As the temperatures outside start dropping, it’s time to prioritize protecting your young one from the cold season. Here are five things you can do today to help protect your little one from the beating cold.

Get a flu shot for your child

This is the most important thing you can do to protect your child from getting sick this winter. The flu shot helps prevent your child from developing the flu, an illness that can have serious consequences, especially for young children. Consult your child’s doctor about getting a flu vaccine and make sure your child gets it before the peak of flu season hits.

Dress them in layers

The rule of thumb is to dress your children in one more layer than you would need to stay comfortable yourself. For example, if you plan on wearing a sweater and a jacket, then dress your child in a long-sleeved shirt, a sweater, and a coat. This will ensure that they are cozy and warm all day long.

Encourage them to wash their hands frequently

Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness. Please take the time to teach your child the proper way to wash their hands. Show them how to wet their hands, lather with soap, scrub for at least 20 seconds and rinse well. It’s also important to educate them not to touch their face after they’ve been around other people or objects to prevent the spread of germs.

Keep them at bay from sick people

This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning, as it’s an important part of preventing sickness. If someone in your family is sick, try to keep them away from your child and have them wear a mask. And also, if someone else’s child is sick, try to limit playdates or other activities.

Sanitize high-touch areas in your home regularly

Since cold and flu viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, it’s important to sanitize high-touch areas frequently. This includes doorknobs, light switches, countertops, toys, etc. A good way to remember which areas need sanitizing is to think about any surface that everyone in your family touches throughout the day. A bit of extra cleaning will go a long way toward keeping everyone healthy all winter!