via Google 

Keeping your baby safe is a mother’s top priority.

It’s difficult to deal with a young child whose immune system is still so fragile— so we decided to help out and provide a “411” on all ways for you to keep your baby safe this season and always!

A common question is when babies are the most likely to get sick: winter. While the wind blows and temperatures lower, a lot of respiratory viruses make their way out including colds and flu. Doctors say that if a baby is within 6 feet of someone with a respiratory illness, they are likely to get it too.

Via Virginia Hospital

Something to watch out for is a lot of people with a cold or flu are contagious before they show symptoms— so do your best to minimalize those who your baby comes into contact with throughout the months of December to February.

Others often ask for germ-fighting techniques they can employ themselves to help their baby stay protected. So, we listed some below!

1. Wash your hands (at least 20 seconds of soap and water scrubbing)

2. Wash your baby’s hands, especially before she or she is eating (same as above)

3. Wash pacifiers and toys daily

4. Talk to the Daycare Staff if you notice sick kids at the facility— parents are not supposed to bring their babies in if they have symptoms of coughing, fevers, eye infections, vomiting or diarrhea

5. Get your baby vaccinated and given the flu shot yearly as soon as he or she turns 6 months old

6. Carry hand sanitizer for emergencies

Via NewBornHub

There are also some ways to boost your baby’s immune system, and we outlined these below as well!

1. Breastfeeding your child (the nutrients in breastmilk work hard to keep your baby safe)

2. Providing healthy foods for your baby (especially when your baby is on to solid foods)

3. Encouraging an environment where your baby gets plenty of sleep

4. Try to help your baby exercise and engage in physical activity as much as possible

Via Beaba

Other parents often ask what to do if their baby already contracted a virus. Below are some reminders to be aware of when this happens.

1. Children average having eight to 10 colds a year— it’s normal!

2. Winter illnesses tend to last up to a week for babies

3. Stay positive: these illnesses help build and strengthen your baby’s immune system

4. Call the doctor if you see your baby’s temperature spiking too high or something is off

5. Provide extra fluids for your baby (this helps dehydration and thins the baby’s nasal secretions), especially warm liquids

6. Help increase the humidity around your baby through vaporizers, steamy bathrooms, or a cool-mist dehumidifier because this makes it easier for your baby to breathe

7. Invest in saline drops

- Tip your child’s head bad, squeeze two drops in each nostril and then massage each nostril for a minute or two before suctioning

8. Elevating the head (if your baby is 12 months and up)

9. Offering hot water mixed with honey, as it helps soothe the throat (if your baby is 12 months and up)

10.  Lots of love and attention (babies need you now more than ever!)

It can be scary when your baby is visibly suffering, but just know that not only do these illnesses build their immune system, but also there are plenty of ways to prevent your child from contracting serious viruses and plenty of ways to nurture them if they ever do.

You got this!