overwhelmed and scared at first.
Make sure to sit down and talk to your little one before you drop them off on that first day of school to ensure they know that you're going to be there when they get out and that everything will be okay.
The state of your child's health is just as important as physical health if you want your preschooler to be happy and healthy.
These secrets will help to keep your preschooler from becoming sick once they start school. While every parent is worried and afraid of the pandemic, these tips will give you the peace of mind that you're doing all you can to protect the preschool student you love and still give him the education he deserves.
