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Jak chronić niemowlę przed infekcjami

How to protect your baby from infections?

Author : Natural Baby Care Team
Publication date:
August 20, 2025
Reading time: 5 minutes

Fall and the beginning of the flu season are particularly challenging for parents of infants. Toddlers have immature immune systems, and changing weather, contact with other children, and the start of daycare can make them more susceptible to catching their first colds. How can you naturally support your child's immunity and reduce the risk of infection during this challenging time?

A baby's immune system – why is it so sensitive?

Newborns and infants are born with immature immune systems. Partial protection is provided by antibodies from the mother (breastfeeding, in particular, strengthens immunity). However, full immunity develops only with age. This makes babies more susceptible to illness in the early months of autumn and winter.

Breastfeeding as a natural shield

Breast milk is not only food, but also medicine – it contains antibodies, antibacterial proteins, and probiotics that support the intestinal microbiota. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age. Studies show that breastfed babies get sick less often and have milder infections. Remember that in the case ofbreastfeeding problems, seek help from a midwife or lactation clinic.

Check out cosmetics for your baby's delicate skin

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Outdoor walks also in autumn

Regular outdoor exposure strengthens a baby's immune system. Cooler air supports the respiratory system and improves sleep. Appropriate clothing is important – layered, breathable, and appropriate for the temperature. However, avoid overheating, which weakens immunity.

  • ... infants breathe faster than adults—up to 40 times per minute. This means their respiratory tract is more frequently exposed to viruses and bacteria from the environment.

Hygiene – small gestures, big protection

Frequent handwashing, disinfecting toys, and keeping the environment clean are key ways to reduce the risk of infection. Babies often put their hands in their mouths, so it's especially important to keep the hands of parents and siblings clean at all times.

Avoiding crowded places

Fall is a time when many viruses circulate in shopping malls, clinics, and playgrounds. It's important to limit your baby's contact with large crowds, especially in the first few months of life. This is a simple way to reduce the risk of initial infections.

Support for the home microclimate

Well-humidified home air protects a baby's respiratory tract from drying out. Optimal humidity is 40–60%. Regular ventilation, an appropriate temperature (approx. 20–22°C), and natural air humidification (e.g., a wet towel on a radiator) significantly reduce susceptibility to colds.

  • The effect of breastfeeding on the incidence of infections in infants


    Research withPediatrics(2010) showed that babies who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months had 63% fewer respiratory infections than babies who were mixed-fed.


    https://pubmed.ncbi...

  • The importance of air humidity for respiratory health


    TestPNAS(2013) confirmed that humidity in the range of 40–60% limits the spread of influenza viruses and supports the natural barrier of the nasal mucosa.

    https://www.pnas.org...

  • Contact with nature and children's immunity


    Research withFrontiers in Psychology(2018) indicates that regular walks and contact with nature improve the development of the immune system in infants and young children.


    https://www.frontiersin...

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The first cold season is challenging, but with natural methods—breastfeeding, walking, proper hygiene, and maintaining a healthy microclimate—you can effectively support your baby's immunity. Every infection is also part of the body's learning process, so don't panic, but rather patiently strengthen your child's natural defenses.

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Jak zapobiegać przeziębieniom u niemowlaka jesienią?

Najważniejsze jest karmienie piersią, unikanie dużych skupisk ludzi, spacery na świeżym powietrzu i odpowiednia higiena domowa.

Czy można wychodzić z niemowlęciem na dwór w chłodne dni?

Tak, spacery są wskazane nawet jesienią. Wystarczy ubrać dziecko warstwowo i dostosować ubranie do pogody. Przegrzewanie jest bardziej szkodliwe niż lekki chłód.

Jak utrzymać odpowiednią wilgotność powietrza w mieszkaniu?

Optymalna wilgotność to 40–60%. Pomagają nawilżacze powietrza, rozwieszanie mokrych ręczników czy częste wietrzenie.

Czy niemowlę karmione mlekiem modyfikowanym częściej choruje?

Badania pokazują, że karmienie piersią lepiej wspiera odporność, ale dzieci karmione mlekiem modyfikowanym również mogą być zdrowe – ważne są inne czynniki, jak higiena i środowisko domowe.

Kiedy udać się do lekarza przy przeziębieniu niemowlaka?

Jeśli pojawi się gorączka powyżej 38°C, trudności w oddychaniu, ospałość, brak apetytu lub niepokojący kaszel – konieczna jest konsultacja z pediatrą.

Czy suplementy mogą wzmocnić odporność niemowlaka?

U dzieci do 1. roku życia stosuje się głównie witaminę D. Inne suplementy należy podawać tylko po konsultacji z lekarzem, nie na własną rękę.