Crèche Syndrome: Break The Cycle

If you're a parent of a baby or toddler who's in crèche, it may seem that your angel is constantly snotty or battling some sort of infection. Say hello to crèche syndrome. It feels like you're always having to take a day off work to look after your sniffly child. You're worried that your work attendance is declining but even more so, you're worried that there's something wrong with your child's health, or that you're not a good enough parent.

Rest assured, crèche syndrome is one of the most common chronic conditions seen by pediatricians. In fact, health care experts estimate that the average child falls victim to creche syndrome at least 6 - 8 times per year, and it's perfectly normal! You're not a bad parent, and your child is likely happy and healthy underneath all the snottiness!

Continue reading to find out what crèche syndrome means and why it occurs. We're also going to touch base on why it might be best not to rush to the doctor every time your child gets sick - we've got much better treatment advice for you!

What is crèche syndrome

Crèche syndrome is the ongoing cycle of sickness seen in babies and young children who are in day care. The most common infections include upper respiratory tract infections (coughing, snotty noses, sneezing, etc.), ear infections and tummy bugs. But why is this ongoing cycle of infection so common among kids in crèche? 

Babies and toddlers (who still have immature immune systems) are in close contact with one another on a daily basis, where they constantly spread germs between each other. While it's important for babies and children to be exposed to germs in order to build antibodies, the concern with creche syndrome is that these young ones are being exposed to infections constantly, which doesn't give their developing immune systems much of a chance to recover. 

Why the doctor should not be your first choice

It's well-documented that antibiotics are prescribed too frequently and unnecessarily by doctors. Antibiotics are almost never the solution when it comes to creche syndrome because most children's infections are viral (antibiotics don't work for viral infections). Additionally, antibiotics end up damaging the body's microbiome, weakening the immune system and making one more susceptible to infections.

There are other ways to naturally prevent and treat infections at home (read further below), while strengthening your little one's developing immune system at the same time! No doctor's offices, no prescriptions, no harmful antibiotic cycles!

Please note: If a child's immune system is compromised, they might develop a secondary infection in which case they may need to see a doctor. Antibiotics can be helpful in treating complications of bacterial infections.

How to prevent and treat creche syndrome naturally 

There are many things a parent can do to protect and strengthen their kids' immune systems. With a strong immune system, infections can be fought better and faster, and the risk of secondary infections developing is much lower. Here are some of the best proven ways to build your child's immune system to help them avoid becoming victims of the vicious crèche syndrome!

1) Good nutrition

Most kids are fussy eaters so parents often end up feeding them 'easy' meals, which usually are processed or lacking in nutrition. Nutrition directly impacts health and immunity - a lack of nutrition leaves one susceptible to a host of deficiencies and infections. 

There are lots of creative ideas online to get your kids to agree to eat more healthy meals. Another sneaky way to ensure your kids get the nutrients they need is Solgar's Kangavites Multivitamins! Kangavites contain all the vitamins and minerals a child needs for growth, strong immunity and healthy brain functioning, in a yummy chewable tablet! 

2) Probiotics

Probiotics are amazing and come with so many health benefits. An increasing number of parents are becoming educated about probiotics and have started giving their kids probiotics on a daily basis, especially before and during flu season. CLICK HERE to find out more about giving your little ones a daily probiotic! 

3) Diffusers and essential oils

Essential oils are commonly used for their antiviral and antibacterial properties. Because babies and toddlers are especially sensitive to essential oils being applied directly onto their skin, a diffuser is the best way to get the therapeutic properties of the oils into your little one's respiratory system.

Some of the best essential oils for respiratory infections are eucalyptus, tea tree oil, peppermint oil and rosemary. 

CLICK HERE to view a variety of quality aromatherapy diffusers. Choose between the beautiful designs with various different features!

4) Don't dry out phlegm

Contrary to popular belief, drying out a runny nose or a phlegmy respiratory tract is actually not a good thing! A runny nose and phlegm is an appropriate bodily response in efforts to rid the respiratory tract of germs. Rather than drying out the respiratory tract, use a Colloidal Silver Nasal Spray which will help loosen phlegm without drying anything out. The added benefit of doing this is that colloidal silver contains powerful antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibiotic properties!

Tip: Colloidal Silver can also be taken orally for the same benefits mentioned above! CLICK HERE to view Colloidal Silver Liquid.

5) Immune-boosting supplements

Natural remedies made from plants have been proven effective in boosting immune systems and fighting infection, without the negative side effects that come with pharmaceuticals. In fact, immune boosting plants are said to be more effective than flu vaccinations!

Here is our top selection of immune-boosting natural remedies for children:

• BaniFlu: This homeopathic ‘flu remedy can be used by the whole family (including children and babies) to help protect against the ‘flu without the negative effects of conventional ‘flu vaccines.
• KiddieBoost: Naturally strengthens immune functioning in children and promotes your child's natural resistance to illness. This antiviral and antibiotic alternative speeds up recovery from illness. Suitable for little ones over the age of 12 months.
• Sniffly Sprinkles: Sniffly Sprinkles contains a selection of 100% homeopathic ingredients to quickly, safely and effectively relieve sneezing, as well as runny and blocked noses in babies and children. It can be used for newborns and children up to the age of 12 years. 

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!