How to have healthy kids for the New Year

With 2018 in the rearview mirror, we’re excited for the new year! Let’s start the new year right by making sure us and our kids stay healthy. While we can’t completely crop sickness and downdays out of the picture, we can certainly develop routines to help prevent those nasty stomach bugs or common colds. Here are some tips to keep your kids healthy while they go play in the snow, sled down their local hill and drink hot cocoa.  

At every age, pediatricians will be your partner in maintaining your child’s health. These questions can help you pick a good one for your family.

1. Is the office location convenient?
2. Can you call with questions during business hours? What about nights and weekends? Is there any charge for these calls?
3. Who is available when your provider is away?
4. Will your health insurance cover this provider?
5. Is the office open on weekends or the holidays? Where can you receive after hours and weekend care?

Babies are new to the world, and can be susceptible to illness. Follow this advice to keep them on the right track.

1. The vaccine schedule from your doctor is designed to protect your baby when she is most likely to get seriously ill from a vaccine-preventable illness.
2. Sometimes behaviors that seem like baby might be sick are normal for infants. It’s important to understand the difference between normal behaviors and ones indicating sickness.
   1. Common infant behaviors like hiccups, sneezing, spitting up, or having mild congestion of the nostrils are all normal.
   2. Colic isn’t an illness; it is a pattern that often occurs in babies. Always go to your baby each time he cries, even if you are exhausted. This teaches him that he can trust you, and it makes him feel safe and secure.
   3. Call your doctor if your baby:
      1. Won’t eat for two feedings in a row
      2. Has fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours
      3. Has a fever of 101°F or more
      4. Has severe, watery diarrhea
      5. Vomits everything eaten
      6. Is very fussy and won’t settle down when held
      7. Is sleepy and not interested in eating
      8. Has skin rashes or dramatic changes in skin color
3. Be prepared for when your baby is sick by:
   1. Keeping important phone numbers stored in your phone and on your refrigerator, including after hours and advice line numbers.
   2. Creating an emergency plan and sharing it with your family, neighbors, close friends, and child care provider.
   3. Not relying only on advice from friends or relatives (they are well-meaning but often have incorrect information).
   4. Taking a first-aid certification class for infants and children.
4. If you or others in your home smoke and are not ready to quit, remember:
   1. Always step outside and away from your baby when you smoke.
   2. Never smoke inside your home or car.
   3. Change your clothes if possible and wash your hands before picking up or playing with your baby.
5. Since babies tend to put everything in their mouth, it’s a good idea to take a class on infant CPR and first aid.

Create healthy habits for your family and your toddler as you grow together.

1. Schedule well child visits, your doctor will check your child’s overall healthy as well as their growth and development by checking reflexes, heart health, and progress in weight and height gain.
2. Washing hands kills germs and prevents disease. It is important for young children to understand why washing and not sneezing into their hands will keep them healthy. Take a look at this PBS video to show them how.
3. Children who participate in daily physical activities and eat a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables, and low in sugar and fat have a better chance of staying healthy.
4. As an adult, it’s important to model an active lifestyle for your child so he can see how fun and healthy it is to exercise each day. Check out this PBS video to learn how.
5. When your child is sick, sports drinks can help her feel better by providing needed electrolytes and calories. However, if your child is healthy, stick with plain water.
6. Water energizes muscles, helps get rid of toxins in the body, and keeps you hydrated.
7. You know your child best, if you feel something is wrong call your healthcare provider.
8. Remember that one of the most important things you can do for the child in your care is to take care of your own emotional and physical health. You may even need to remind other adults that you need some time for yourself, or other support. If you need help with your own aches and pains, be sure to check out these chiropractors.  

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Author: Mile High Mamas