Children’s Health

Keeping Bugs at Bay: How to Boost Your Child’s Immunity

Oct 23, 2025

As every parent knows, school life often comes with a side of sniffles. With colder weather, less sunlight, and busy school environments, infants’ immune systems can come under extra strain.

To help reduce the chances of winter illnesses and keep your child energised and ready to learn, there are a number of steps parents can take to support kids’ immune systems.

Prioritise Sleep for a Stronger Immune System

Adequate sleep is essential for children’s health. Studies show that poor sleep weakens immune defences and increases the likelihood of infection¹.

Top tips for kids’ sleep:

Stick to a consistent bedtime routine
Limit screen time before bed
Aim for 9–11 hours of sleep per night for school-aged children

Vitawell’s Little Dreamers vitamins can also support your child’s sleep through magnesium and other vitamins which help to relax kids before bedtime. These supplements are designed to make healthy habits fun and help little ones get into a good routine, as well as giving parents a chance to enjoy a “one for me, one for you” moment by taking their own sweet dreams gummies alongside their child.

Nutrition and Vitamins to Support Children’s Immunity

A balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and protein is the cornerstone of good immune health. But busy family life - and fussy eaters - can make this tricky!

That’s why many parents consider children’s vitamins and supplements to help fill any nutritional gaps.

Key nutrients for children’s immune health:

Vitamin D: essential in winter months when sunlight is limited².
Vitamin C: supports immune defences and helps absorb iron³.
Vitamin A: plays a role in healthy skin and mucous membranes, the body’s first line of defence.
Zinc: contributes to normal immune cell development and function.

The NHS recommends that children aged 1 to 5 supplement their diets with vitamins containing A, C, and D⁴.

Hand Hygiene

Encouraging kids to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop germs spreading. The NHS hand hygiene guidance highlights regular washing as key to reducing coughs, colds, and stomach bugs.

Teach children to:

Wash before eating and after the toilet
Use tissues and throw them away immediately
Cover coughs and sneezes in their elbow

Stay Active and Spend Time Outdoors

Regular exercise supports healthy circulation and immune balance. Even light activity such as walking, cycling, or playing in the park boosts wellbeing.

Outdoor play in fresh air can also help lower the risk of viruses spreading in enclosed spaces. Even in colder weather, layering up and getting outside has huge benefits.

Vitawell’s Little Bones vitamins contain calcium and Vitamin D to help children’s bones grow strong and stay healthy, supporting their active and sporty lifestyles.

Manage Stress for Stronger Immune Health

Stress can affect the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Research shows that psychological stress can suppress immune responses⁵.

For children, simple steps like free play, mindfulness activities, and talking about worries can reduce stress and strengthen resilience.

While it’s impossible to avoid every bug that goes around school, you can make a real difference by focusing on sleep, nutrition, hygiene, exercise, and stress management.

Incorporating multivitamins designed for kids in your child’s daily routine can help support their immune system all winter long.

With these simple steps, you’ll be giving your child the best chance to thrive and avoid any nasty bugs during the busy school term.

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