5 Parenting Tips for a Healthier Child That Doctors Don’t Always Mention, Especially #3 Which Can Reduce Your Child’s Illnesses by Half

Nasal rinsing is more effective than medication, but 90% of parents do it wrong.

When your child has a runny nose, your first instinct may be to reach for cold medicine. However, pediatricians reveal that rinsing their nose with saline solution is a better approach.

Nasal rinsing with saline solution helps to thin mucus, making it easier for your child to breathe and reducing discomfort. It also removes dirt and bacteria, cleanses the nasal and throat cavities, and prevents complications such as sinusitis or pneumonia.

How to do it: Use a nasal rinse device specifically designed for infants and young children. The saline solution should be close to body temperature, around 37°C, to ensure your child’s comfort during the process.

Your child may not enjoy this process, so reassure and encourage them to stay calm.

Rinsing your child’s nose with saline solution is a recommended method.

Don’t rush to give your child fever-reducing medication; try foot massage instead.

When your child has a fever, you might be tempted to immediately reach for medication. However, doctors advise that if the temperature is below 38.5°C, try physical cooling methods before resorting to medication. Fever-reducing medication is not always necessary and can sometimes cause unwanted side effects.

Try foot massage: Soak a towel in warm water and gently wipe your child’s soles (the soles contain many acupressure points). This will help reduce the fever safely.

In addition to cooling the feet, it’s important to give your child small amounts of warm water frequently. When a child has a fever, they tend to lose fluids, so rehydration is crucial to maintain moisture and aid recovery. Warm water can provide comfort. Offer your child frequent sips throughout the day to prevent overfilling their stomach and improve absorption.

Encourage an hour of “dirty play” each day to boost immunity.

Experts recommend that parents allow their children to engage with a “dirty” environment to a reasonable extent. For example, playing with sand in the park, touching leaves, or even playing with pets.

Research shows that moderate exposure to microorganisms stimulates the immune system. When children come into contact with various microorganisms, their immune system learns to identify and respond to pathogens. This strengthens their body’s defense mechanism, making them more resilient to illnesses in the future.

Studies indicate that children raised in natural environments are less likely to develop allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues.

Encourage outdoor activities such as picnics, gardening, or sports. Remember the principle: “Clean but not sterile.” For instance, remind your child to wash their hands after playing in the mud to remove harmful bacteria and dirt.

However, there’s no need to sterilize with alcohol or strong disinfectants, as this can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms on their skin, leading to skin problems or allergies.

An hour of “dirty play” each day can boost your child’s immunity.

For constipation, try the “bicycle” technique before medication.

If your child is constipated, don’t rush to give them medication. Most children go through this phase, and there are effective natural methods to provide relief.

A helpful tip: Lay your child straight, hold their calves, and perform a bicycle pedaling motion. This stimulates intestinal peristalsis. Gently rub their abdomen in a clockwise direction to promote better digestion.

In addition to these exercises, feed your child mashed plums or dragon fruit, which are rich in fiber and water, softening the stool. Include green vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains in their daily diet for extra fiber. Consult a doctor if the condition persists.

Nighttime crying could be due to “over-tiredness.”

Over-tiredness can lead to restless sleep in young children. For example, napping too little during the day and engaging in stimulating activities before bedtime can overstimulate the brain, making it difficult to fall asleep.

Nighttime crying could be a result of your child being “over-tired.”

Solution: Take advantage of the bedtime routine when your child starts showing signs of sleepiness, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or tugging at their ears. Start the sleep program (draw the curtains, reduce white noise, and provide comfort).

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to parenting, scientific methods can help you avoid common mistakes.