Babies and Infection – Why does my baby keep getting sick?

Why does my baby keep getting sick!

Is there something wrong with my baby?  Should I be concerned?  Are there any ways to prevent this?  These are just a few of the many questions this article will attempt to explain.

Let us start with a little background on the immune system.

Simply speaking, the immune system is your body’s defense mechanism against foreign and infectious agents.  The immune system comprises of two main components – innate and adaptive.  Innate immunity can be thought of typically as your first line of defense, like the skin, mucous membranes and specific cells of the body such as neutrophils and macrophages.  Adaptive immunity can be compared to an elite group of special forces – lymphocytes (B and T cells), plasma cells and antigen presenting cells.  Plasma cells and B cells create antibodies for the immune system.  Innate and adaptive immunity together work hand in hand to protect the body from foreign and infectious agents.

How to protect my baby against household germs!

Babyproof your home against household germs!  This is necessary because germs are everywhere and all parents want what’s best for their children.  Indeed, baby-proofing your home is a crucial step for the well-being of your child.  People most often associate “babyproofing” with maintaining safety measures such as covering up the electricity outlets, setting up safety gates for stairs, using rubber bumpers for sharp corners, installing door stoppers to prevent hand injuries. etc.  Many start to childproof their home in this manner when their baby starts to crawl around the house.  However, what is often neglected involves something that are is – GERMS.  It is especially daunting to find out that your house is filled with germs that can potentially be dangerous to your baby’s health.

Baby-proofing your home against household germs is very important especially during the first year your baby’s life because at this time, the infant’s immune system is at its weakest point in his/her entire life.