Tell Me This Is Normal

A.,

Don't worry sweetie, he's building imunities. My little boy didn't go to dacare, but missed 1/3 of kindergarten, because he was catching up on all those illnesses. Its either now, or later.

If you contine to worry, how about paying a little visit to the pediatrician, and asking her what she or he thinks? Bring a calendar, highlighted with the illnesses- spell it all out- and listen to what they say. They probably won't bat an eyelash- in which case, you shouldn't either. Although I know its hard to have the kids sick!!!!! Hang in there, sweetie!!!!

A., I have 3 daughters, all have done the daycare thing, in fact two of them are still in daycare one is in public school. My oldest who is in school now, she was in daycare since she was 10 months old and yes I was at the dr. everyother week. My other two daughter have been in a daycare since they were 6 months old, one is 4 and the other 18 months and once again we were at the dr every other week. The one thing I can say my 4 yr old and 6 yr old do not get sick very often now, when they were younger boy did they ever. My 18 month old, hasn't been to bad thus far. Now that my children are older, they don't get sick as often, My peditrian once told me that I wouldn't be in to see him as much once the kids got older, there immune system would be stronger. All I can say is it does get better once they get a little older.

I am a disable veteran and all I do is stay home and raise my son, but his daddy and I decided to take him to daycare just before his second birthday. We thought it would be good for his developement if he was around other children his age. Since then he keeps coming home sick almost every other week. We love the daycare place that he is going to, but we have had to cut his visits to only once a week, because he has had sinusitis, strep, and pink eye. Since we cut his visits down to once a week he still comes home sick.

Hi, A.
Don't worry - this is normal. My pediatrician says they are going to get these sicknesses no matter when you expose them, either at daycare or kindergarten. I was feeling bad, too, when I had to go back to work when my son was 3 months old and up until he was one it seemed like he was getting cold after cold and they always seemed to turn into ear infections. He needed tubes in his ears and then it got better. But our doc reassured me by pointing out that they will still have the reaction when exposed to that particular virus because they haven't been exposed to it yet. So sick at 17 months or sick at age 4 or sick at 4 months, it's gonna happen. And surely you would get sick, too, when exposed to new surroundings.
I do agree that you should get personal recommendations for a daycare or caregiver.

Hugs!
Z.

Unfortunately, it is very normal for children in daycare to be sick pretty often. Especially at younger ages. I remember my "week from hell" when my son and daughter (3 and 18 months at the time) came home everyday with another major issue. Monday, Jake had been hit in the head with a baseball (huge goose-egg). Tuesday, Josey had what was thought to be chicken pox. Turned out to be ant bites all over her! Wednesday, Josey began vomitting, then Jake started vomitting on Thursday. By Friday, we ALL had this virus! My doctor just shook his head, and said we all have to strengthen our immune systems, children and parents. And the best way was to do that at daycare, church, or other outings around people. I thought he was CRAZY! Until I asked a different doctor, and she said the exact same thing. So, for the first few years it gets hard. But, once they are old enough for school, most of these things have made them stronger and better able to fight infections. The hard part is surviving through the first few years without gray hair! My husband is bald - and blames us!! :) I promise, it does get better!

Hi Alice. I am also fairly new to this website, but wanted to share my thoughts with you (as it seems like we have a lot in common). I also have a 17 mo. old son and work 3 days per week. The days that I work, my son goes to daycare and on the days that I don't work, we always try to do something "fun" (playdate, Gymboree, going to the gym daycare, etc.)

Since my son has been in daycare, he definitely has been sick. He just got over a sinus & ear infection and still has a runny nose. Although he hasn't had as much as your son, I understand your concern. I spoke with my pediatrician about him getting sick and she said that he either gets exposed to things now or when he starts public school. She was making the point that eventually, all kids are exposed to these things so it is only a matter of time. I don't know if this helps at all, but thought I would share!

Has your son been dignosed with the flu? I'm asking b/c y 18 month old became ill and threwing up with dirreah a few days ago and a doctor visit showed he has RotaVirus. He was nearly hospitalized the other day dueto excessive vomitting. I just wanted to put that out there in case anyone elses child is experience this and mistake it for something else. My 4 yr old also got it but only threw up a few times and som diarreah and seemed over it so I didn't think much of it but that it might be a stomache bug when my baby got it, I also exshausted the flu theory but a fever made me believe an infection and doctor visit confirmed rotavirus. Good luck.

