Why Toddlers Get So Many Colds And Ways To Treat Them

The average toddler will experience around nine colds per year. While this may seem like a lot, it is quite normal for small children to have colds this often. Colds often consist of a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and congestion, but sometimes they can also include a fever. If you have a toddler who seems to keep catching colds, here are several things you should know.

Why Toddlers Get Colds So Often

Toddlers get colds so often for several reasons, but the main reason is because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. It takes time and years for a person's immune system to develop, and while this system is building itself up, a person is prone to health issues. A cold is the most common health problem a person can experience when his or her immune system is not fully developed, and this is why infants and toddlers often catch colds.

In addition, toddlers are more prone to catching colds simply from putting their fingers in their mouths often. A toddler has no clue what germs are, and most toddlers put their fingers, toys, and other objects in their mouths all day long. This exposes them to more germs and bacteria, and this is another reason small children are prone to colds.

It's also important to realize that children who attend daycare may be at a higher risk for contracting more colds as well, simply from being around other children.

Ways To Treat Colds

Most colds with toddlers do not require medication for treatment. A cold must work its way through the child's system, and eventually the cold symptoms will end. If your child has a lot of mucus, you can try using suction to remove it. You can also insert saline drops in his or her nose to help loosen it up. If the air in your home is dry, you may want to run a humidifier too, because dry air tends to worsen cold symptoms. Applying baby Vicks to your toddler's chest, back, and feet can also be helpful when he or she is having trouble breathing through his or her nose.

If your child begins to have a fever, and if he or she has other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your pediatrician. Fevers, nausea, and vomiting can indicate problems that may require antibiotics for treatment. If your child does not have these symptoms, you typically will not need to bring your child to the doctor, unless the symptoms last for more than seven days.

Ways To Prevent Colds With Toddlers

There is really nothing you can do to completely prevent your toddler from catching colds, but there are a few steps that may reduce the chances of him or her contracting a lot of colds. The best thing you can do is teach your toddler how to wash his or her hands, and have the child do this often. Hand washing is the best way to remove germs from the child's hands, and this can reduce his or her chances of catching a cold.

You may also want to limit the amount of time your child spends with other children, as kids can easily pass germs back and forth when playing. In addition, take the time to wash and sanitize your child's toys after he or she has been sick. This too can help eliminate some of the germs present in your home.

If your toddler seems to have a cold all the time, you may want to talk to a pediatrician about this. Your child's doctor will be able to answer your questions and help you find answers to this problem. To learn more, schedule an appointment with a pediatrician today.