Happy 3rd birthday! During the first 1,000 days of life, or from birth to three years old, your toddler’s brain experiences rapid growth. By three years old, your child’s brain reaches approximately 80% of its adult size. This rapid brain development is a sign of your child’s cognitive abilities, motor skills, and communication methods. Between three and five years old, your child’s brain will continue to grow to about 90% of its intended size. During this time, your child will be ready to take on a new adventure with preschool. In this section’s Nutrient Needs and Caregiver’s Corner, you will find a few tips for building your child’s immune system and enhancing their natural defenses against widely spread germs at school.
Supporting your child’s immune system can look very different for each time of the year. A few ways to kick start your child’s health are at mealtime. From including a variety of whole fruits and vegetables to probiotics, here are a few ways you can help your child be ready for school this coming year.
Including foods in your child’s diet that are rich in vitamins and minerals is a great way to boost their immune system before going to school. Three key vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy immune system are vitamin D, vitamin C, and Zinc.
When it comes time to form healthy habits, there are a few to encourage that can protect against germs. Toddlers and pre-school-aged children have as many as 8 to 12 respiratory infections, stomach bugs, or pink eyes within one year of being at school. Help your child by teaching some of these healthy habits to limit how fast germs spread.
Dr. Jennifer Lammers is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in CHRISTUS Children’s Pediatric Emergency Medicine department. In this Caregiver’s Corner video, Dr. Lammers offers practical advice for preparing your child to go to school.