I belive your in your limits to believe that your child is staying sick more often since being in daycare. I know the feeling because my child is 14 months old and has been the same way since being placed into daycare as well. My husband is deployed in Iraq and I have NO other choice but to keep her in daycare because of the fact that I work full time. The doctor says that it is perfectly normal because of being exposed to so many different sicknesses. You could look at it this way--it is building her immune system up. Little ones get sick--bottom line. Whether she's in daycare or not, her little body is prone to so many things that we aren't because our immune system has developed. Hope this helps:)

Hi A.,
My name is V.. I have three children ages 31, 25 and 10. when my daughter was born I was 40. With my boys I was able to stay home and care for them until they started school. With my daughter I was in a different marriage and financial situation. My husband did not want to send her to Daycare until she was older so he worked overnight and I worked days. when she became more active during the day and he was getting very little sleep we reluctantly put Amanda in Daycare so my husband could take a day job. The very first month she was at the Dr. 4 times. It did not get any easier after that either. In fact, I remember having the same kind of week you are having right now. Amanda had three different rashes from three different Viral infections, Hand and Mouth and an ear infection. This did not let up until she was almost four years old when I found myself without a job and stayed home with her for a year before she started kindergarten. She was tested for so many things one year because even the Dr. could not believe she was getting so many viral and bacterial infections. I don't believe this is normal for all children, but yes, there are some who just seem to pick up everything floating around in the air. Unfortunately, the only thing that helped Amanda was keeping her at home away from other children. She is a very healthy young lady now tho' and very rarely gets sick, even when half her class is out with some virus. So, keep the faith, it will get better. Hope this helped a little, even if there is no real solution in it. V.

I think this is totally normal. They are going to catch most of those things at some point, I think. Ask your doctor about it. My 21 month old son has been in day care since August and has had all of those things too. If he is contagious, I do not take him around other kids. I think I would get a nanny only to be able to take him out when I was home (he probably would not be sick). I had a nanny the first year and that was great. But once he became more active, daycare has been a good outlet for him. He has so much energy that I can't entertain him 7 days a week. He needs that interaction with other kids and constant activity. But you child may be different. I would talk to your doctor b/c it seems your main concern are the viruses he is picking up at daycare. Hope this helps!

Not really sure what to tell you. My daughter had tubes placed in her ears when she was 11 months old and then had to have them replaced at 19 months along with her adnoids being removed and then she was never sick again after that until she started Pre-K this past August 2007. Then the nightmare begin. I can honestly say that the only time she was NOT sick was when she was on antibotics. BUT taking antibotics so much is not good for anyone. Your body will build up resistance against them. When I had had enough of giving her meds to keep her in school I told the Dr and he sent her back to her ENT and we had to remove her tonsils. She had her surgery on November 15th, 2007 and has NOT been sick again since, but I had withdrew her from school 3 weeks prior to surgery, so I am not sure if it was the surgery that took care of the problem or just NOT being around other children. My daughter never went to daycare (she stayed with my mother)ever since I went back to work when she was 4 months old, but there are down falls to that. She was not exposed to things that her body could have built up resistance to if I had placed her around other children more often. Also, although we did do play dates and I have even kept other children in my home, her social skills needs some polishing. She is a very friendly child and does not meet strangers (which is scary) but at school she is a loner on the playground. (My daughter is an only child). I guess what I am saying is I think you are doing a fine job with your son, but maybe you should talk with your son's Dr and see what route to take. I know I wish I had a long time ago. My daughter is now 4. I am married and I am 44 years old. But I am still new to this mother thing too.

Morning! I have worked in a private Christian Preschool to K5 for seven years. The first year that your child is in this type of environment, unfortunately, they are going to catch everything that is going around until they build up an immunity. That also goes for new teachers who start working with little children. If the teacher is not used to being around little ones, they do not have that "immunity" that is built up by being around "germs" from the other children.

