The immune systems of babies and young children up to 24 months of age are still developing. This makes them especially prone to getting sick after being exposed to viruses and bacteria. Exposure to common pathogens can occur from person-to-person contact and improperly prepared food. Good hygiene practices can help you to protect your child from exposure to these germs.

Safe food preparation

You can help protect your child from getting sick by paying attention to safe food practices.

• Prepare food safely. You can help reduce the chances that your child will become ill from food poisoning by washing your hands, keeping kitchen areas clean, and preparing foods properly.
• Shop safely. Raw meats, seafood, and eggs can contaminate other foods they touch. Keep these items wrapped in plastic and away from fresh foods in your shopping cart. Look closely at all items, and don't buy those that have signs of spoilage or damage.
• Cook foods safely. Meats and foods that have been in contact with raw meat need to be cooked thoroughly to prevent the growth of bacteria. The specific temperature varies by type of food.
• Store foods safely. Keep food temperatures at safe levels to prevent bacterial growth that can cause illness. Also take special care when storing breast milk or formula for bottle-feedings. Bacteria grow quickly in warm breast milk or formula that is left at room temperature. After bottle-feeding your baby, immediately discard the milk or formula that is left in the bottle. Promptly refrigerate fresh breast milk or formula if it is not needed right away. Also, clean and disinfect all bottles before each use.
• Follow labels on food packaging. Look for expiration dates on perishable foods before you buy or eat them. Also, follow any cooking guidelines provided, such as temperature and cooking time.
• Ensure that the restaurants where you eat handle food safely.

For more information, see the topic Food Poisoning and Safe Food Handling.

Protect against the spread of illness and germs

Germs spread easily from person to person. Cold and flu viruses usually affect the most people during the colder months, although they can develop at any time of the year. Babies and young children have an increased risk of developing secondary bacterial infections from these illnesses. Take extra care to help protect your child against infections.

• Get your child immunized. Immunizations, also called vaccinations, help protect your child from diseases. Immunizations begin at birth and are scheduled throughout adolescence. For more information, see the topic Immunizations.
• Be aware of the higher risk of germs in public areas. Avoid exposing your child to a large crowd if he or she has been ill recently or has an otherwise weakened immune system, especially when a contagious illness is going around. Also, it may be helpful to have disposable wipes and a hand sanitizer available to clean hands and to wipe off shopping carts or other shared items in public places.
• Avoid close contact with others who are obviously sick. Also, if your child is ill, avoid contact with other children until the contagious period is over. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about how long your child is likely to be contagious.
• Wash hands frequently, including after every diaper change. Keeping your hands clean is an obvious, but often overlooked, way to prevent the spread of germs. Also wash your baby's hands after he or she has a bowel movement, because a baby can touch his or her messy bottom without your being aware of it.
• Wash and disinfect surfaces and toys. Areas where germs collect, such as the kitchen and bathroom, also should be kept clean and frequently disinfected.
• Teach good hygiene habits early, especially if your child is frequently around many children, such as at day care. For example, teach your child to cover his or her mouth when coughing or sneezing, preferably using a tissue so germs do not get on the hands. Also show your child how to wipe his or her nose with tissues. Babies and young children may not understand your instructions, but repetition will help them remember these concepts as they grow.
• Consider flu shots for your child. The inactivated flu vaccine (flu shot) is recommended once a year for:
  • All children 6 months through 59 months of age (4 years, 11 months). (Children 9 years of age and younger who are getting the shot for the first time should get 2 doses, given at least one month apart.)
  • Children 5 years and older with certain medical conditions (such as asthma, chronic heart or lung disorders, or an impaired immune system).
  • Close contacts, including household contacts and out-of-home caregivers, of children 59 months of age and younger and of children older than 59 months who are at high risk for complications of the flu. Healthy people ages 2 through 49 years can usually get the nasal spray form of the vaccine, called FluMist. Pregnant women can get the flu shot but not FluMist. For the latest flu vaccine recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), see their Influenza (Flu) Web site at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. Also, for more information, see the topic Influenza.

Visit the doctor regularly