Children's health is parents' top concern, yet various issues inevitably arise during their growth—allergies, bacterial infections, fevers, and more. Though minor, frequent hospital visits drain parents' energy and patience.
Four Steps for Parents to Keep Kids Out of the Hospital (Public Health Network)
1.Ensure Proper Nutritional Support
How can children become stronger? How can they build immunity to ward off pathogens? Parents must first prioritize their child's diet. Encourage nutrient-rich foods to nurture robust health, naturally reducing susceptibility to illness. Breastfeeding is ideal for the first six months, as breast milk contains immune factors that significantly boost a child's immunity.Why are breastfed babies noticeably healthier than formula-fed ones? This is precisely due to the immune factors present in breast milk.
2. Enhance Physical Exercise
Don't assume young children don't need exercise. Daily physical activity is essential for good health. Young children can swim, which increases lung capacity and reduces respiratory infections.Swimming also promotes leg muscle development, aids whole-body blood circulation, and greatly benefits overall health. Even newborns can swim; just one or two sessions per week significantly supports their health while helping them relax, as swimming is how they naturally played in the womb. Daily activities like gently stretching their hands and feet during play, or appropriate massage, also count as exercise.
3. Timely and Adequate Hydration
Since babies drink milk daily, does that mean they don't need extra water? Absolutely not. Milk intake and water intake are separate. Moms should ensure constant hydration: offer water when the baby shows thirst, and give a few sips of lukewarm water after each milk feeding. This cleanses the mouth and replenishes fluids.Many moms neglect this hydration habit, which contributes to illnesses and internal heat in children.
4. Maintain clean, well-ventilated homes
Some households lack good hygiene practices, leaving surfaces unclean. When children touch these surfaces or come into contact with them via their tongues, they risk infection.Therefore, maintaining a hygienic home environment, ensuring good ventilation indoors and outdoors, and regularly taking children out for sun exposure all contribute to their health and reduce the need for hospital visits. Illness often enters through the mouth, and children exposed to germs are more susceptible to infection. Parents should minimize taking children to crowded places to socialize, reducing their chances of exposure.