Whether or not you get a private nanny depends on the health of your child. If they are "sickly" (asthmatic, croup, severe allergies, etc.)then I would recommend getting a private sitter until the first two years are up. If your baby is healthy, then have a nanny on stand-by (my mother was great!!!!)and let your child build these immunities up as it will help them when they get into the public school setting (unless you plan to home school).

My husband, when we married, did not have children and he adopted my three. The first two years of our marriage were the sickest he has ever been. He had not been around children so he had no immune system built up for what the kids bring home from school.

The only thing you really need to worry about is making sure that the facility passes the DHEC inspection every year. You also need to make surprise visits to the center to ensure that the caregivers use gloves when changing diapers and are sanitizing ALL diaper changing stations and ALL toys that the children play with. Most teachers find this annoying and skip it. As a mother you have the right to do a surprise inspection! :) Your facility will refrain from giving you that piece of information.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me as I currently work for a hospital. :) love, Rose

Hi A.,
I am a mother of two teenage boys, but my neice who is mother to 4 young children has had the worst time with sick kids this past year. Her oldest (4 yrs) started pre-K and the doctor told her that she may be bringing in lots of germs to the other children. She recommended washing her hands and changing her clothes as soon as she gets home from school to get rid of germs and maybe the other babies will not get sick as often. She is a stay at home mom so they rarely go out. The doctor told her to just be very aware of keeping their hands clean, etc. Maybe this will help, but I think when they are in school they just come into contact with alot of germs. My neice has spent tons of money at doctors offices so she can sympathize.
Good luck and God bless.
B.

Hi A.,

I've read the other responses and believe they are correct...getting sick while around other kids is normal...and actually helps boost your child's immune system. I wouldn't really worry about this, although I'm sure it isn't easy to deal with while trying to work. I've been there, it's rough but you'll get through it.

The other point I wanted to bring up is that I'm a huge proponent of daycare versus stay at home nanny...for a couple of very serious reasons. I've known people that have had a nanny and had been extremely happy but found out about very bad things had been happening while they were gone. One was spanking their child, they found out because the father was testing a product he was going to sell...a minicam in the eye of a teddy bear...mind you the father was a police officer, guess some people aren't deterred by their employer being a law enforcement officer. The other left their child in a car, unlocked, while shopping and the 3 year old got out and was walking around the parking lot - a neighbor found him.

I just don't feel there are enough checks and balances with a nanny. There are more eyes/ears with a daycare facility. The second reason is that daycare is great for socialization!

Hang in there, you and your child will be fine.

My best,
L.

Yes, we are going through the same thing w/ my 8-mon. old girl. She has actually been sick since she was 4 months old off and on. I think it does have a lot to do w/ the baby being around the other kids. The doctors have told us this also. Your baby will eventually build up it's immune system and won't be as sick when he gets older. The weather probably does not help right now either. It is hot one day, cold the next. Anyways, I believe things will get better for you. If you can afford a stay at home nanny and don't want your kid to be exposed to all of the germs he might not get as sick if you tried that. But you have to remember that there are germs everywhere. Good luck and hope your little one gets better. Mine too!

My daughter is almost 10 months old and has been in daycare 4 days a week until last week when I had to return to work full time. She has been mildly sick (with colds, upset stomach and a couple of low fevers) a lot this winter, and from what I understand it is completely normal. It sounds like the illnesses you've had have been more severe, but I still think this is normal. What has your pediatrician advised you about it? I think a nanny probably would have helped you out for this winter, but most people say it only delays the illnesses rather than avoiding them--that their first winter exposed to other kids on a regular basis, whether that be at 6 months or at 5 years in kindergarden, they will get sick pretty often. Some pediatricians even say that the sooner they go through this, the earlier they begin building up their immunities, and that this is a good thing in the long run. A coworker of mine had her son in daycare last winter--he turned 3 months and started in January--and he had ear infection after ear infection. I feel like he was sick every other week. This winter, which is his second winter in daycare, he has only been sick once with a mild cold and no fever. Obviously this is just one person, but I am clinging to the hope it gives me about next winter! You also have to think about how being exposed to other kids is benefitting his socialization--if you kept him in the house all winter, he'd likely not be as far along in this area. If you're happy with your daycare, I'd stick with what you are doing. You could talk to them about their procedures around cleaning toys and preventing the spread of germs if you don't feel like you're familiar with these policies--it's a good idea to be informed about how they handle this issue, but my guess is that they're not doing anything wrong--it's just that time of year. Childcare that you're really pleased with doesn't come easy. I've had friends who really weren't happy with their daycares and who really weren't happy with their nannies, and that's such a horrible situation to be in--so if you're happy and he seems really happy with where he is, don't underestimate the value of that. Wishing you all good health!

