Ways To Keep Your Child Healthy As They Go Back To School

As children head back to school, parents have numerous things on their minds, including school supplies, schedules, and uniforms. Another concern for parents is their child’s health during this time.

When children are in school, they are exposed to many more germs than they would be if they were at home. The germs they are exposed to can come from the other teachers as well as their classmates. There are some things that parents can do during the school season to help keep their children healthy.

1. Immunizations

Ensure that your child is up to date on all required immunizations for school attendance. You can check with your doctor or pediatrician to ensure that they are up to date. 

Birth to 2 Months 

Hepatitis B (HBV) Vaccine

  – The first dose is given at birth, with additional doses recommended at 1-2 months and again at 6-18 months.

2 Months

DTaP, Hib, IPV, and PCV13 Vaccines

DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus), and PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate) vaccines are administered in a series starting at 2 months of age.

4 Months 

DTaP, Hib, IPV, and PCV13 Boosters

A second dose of DTaP, Hib, IPV, and PCV13 is administered to further strengthen immunity.

6 Months 

DTaP, IPV, and Hepatitis B Vaccines

A third dose of DTaP and IPV is often administered between 6 and 18 months, while a third dose of Hepatitis B may be given if not already completed.

12 to 15 Months 

MMR and Varicella Vaccines

4 to 6 Years 

DTaP, IPV, MMR, and Varicella Boosters

Entering 7th Grade 

Meningococcal conjugate and Tdap (If a child has not previously been vaccinated, this is a necessary booster for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough)

Entering 12th Grade

Meningococcal Booster (MCV4)

2. Breakfast

Ensuring your child eats breakfast every morning is one way to help their overall health. Children who eat breakfast are generally more alert in a classroom. This can also help your child learn healthy eating habits.

Besides fulfilling the need for basic nutrition, eating a breakfast that’s rich in whole grains, fiber, and protein provides energy that supports concentration and memory. Because complex carbohydrates take longer for the body to metabolize, they don’t produce a surge of energy followed by an abrupt crash. – According to Brown Health

3. Vision

Now is a great time to have your child’s vision checked. It is recommended that you have your child’s vision checked annually, and now is a good time to schedule an appointment.

4. Hearing

It is also a great time to have your child’s hearing screened to ensure that they have no hearing problems. Children who often listen to the television loudly may have some type of hearing damage, and you want to be sure if this is the case with your child.

5. Vitamins

Finding a good multivitamin is going to keep your child’s attendance record in better shape. Ask your child’s pediatrician which multivitamin would be best for them. Often, gummies are full of sugar and have a lower rate of absorption than pills or regular chewable vitamins. Additional sugar intake can actually exacerbate illnesses, as it is known to suppress the immune system and also increase inflammation. The combination of a suppressed immune system and an increase in inflammation can prolong illnesses and weaken your immune system, making it more vulnerable to infections. So, be sure to check sugar levels in not just your child’s food but also in their vitamins.

6. Hand washing

Teach your child to wash their hands regularly. Especially every time they go to the bathroom and before they eat. Children often come into contact with surfaces that other children have touched while at school. Hand washing is one way to reduce the risk of spreading germs.

7. Hand sanitizer

Get a travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer for your child to keep in their backpack. This is something they can use when they are not allowed to go to an area where they can wash their hands. Please check with your child’s school to confirm that this is permitted.

8. Sleep

Children who do not get enough sleep at night often struggle to stay awake and pay attention in class. Ensure that your child goes to bed early enough each night to get a full night’s sleep.

Here is the recommended age versus the hours of sleep they should receive each night:

• Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours of sleep per day
• Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours of sleep per day
• Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours of sleep per day
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours of sleep per day
• School-age children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours of sleep per night
• Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours of sleep per night

These are eight tips that you can use to help keep your child healthy as they return to school. Building healthy habits as well as preventative care are crucial!

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Your Child Healthy as They Go Back to School

Q1: Why are immunizations important before school starts?
Immunizations protect children from contagious diseases they may be exposed to in school environments. Staying up to date helps prevent outbreaks and keeps your child healthy throughout the school year.

Q2: How often should my child’s vision and hearing be checked?
It is recommended to have your child’s vision and hearing screened annually to detect any issues early that could affect learning and development.

Q3: What are some healthy breakfast options for school days?
Choose breakfasts rich in whole grains, fiber, and protein such as oatmeal with fruit, whole-grain toast with peanut butter, or yogurt with nuts to provide sustained energy and improve concentration.

Q4: How can I encourage my child to wash their hands regularly?
Teach and remind your child about the importance of handwashing after using the bathroom and before eating. Making it a routine and explaining how it prevents illness can help build this habit.

Q5: Is it okay for my child to use hand sanitizer at school?
Hand sanitizer is a good alternative when soap and water are not available. However, check your child’s school policy first, as some schools may have restrictions on sanitizer use.

Q6: How much sleep does my child need during the school year?
Sleep needs vary by age, but school-age children generally require 9-11 hours per night to support focus, mood, and overall health.

Q7: Should my child take vitamins during the school year?
Consult your pediatrician about multivitamins, especially if your child’s diet lacks certain nutrients. Be cautious of vitamins with high sugar content, which can weaken the immune system.

Q8: What can I do to reduce my child’s exposure to germs at school?
Besides immunizations and hand hygiene, encourage your child to avoid touching their face, cover coughs and sneezes properly, and keep their personal items clean.

Q9: How can I support my child’s immune system during the school year?
Ensure they have a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and proper hygiene practices to keep their immune system strong.

Q10: When should I seek medical advice if my child frequently gets sick at school?
If your child experiences recurrent illnesses, prolonged symptoms, or severe health issues, consult your healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.

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