Dietitian explains how to stop your child getting sick during winter season
The cold and flu season is upon us, and during this time parents are increasingly worried about their children's health.
According to a recent survey of 500 parents with children aged three to six, half of them (51 per cent) revealed their biggest worry in the colder months is trying to battle work commitments when illness strikes - with a third of them (30 per cent) reporting their kids pick up an average of 2.5 illnesses per month during autumn. The survey also found that over half of parents (51 per cent) admit the worst part of their children falling ill is witnessing their vibrant and mischievous personalities fade.
This is closely followed by the struggles of sleepless nights (40 per cent), and the ever-looming fear of catching their child’s lurgy themselves (44 per cent). With 68 per cent of UK parents bracing for the anticipated bouts of illnesses in the months ahead, kids’ yoghurt favourite, Petits Filous, joined forces with Olympic champion and devoted dad of three, Greg Rutherford MBE, to empower parents to maintain their children’s immunity.
The dad-of-three said: "The autumn months can be tough as a parent – it can feel like someone in the family is continually under the weather, and when the kids fall sick, it’s especially tough. My son, Rex, was ill just the other week and wiped us all out with him. As an athlete, I know how important it is to eat a nutritious and balanced diet to support my immune system, which is why I try to make sure my kids do the same.
"Taste is a huge factor for children - my kids won’t touch anything they don’t like, which is why snacks like Petits Filous are such a staple in our household. The children can eat something they enjoy, whilst I’m reassured in the knowledge they’re full of goodness and include immune contributing nutrients such as vitamin D - helping to keep our house sniffle free!"
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His comments come as the survey reveals that three in 10 parents (29 per cent) feel they lack the confidence to identify foods rich in Vitamin D for their children’s wellbeing, with 80 per cent aspiring to do more to boost their children’s immune systems and one in 5 (22 per cent) open to receiving guidance on how to encourage them to eat more nutritious foods. Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton believes an important way of adding more vitamin D to children's diets is by packing their meals and snacks full of all the key nutrients they need - and has shared her top tips to help parents keep their children healthy.
Taste the rainbow
Fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamins A and C, so you should ensure your child gets their five a day, said Dr Ruxton. She added: "Remember, all types count towards this goal including dried fruit, frozen or tinned veg, baked beans and one daily glass of 100 per cent fruit juice."
Vital vitamins
Dr Ruxton said parents should give their children fortified foods, such as yoghurts and fromage frais to keep them healthy during the colder months. She explained: "Vitamin D deficiency is very common in the UK due to our diets, lifestyle, and weather so it’s estimated that 16 per cent of children in the UK are deficient in vitamin D. Check labels for fortification levels as, for example, just two small 94g pots of Petits Filous can provide 50 per cent of a child’s recommended daily allowance of vitamin D."
Sunny side up
Eggs are a great source of folate and B12 - vitamins recognised to support immunity. Dr Ruxton said: "Try something different to boiled or fried eggs by making a Spanish-type omelette and adding ingredients such as peppers, potatoes, and peas. Or homemade pancakes with bananas are another great way to include eggs in your child’s diet."
Smart snacking
The expert said: "Make snacks count when it comes to autumn immunity. Instead of offering empty calories from sugary sweets and crisps, create a picky platter of peppers, unsalted nuts, dried apricots, easy-peeler citrus fruits and carrot sticks."
Stay hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial for overall health. Dr Ruxton suggests making "spa water" by infusing it with slices of fruits like citrus, berries, or cucumber. Kids can experiment with different fruit combinations to create their own flavoured water, helping to increase their water intake, she added.
Vitamin sea
The expert explained: "Fishy foods are a goldmine for the immunity nutrients, zinc and selenium. Try giving them a couple of servings of fish a week e.g., grilled salmon, tinned tuna or even fish fingers."
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