I have worked in private daycares as well as the school system. Some children are more suseptible to getting sick.
I would let him try to stay there and just see if he builds up an immune system. Try not to use antibods unless really necessary (especially for ear infections) they have some natural remedies you can check out at the local health food store.

Or a private daycare maybe a better option since they usually only have 3-5 other children.

Sad thing is kids in daycares a lot of times come in sick and get the other kids sick because parents may work long hours not by choice, but because their are no other options.

Very normal A., but keep in mind that all children are different and their immune systems are different so your son may be fine soon or may take a little more time than other kids.My twins were home for 2 years with a sitter while I worked in the day time. when they started daycare they were sick a lot, and prior to that they were NEVER sick. It also helps to give them a good multi-vitamin as well as lots of natural vitamin C found naturally in fruits. A good healthy diet combined with multi-vitamins definitely helps and now a year later they are perfectly fine. Hang in there, I know how it feels I was the same way.

I went throught the same thing with my son! It's so frustrating but all kids seem to go through it. It's their way of developing their immune systems. My son had everything you listed but now (he just turned 4) he is pretty healthy most of the time. It will take a lot of dr. visits and a lot of prescriptions but he'll get through it ; )

As a Grandmother of a sickly child and a Home Daycare provider. I would suggest putting him in a smaller child facility or a home daycare where he is not as exposed to so many illnesses.Each child is different some do better in home daycares and I have had some I gave up because I thought a center was best for them . It all depends on your needs and the needs of the child .I am not saying one is better than the other.Its a personal choice.

It's better for your son to get childhood sickness now and become more tolerable than for him to miss out on learning when he starts school and needs to be in the classroom. It's hard being a mom and going through the sick times with a baby. I did it with both my boys. While they did get sick alot, they learned a lot, know how to share and were ready for Pre K and haven't gotten sick at all since they've been in 'real' school. It will get better.

I have a small (only 2 kids) in home daycare. I am full, but if you tell me the area your in (i.e. N.E., Irmo, lex. etc) I might know someone. you can email me at ____@____.com. I also can tell you that it is 100% normal for a child to be sick more if they attend daycare. I work in a 5 star daycare and we still had sick kids. I'm sure the daycare, is great,and very clean, but the fact are that if there around more kids they have a higher risk of getting sick. Good luck.

He sounds like a busy little guy! I would try to find a way to get him out of daycare. That is where he is picking up most of what he has gotten. I am sorry. Is there anyway, you can not work and just stay home with him, these are precious years that go by so quickly. I know it is a challenge for some families, and I don't judge you for that. This is just a time for bonding, exploring, sharing, and shaping your little blessing. If you can find anyone willing for those three days, GO FOR IT! The best interaction he can get right now is Mom and Dad, and hey even those play dates! :-) I hope the best for you!

This is very normal when you start daycare. Both my kids were sick on and off during the 1st year of Daycare. After the first year he will not get sick as he will develop a good immune system. We just have to accept it in the first year...
D.

When I came back to work after having my son he was in a nice daycare but it was very big. He was sick every week and we visited the doctor every month sometimes twice a month. I finally at 7 months old moved him to an in home daycare and this was the best thing I could have done. She was recommended by my best friend and my sister-in-law. My son's congestion cleared up in 2 days and has only been sick 1 time since I moved him. She only has 4 children so he get's the interaction with other children but in a more controlled environment. I am sure you can find some information on your city's website about registered in home daycare's. I would recommend my sitter to anyone.

Yes this is normal in a daycare setting. He is gonna get sick until he builds an immunity to the germs. Keeping him at home will just delay this and he will get these illnesses when he starts school. However, since you work part time you are probably missing a lot of work to take him to the doctor and staying home with him until he is better. It may not be "paying" for you to work part time if this is the case. I would see if they clean the toys regularly since at this age they put everything in their mouth. If it doesn't clear up maybe you could look for a person who provides dacare in their home where the person only has a few children. I hope it gets better.

