02/02/2026
One of the most common concerns we hear from parents is, “Why does my child get sick so often?”
In most cases, the answer is simpler (and more reassuring) than it feels in the moment.
Children aren’t born with fully developed immune systems. Early on, their bodies rely on basic defenses and a small amount of temporary protection passed along during pregnancy or through breast milk. Over time, the immune system learns by exposure. By encountering everyday germs, mild illnesses, and vaccines that help train it to recognize and respond more effectively in the future.
That learning process takes time and often looks like frequent colds, runny noses, and lingering coughs, especially for children in daycare or school. Seeing one viral illness a month can feel exhausting as a parent, but it’s usually a sign that the immune system is doing exactly what it’s meant to do: building memory.
As children grow, that memory adds up. Many kids who seem to “catch everything” early on actually get sick less often later, once their immune system has learned which germs it’s dealing with.
Supporting this process doesn’t require anything complicated. Consistent sleep, nourishing meals, regular movement, good handwashing habits, and staying current on recommended vaccines all help the immune system do its job. Most children don’t need special immune supplements, having strong foundations matter far more than quick fixes.
Of course, there are times when it makes sense to look closer. So, if illnesses feel unusually frequent, severe, or slow to resolve, or if something really just doesn’t feel right, that’s always a worthwhile conversation with your primary physcian.
Just remember, your child’s immune system isn’t failing them. It’s learning. And your role isn’t to prevent every illness, it’s to support their body as it builds resilience, and to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
