Oh no! (Immune system and a cold)

[Caidyn]

My little guy is 2 weeks short of his first birthday and I have been doing everything I can to build his immune system from the beginning (still breastfeeding, no sugar, no dairy, Vit. D, etc.). On the weekend he was at a wedding shower where there were alot of children and now he has his first cold (congestion, runny nose, a bit of a cough and sneezes) and I am heartbroken. Is there any evidence that colds help to build the immune system (I am trying to make myself feel better. LOL!) and what can I do to treat the cold and how much Vit. D is recommended for this age during a cold?

Thanks for all help!
Holly

[Marnica]

I know it's hard to see our little ones sick...even if it is just a cold.

The immune system is strengthened by being challenged, so yes, every cold, every bug, every time his little system has to fight something off, he will be stronger for it. Kids get sick. It happens. I think it's amazing he is almost 1 and hasn't had any illness yet. My DS had his first cold at @ 6 months old.

Keep BF, I would be giving a good quality probiotic. Klaire labs infant formula is what we use. Use a humidifier in his room at night with some essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus). I also use this for coughs on the chest and feet (make sure to coat thickly and put on socks) at night. http://www.gaiaherbs.com/product.php?id=236
I also use this saline spray along with a nasal aspirator to keep the nose as clear as I can. http://www.sinucleanse.com/product/kidsmist.htm


You can give up to 2,000mg of vit d regularly for a 1 yr old, and more for shorter periods of time when ill. Also up the vit c as well.

He'll be fine. This is the first of many colds!! Hang in there

[Caidyn]

Thank you so much for your help!
He has also starting pulling at his ears now. Any advice about ear infections should one occur??

Thanks again!!