It's normal and it happened to me before I ever put my 2nd child in any pre school to social stimulation other then his brother. We went places the store, parks, just all kids of places. Even once in pre school at age 24 months it seemed like it happened all over again. I thought my Doctor would give me a discount card after so many visits one year but they didn't. lol...We also have taken time away from the pre school over the years and also from going out. I'd take (and still do) clorox wipes and wipes things down but I found sometimes usually in the winter I'd slow down some of things we'd do since my kids seemed to get sick so much and somethings are just in the air like even other adults coughing somethings you can't aviod unless you just stay home. I've worked as a sub in my son's pre school and everyday we had to wipe down the toys with lysol wipes and that included the tables and chairs you may want to see how often your child's class is cleaned in that manner not all schools do that. I notice the babies at our school that I'm at now doesn't have to many sick babies.

It is normal when they attend daycare. Lots of kids go there and you don't know what germs they bring in. If you could afford it I think that a nanny or babysitter for those days is a good idea. I forget what site you can go to and look up profiles about people and figure out where they live and everything. My son went to daycare full time when I was working but once we had our daughter I have been stay at home and besides the once in a while allergies and small cold, they have been healthy. I haven't had to do sick visits to the dr. So a caregiver in the home is probably the way to go.

Daycare kids get sick more often. It's the law of averages, you know? (But they'll be exposed to germs regardless -- whether it's from their daycare centers or from shopping cart handles.) And, your son's going to have a kick-ass immune system later so there's your upside. If you do choose to do the nanny thing, I can tell you what a friend of mine did: she put an ad out in the local paper and interviewed until she found someone she liked. It worked for her pretty well. Just really scrutinize at the interview and check references. It's tough when you kid seems to always be sick and completely normal to be thinking, "Is this my fault?" I guess for the rest of our lives, whenever our kids are hurting or do something wrong, we'll be thinking, "Is this my fault?" It's the plight of the mother.

Hey A.,
I know it's hard to have your little one sick all of the time. My oldest daughter went to daycare from the time she was three months old until she was one year old. While she was in daycare she was really sick all of the time. That is why I decided to stay at home with her. She hardly ever got sick after that. I have stayed home with my other three children also and they haven't been as sick as she was in daycare. Of course, now that some are in school they bring sicknesses home sometimes but, it's nothing like when my oldest was in daycare. If you want to take your child out of daycare then your best bet would probably be a nanny in your home but, I wouldn't keep him completely away from other kids or he'll probably get sick alot when he starts school because he wouldn't have had much exposure to sicknesses and would not have built up any immunities. I'm not an expert but, as a mother of four, that's my opinion. Good luck and I hope your son stays well soon.

My sons are now almost 21, 19 and 13. They all went thru this, but my oldest the most. The 2 oldest were never in daycare as my mom and dad were always available to watch them. But the minute the oldest started kindergarten, he brought everything that went around home. In fact, he brought home chicken pox (which I had already had) and by the time he was over it, within days of being back to school, he brought home pink eye. Well needless to say his younger brother and his dad (who had never had chicken pox) had chicken pox with pink eye. What a fun time that was!!! I believe this is totally normal and nothing to B. worried about.

I have a 10-month old and both my husband and I have been in school full-time for the past few months, so we were taking our daughter to daycare Monday-Friday all day. We loved the day care and she had fun there with her little friends and all the toys, and the staff there took excellent care of her. BUT she was sick ALL of the time---tons of ear aches, colds, the flu, etc. I also felt like we were at the doctor every other week and constantly taking medicine. I felt like it was good for her to be around the other kids her age, but for a variety of reasons decided to do school from home this semester. She hasn't been to the day care for 3 weeks, and hasn't been sick yet---her longest stretch by far since we started taking her 6 months ago. So....for now I am happy to have her out of day care. But a hard situation when you have to be gone---maybe in-home babysitter? Best of luck!!!

