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How to Support A Baby's Immune System

Good nutrition and healthy habits are the keys to keeping your baby healthy and happy! Let’s explore the basics.

Get plenty of sleep

Sleep is essential for everyone’s immune health–especially babies. While babies are asleep, their bodies get to work building their immune systems and “train” their immune responses to recognize and remember how to deal with potential threats. This can help reduce inflammation, which is essentially the body healing itself.

Plus, the more sleep babies get, the more energy they have to learn, grow, play, and thrive!

Nourish with excellent nutrition

Providing essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and protein can support the development and function of a baby's immune system.

Prebiotics and probiotics can promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which in turn support immune function.
Some nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Enfamil offers a variety of formulas that contain essential nutrients, prebiotics and probiotics.

Fun and wonder

Spending quality time with your little one, seeing them learn and laugh is not only one of the greatest joys of parenthood, it’s good for their health! It can’t hurt to block out time for playtime, whether it’s fun learning activities, tummy time, or just plain old playtime with smiles, love, and laughter.

Happiness and health often go hand-in-hand, and the more we’re in good spirits, the more vitality we have, the better we can fight sickness and grow healthy and strong.

Vaccination

Be sure to get any and all vaccinations as recommended by your doctor to help protect your baby.

How Baby’s Immune System Develops Over Time

Formula	Key Features
During Pregnancy	While in the womb, a baby receives antibodies from the mother through the placenta, which provides some support against infections during the first few months of life.
Birth to 6 weeks	At birth, a baby's immune system is still developing and is not yet able to produce its own antibodies. However, the baby continues to receive some antibodies from the mother through breast milk. This provides some support against infections, but the baby is still at a higher risk of illness during this time.
6 to 12 weeks	The baby's immune system begins to mature and is able to produce some of its own antibodies. This helps to provide some support against infections, but the baby is still at a higher risk of illness during this time.
2 to 3 months	The baby receives the first round of vaccinations, which provide additional support against certain diseases.
6 months	By this time, the baby's immune system is more mature and better able to avoid infections. The baby has also received multiple rounds of vaccinations, which provide additional support against a variety of diseases. However, the baby is still at a higher risk of illness than older children and adults, and it's important to continue taking precautions to support your baby's health.
12 months and beyond	As your baby continues to grow and develop, their immune system will continue to mature and strengthen. Your child may continue to receive vaccinations to help avoid diseases and will also begin to develop a stronger immune system through exposure to germs and infections as advised by your doctor. Over time, the baby's immune system will become stronger and better able to fight off a variety of illnesses, although the risk of illness will still be higher than in older children and adults. It's important to continue taking precautions to protect the baby's health, even as the immune system continues to develop.

Note: This chart provides general guidelines and may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is important to consult with your pediatrician for specific recommendations for your baby.

Frequently asked questions

When is a baby's immune system fully developed?

Do babies have strong immune systems?

How do babies build their immune system?

All information on Enfamil, including but not limited to information about health, medical conditions, and nutrition, is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for a healthcare professional's medical identification, advice, or management for specific medical conditions. You should seek medical care and consult your doctor or pediatrician for any specific health or nutrition issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment, care, or help because of information you have read on Enfamil.