What you need to know about day care and sickness

Day care is a place for kids to learn, grow and live their best little lives. But it’s also a perfect playground for germs to spread and get your kid (or yourself) sick. In fact, around one in six preschool children get at least six colds each year.

So, what can you do to stop your child from getting sick at day care? Read on for some helpful tips to keep your child (and family) protected from germs.

Why do young children get sick so often?

When your child starts day care, their immune system is still developing. Plus, they’re likely coming into contact with lots of common viruses for the very first time, especially if handwashing isn’t second nature yet.

How do germs spread at day care?

Shared spaces, toys and snacks make day care the ultimate germ playground. Whether it’s building blocks, stuffed toys or half-eaten bananas, everything somehow ends up in their mouths.

And let’s face it – kids love touching their faces, coughing into open air and wiping their noses on sleeves. All of which makes it easy for germs to spread from child to child (and eventually to you).

5 ways for kids to dodge day care bugs

While we might not be able to stop some of their yuckier behaviour when they’re out of our sight at day care, there are a few things you can do to help your kids dodge those dreaded day care bugs.

1. Help your kid master the hygiene basics 

Teaching basic hygiene skills early can help stop the spread of germs and build lifelong healthy habits. Try these: 

Make handwashing fun

Teach your child to wash their hands after playtime, before meals and after blowing their nose. Turn it into a karaoke moment – sing 'Happy Birthday' twice while washing, or use glitter to represent ‘germs’ and challenge them to wash it all off. 

Cough and sneeze the right way

Show your child how to dab or use their “elephant trunk” (aka their elbow) to cover coughs and sneezes. Bonus points for adding sound effects.

Keep things out of their mouth

Do a fun “yes or no” quiz with household items to teach what should – and shouldn’t – go in their mouth. You can even reward them with a sticker chart for good habits.

2. Level up their immune system with fruit and veg

A healthy immune system starts with what’s on their plate. Make sure your child’s eating a healthy, balanced diet that covers all five food groups. This can help give them the proper nutrients they need to run around and play all day while strengthening their immune system. If you need inspiration, check out our collection of simple recipes.

3. Nail your kid’s bedtime routine

Did you know that pre-schoolers need around 10 to 13 hours of sleep each day? Sleep is important for having a strong immune system, especially with little kids. Establishing a sleep routine can give your child better sleep and boost their immune system. Introduce three or four activities (in the same order each night) to help them wind down and prepare for sleep.

4. Keep your child’s vaccinations up to date

Make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date, especially their flu shot. This can protect your child from common illnesses and reduce the severity of their symptoms if they do get sick. If your child is under five years of age, then they can get the flu shot for free.

5. Show germs the door

Even if you can’t control what happens at day care, you can manage what happens at home: 

• Know your day care’s illness policy: Understanding when to keep your child home can help stop the spread and give your child time to rest and recover. 

• Clean high-touch surfaces often: Wipe down doorknobs, remotes and tabletops to reduce the spread of viruses brought home from day care. 

• Don’t share personal items: Teach your child to keep their water bottle, cutlery and toys to themselves. Show how germs can transfer using glitter or paint – it’s a great visual (and fun for them to see!). 

• Look after yourself too: Sick kid at home? Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly, stay hydrated and wear a mask if needed – especially when you’re in close contact. 

Got a sick child? Try telehealth

If you’re an nib member, you can access GP telehealth appointments through our partner, hub.health. You’ll get fast, convenient access to qualified GPs – without waiting room tantrums or time off work. The bottom line? Germs are part of the day care journey, but with a few healthy habits and a little planning, you can help keep your child (and your family) feeling their best.

The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.