Kids get sick and yes daycares are breeding grounds. However, some kids just have lower immune systems than others. Since your child is younger than mine you may want to ask his doctor but you can start him on a vitamin. I actually have my kids on an immunity defense flintstones. I think it helps. My son is very prone to being sick to the point the doctor's receptionist asks me which kid is sick when I say hi this is Vicki. But adding the vitamin, washing hands more more more, spraying lysol around their environment, and using purel has really kept them well more often. I would tell you that if your husband and you were sick as kids then you probably just have a child with as low immune system like mine. I will tell you that I had the nanny from the time my son was born through my daughter being 2 1/2. I really saw no difference in how much they were sick. If I had to say it has maybe been better with them being in K and preschool. Maybe they are building up their immune systems? If you do decide to go to the nanny route, nannies.com is good but make sure to really check them out or email me directly and I will give you contact info for the wonderful one that we had about a year ago before putting daughther in preschool.

My sister kept her kids home and they got sick all the time, too. So a nanny may not solve the problem. The real problem is that your kids have a weak immune system, which is caused by antibiotics killing all the good bacteria in their guts and nothing to replace it. Sugar and fake sugar lower immunity, so be sure you aren't giving your kids a lot of sugar regularly, such as juice, sweets, etc. Sweets and white flour also feed the bad bacteria in their guts. Second, you need them to take good quality probiotics (my kids take Kiddi-Flora) to add the good bacteria to their guts - and vitamins (my kids take Standard Process, available from a chiropractor - Floradix is also good).

When I had my kids in daycare, the provider asked each parent how the child's night went at dropoff. In that way, she would find out if the kids had been sick. She also frequently told us about the time someone lied to her and brought in a sick kid and everyone got sick. So she was proactive about preventing sick kids from coming in.

I would defiantly get out of the daycare situation. It is normal for a child to get sick a lot at daycare, but not good. If he's new to daycare then he will build up his immunities and eventually not end up sick all the time. Otherwise he is too young to always be sick. More intimate care is better, if you can find someone good. It will cost more, but he will be exposed to less sickness and hopefully a whole lot less behavior problems as well.

Boy do I remember those days. My little angels are 8, 9 and 19 now. From what I understand, or what I was told, being sick when they are young builds they're immune system for later on. I know that it's hard right now, but he will grow out of it. It's just part of being a kid.

Hope this helps,
G.

My son just turned 2 last week and he's all all of the illnesses you've mentioned and a few more, including RSV and multiple ear infections. It's just one of the downsides to daycare. On a bright note, him being sick is actually helping to build his immune system for later down the road. He gets his antibodies built up now and once he hits school age, he'll be a bit better off. If you keep him away from the other kids he won't have the chance to be able to "learn" to fight things off. I know this may not make much sense, but it's what I've been told. I know how frustrating it can be (believe me!!) but being around the other kids is great for him. My son is the daycare darling and I wouldn't trade watching him give & get hugs from his buddies for anything!

Good luck!!

When my kids were small, they stayed home until school age. THAT'S when they got all the illness! So look at it this way: many of the illnesses you son has contracted, except for colds, he won't get again. So, even though he is sick alot now, he will be less ill when he gets into regular school. My youngest (of four)got everything the older kids got at school, so she had everything before she went to kindergarten and missed less school. If you keep you son away from everyone, his immunities won't mature and he will get sicker when he is older. Some diseases that are fairly mild in a small child can be deadly in a teen or adult. So don't worry too much, he'll be fine! Grandma

Hi i am T. what type of work do you do do you think that you may be bring some of the germs in from your job to i know kids do have lots of different germs i am a school bus driver and i do understand we have a 12 day old grandson that just came home from the hospital and i want to make sure he stays well so i do understand he has been in the hospital since he was born last week on the feb 4th and he came home on the 15th. of feb so anything that would help me please let me know too thanks. T. just be careful and wash your hands alot that is what they told us at the hospital and keep him away from anyone that might be sick or getting sick they pick up things easily

I would recommend getting him a immunity booster from Whole Foods or Nutrition Depot. We only use natural products for our children we have two in school and my 18 month old stays home with me, but we never have any problems. I do think that antibiotics can weaken the immune system overtime, so if he's taking those regularly this may be the problem. Also the introduction to germs from others is how we build our immune system so maybe you should keep him where he is if you are happy with the school and try the natural route.

