How Many Infections a Year Are Normal?
The number of infections your toddler has in a year depends on a few factors. Age, time spent around other kids, and exposure to germs are all things that play a role. If you’re wondering “Why is my toddler always sick?”, it can be helpful to know what the norm is. In general, toddlers may have:
- 6 to 8 colds;
- 2 or 3 bouts of the flu;
- 1 or 2 ear infections per year.
If your toddler seems to always be sick, it could just be that they are going through a phase where they’re getting more infections than usual. 9-13 infections a year sounds like a lot, but it’s actually not uncommon for toddlers. So if your child is not exceeding this number, there is no need to worry.
Recurrent infections, however, are a different story. If your toddler is constantly getting sick, has severe symptoms each time and takes a lot of time to get better, it could be a sign that their immune system is not functioning properly. If this is the case, you should take them to see a doctor.
Why Is My Toddler Always Sick? Possible Causes
There are a few reasons why your toddler might be getting a lot of infections. One is that they’re too young to fight off infections as well as older kids and adults can. Their immune systems are still developing and will not be fully mature until they are around 6 years old.
Another reason why your toddler might be always sick is that they’re around other kids a lot. If they attend daycare or have playdates often, they’re being exposed to lots of different germs. It’s a normal process of growing up, and with each germ they encounter, their immune system gets a little stronger.
A third reason why your toddler might always be sick is that they’re naturally prone to infections. Some kids seem to get sick more often than others, and there’s not always a reason why. If you want to strengthen your child’s immune system, there are a few things you can do.
How to Help My Toddler Stay Healthy?
There are a few things you can do to help your toddler stay healthy and avoid getting sick all the time.
- Make sure they’re getting enough sleep. Toddlers need around 11-14 hours of sleep a day, and if they’re not getting enough, their immune system can suffer.
- Encourage them to eat healthy foods. A well-rounded diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein will help their immune system stay strong.
- Make sure they’re washing their hands often. This is especially important if they’re around other kids a lot. Teach them to wash their hands before they eat, after they go to the bathroom, and when they come home from being outside.
If you’re thinking, “I do all these things. Why is my toddler always sick?”, talk to their doctor. They can help you figure out if there’s an underlying reason why and give you tips on how to keep them healthy.
Sometimes, no matter how much you do, some kids just seem to get sick a lot. But as long as they’re not exceeding the number of infections per year that’s normal for their age, there’s no need to worry. Just keep doing what you’re doing and they’ll eventually grow out of it.
Takeaway
If your toddler seems to always be sick, don’t panic. It’s normal for them to have a lot of infections, and there are things you can do to help them stay healthy. If you’re concerned, talk to their doctor. They might prescribe a daily vitamin or give you tips on how to boost their immune system.
Do you have other questions similar to “Why is my toddler always sick?” Let us know in the comments below! We’re here to help (although we can’t provide medical advice).
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