Yes, this is normal!!! Your son's immune system will build up and he will not be sick continuously. The social interaction with other children that he is getting is probably more important right now than the minor illnesses. And, he will go through this at some time, either now that he's entering daycare, or if you keep him home with a nanny, when he enters pre-k. May as well get it over with now and let him learn social skills!

The first thing I always get asked when I take my five children to the doctor is if they are in day care. It's in their records because it is a huge factor in their health. I have 3 children in elementary school, one in preschool 3 mornings a week, and an 8 month old. I work from home so I take care of them myself, for which I am so grateful. I know this doesn't work for everyone, though. We get occasional and mild seasonal illnesses but not the kinds of infections I hear about from the doctor that are associated with daycare. Yes, daycare can raise immunity by exposing children to more illnesses sooner, but it also exposes them to many things they wouldn't get otherwise. We get flu shots each year, and I can't remember the last time one of my children had a fever or threw up. It's been at least a year or two. For those in daycare, do your best to wash hands, use sanitizer (just don't let them lick it), and be sure the daycare is keeping up with cleanliness.
As for the in-home nanny, I'm not sure why you would trust a daycare more than a nanny or babysitter that you had researched well and called references about. It's harder to find a nanny to work in your home than to find someone to take your child into their home. I think with due diligence and referrals you can do just fine with that. (You may want to consider telling your general location on this site and see if anyone has suggestions for child care in your area.) I also don't think young children need as much of a social life as some people think. They need stability and consistency, preferrably from their own parents. Also, I wouldn't worry about getting sick from playdates and activities. The risk is less than with daycare. If these are fun for you, go ahead. If you think your child "needs" them, stay home. I know many people will disagree with me, but this is true for me from my experiences as a mom. Good luck!

TOTALLY normal. I'm just surprised that he wasn't getting sick earlier. My daughter started daycare at 8 weeks, and I've lost count of how many colds she's gone through. The nurse at our office told me from the beginning this is what to expect with daycare, and ultimately, it's for the best when they start school. They will have better immunity to all of the crud that goes along with school children, because they were exposed to it earlier. If you are concerned about the variety of illnesses, have a conversation with your doctor's office and they will help put your mind at ease. It might be worth a friendly conversation about the sanitation procedures in place at your daycare, you know the "just wondering how you handle kids when they get sick here, or come in with symptoms" type of talk. You don't want to offend them, but you do want to let them know you are concerned. I know the sicknesses are annoying, but the benefits are great! Early immunity to colds, etc, and the socialization is fantastic. Take advantage of it, especially if you really like the place/caregivers. My best advice is to really really get to know the caregiver(s) that are closest to your child, as this allows you to be able to discuss anything with them openly and honestly! Good luck!

Hi A.,
I had the same thing with our daughter last fall. She was in daycare two days per week and out doing errands with me the other three days. From 14 to 18 months, she was sick every week with some sort of virus or infection. Then it all suddenly cleared up at 19 months. She's been sick since, but only needed a doctor's visit twice (she's 30 months now). Hang in there!

A., Hi, my name is B. and I have a 4 yr. old little (big) boy. The daycare, cronic sick problems came to my sister's little girl. She was in daycare all her life, and consistantly sick. My son started preschool at 2, and my requirement for the facility was educate them on cleaning everything, but the greatest difference made was for the children to wash/hand santizer when they come in the door on arrival. At the end of the day all toys, seats, anything used by the kids and adults be cloroxed or lysoled.
I know some would roll their eyes at this, but I am a living example of these practices and still to this day, My son has been the poster boy for health. My niece, we started her on vitamins and went in to the daycare with a big container of hand sanitizer and asked if we could do the whole system mentioned above. I am telling you that child went from very, very sickly to the object of health in a month and a half. She now has been in gymnastics, cheerleading, and anything active she can, because she never was able being sick and all. She has been consistantly healthy now for 3 years, since the intervention.
I hope this helps. If you need me feel free to call: ###-###-####(cell). We just moved here in August.

Hi A.!

I am a stay at home mom so I don't know a lot about the daycares, but my cousin has had her son in daycare since he was 6 weeks old (he is now 9 months). Unfortunately, he has been sick non stop. She is in a similar situation where she works 3 days a week and has felt like she has spent her days off in the doctors office. She told me she spent almost $200 in one week in perscriptions alone for her son. She has recently found a nanny who comes into her house the days she has to work and what a difference. Her son has been much healthier and is acting so much happier. Before he was so miserable because he always felt bad. I'm not saying a nanny is the best decision for everyone, but it certainly made a big difference with my cousin's son. Good luch and I hope your son starts feeling better.

Hello!

Totally normal. My 1 year -old just started a new daycare last week and within in a week he caught someone's cold. He had been in a in home situtation until last week, he caught stuff then too like the flu. It really does not matter where you place them. Besides any contact he has or you for that matter have, he can catch something. People can carry germs yet never get the symptoms of the cold but pass it along to someone else who does get it. A runny nose is a good thing, the body is trying to flush out/ fight the bad germ. You can never do anything to actually create the sterile environment where limited germs live. I have read what others say - that it builds up your immune system. Your born automatically with a working system that is ready to fight. There are different things that can break it down over time and do not allow your system to get back to full fighting capacity. This is from life experience growing up and always being told that I was building up my immune system (I am still waiting since I catch everything under the sun and have repeatedly.)The key is as he gets older figuring out how to help boost or keep boosted the immune system. Each child is different - I have learned with my son, if I keep him home a day, keep him really warm and basically sweat it out along with a visit to the chiropractor - within 2 days it was like he was never sick (except the flu). This is even with ear infections, eye infections, etc.

This is Normal! I have two girls now...a three year old and a 10 month old. I feel like the three year old was sick the entire first year. The 10 month old...sick since she started day care. You can really look at it two ways. The negative to day care and being exposed to other kids is that your child is sick. He doesn't feel good, has to be on medicine, and probably doesn't always sleep well. It stinks. You could take him out of the situations to avoid it more if you want. However, I look at it on the positive side of being sick (to help with my guilt? I don't know.). Children exposed to illnesses build stronger immune systems. My three year old is rarely sick now. They need to be exposed to the elements, because they will eventually. I have a friend who is a stay at home and her child started Kindergarten this past year. She has had a sick kid all year. My three year old hasn't missed a day of pre-school. It stinks, I know, but they have to be exposed sometime.

I am a stay at home mom. I have a two year old and a four month old and I watch a two year old once a week for about four hours. And my kids still get sick. A constant runny nose! It's just kids!! I try to sanitize things and keep the house clean. But, don't change your life to avoid sickness--because it will always be there.

Hi A.,
My daughter is 22 months and she still goes through all that. She's in daycare fulltime and it seemed like I was getting called every other week to come pick her up. Fortunately, my pediatrician ASSURED me that it's very normal for children this young to get sick often, especially being around other children. It actually helps to boost their immune systems (believe it or not). If he keeps getting sinus infections I would ask your doctor, that's not usually something that's spread very easily through the other kids. If you are still worried then you should probably consider a private nanny at home, but I don't think you have anything to worry about as far as him getting a major illness. The first 2 years can be the worst for little ones!! I feel your pain because I still go through it with my daughter. But it will get better as he gets older. Hope this helps a little!!

I believe it could be his phase of growing pains. However, I would suggest you build on his immune system (fruits, vegetables and vitamins if necessary, you know natural foods). When humans have weak immune system, they tend to catch everything that pass their way. Especially our little ones.

Normal... I went through the same thing with my daughter who is in daycare. She had no colds, runny nose, etc... for the first 6 months... she was home... right after she started daycare within a month... she had all the daycare related type illnesses... the doctor told me that she would probably have close to 10 upper respiratory illnesses a year being in daycare... but I have to work and have no other option... I don't blame the daycare... when children who all they do is drool and chew on everything all day get in a large group... that is going to happen... all that to say... it is normal...

Hi A.,

Daycares tend to use a lot of synthetic chemicals to clean and disinfect with because the health department requires it. These chemicals break down even an adult's immune system. If you want to keep him there you should get him on an good, pharmaceutical grade, absorbable multivitamin that will help build up his resistance to everything that is going around. Just because it's going around, doesn't mean he should be catching it.

S.

P.S. I have a friend who markets one that is patented for effective absorption if you're interested. Let me know.