Smooth Transitions to Childcare: Tips to Reduce and Manage Viral Illnesses

Written by Nicole Gleeson, Paediatric Emergency Nurse.

Starting childcare is a big milestone for both parents and children. As a paediatric emergency nurse, and Mum to a toddler (who started childcare last year),  I’ve looked after children in hospital who are sick from viral illness and also had experience nursing my own little one with high temperatures and the never ending snotty nose. I’ll preface this by saying I’m a huge advocate for childcare, it's an integral part of our village and the pros far outweigh the small amount of cons for us. 

While it’s an exciting step forward, it’s normal for parents to worry about their child’s health. What if they get sick? The truth is, there’s no magic medicine to prevent daycare illnesses—but there are strategies that may help reduce the amount of illnesses and potentially the severity. 

Here are some notes from my personal and professional experience:

1. Adjust Your Expectations and mindset 🙂‍↕️

Starting childcare is an exciting new chapter for your little one, but it can also be a big adjustment. It's normal for there to be bumps along the way—like your child having trouble sleeping or settling in at first—and that’s completely okay. The transition takes time, so try to let go of the expectation that everything will be smooth from the start. Trust the process and the educators who are there to support your child through this journey.

Childcare is not just about the routines or activities; it's an opportunity for your child to grow socially, build independence, and become more resilient. Those little hiccups, like illnesses, are all part of the learning experience. Through it all, your child is developing valuable skills, making new friends, and having fun!

2. Understand the Normalcy of Illness 🤒

Did you know it’s considered normal for young children to experience up to 12 viral illnesses per year? No, this is not a typo. The amount of illnesses that your child has will usually decrease as they grow older and the immune system matures and strengthens. While daycare gets a bad rap for spreading germs, you can pick up germs from anywhere and other common places are shopping centres, play centres, siblings etc.

As you are all aware, young children often don’t have the best hygiene practices, hello drooling and exploring with their mouths. Often children have less illnesses in the Summer months as they are spending more time outside playing and in Winter months they spend more time indoors, closer together. Outside play and Vitamin D ☀️ is also great for the immune system FYI. 

3. Wash yo’ hands! 👋🏻

Effective hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs. In my opinion it's incredibly undervalued. Teach your child to wash their hands with soap and water before eating, after using the bathroom, and after outdoor play. Many childcare centres also emphasise this, creating consistent habits. You should also wash your hands at these times too and role model this for your child!
Remember that alcohol based hand sanitiser should not replace effective hand washing with soap and water 🧼 Some gastro causing viruses are not killed by hand sanitiser. Old school soap and water for the win! 🏆

4. Provide a Balanced Diet + Hydration 🍎🥤

A healthy diet is essential for supporting your child’s immune system. On childcare days, I *try* to aim for a protein-rich and nutritious breakfast, as they may not eat as much dinner due to tiredness. Offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide the variety of nutrients they need. I offer scrambled eggs or a veggie packed omelette a few days a week. I make a couple of days worth and reheat smaller amounts. My little one loves this (for now 🤞🏻)

5. Prioritise Sleep 💤

Childcare is full of stimulation, which means your little one might not nap as much as they do at home. Be flexible with bedtime on daycare days and watch for tired signs. Often, children need an earlier bedtime to recover from the day’s excitement. If possible, try to plan for quieter days at home after childcare day/s allowing your child to have a long nap or some downtime to recharge.

6. Be prepared ➕

Despite your best efforts, illnesses will happen. Be prepared with your knowledge and basic first aid supplies, like a reliable digital thermometer, oral rehydration solution - the icy-poles are great. Ensure you have an adequate supply of over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

 I always have apple juice boxes in the pantry as diluted apple juice is an excellent drink to offer little ones who are dehydrated. This is what many emergency departments use to rehydrate dry children, including the one that I work in.

Learn and up skill yourself to understand what red flags to look out for when your child is sick. For example, there is no number on a thermometer that indicates your child is more unwell than another number. In fact, its not about the other number at all. We have an online masterclass on fever and respiratory management which is very relevant to this stage of your life if you have little ones in care. You are not alone in managing a sick child at home, of course check in with your GP as often as you need. 

7. The magic pill to avoid your child getting sick 💊

I’m sorry to crush your hopes and dreams but this most definitely doesn’t exist. A common question that parents ask is about the use of probiotics. They are certainly not a magic pill to prevent illness but as a parent they may make you feel better. I intermittently give my child a probiotic containing Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716. I say intermittently, as I sometimes forget. Whilst the research on probations and illness remains an ongoing area of interest, there is some emerging evidence that probiotics may be helpful*. Speak to your health professional to see if this is a suitable option for your child.

Lastly, by focusing on practical steps, trusting the process, and keeping a positive mindset, you can navigate this transition.

Remember, it does get better as their immune system matures, and the benefits of childcare often far outweigh the challenges. I can’t possibly write this piece, without mentioning the importance of childhood vaccinations. 

Please keep your child at home if they are unwell and follow the childcare centres policy on when to return. By keeping your sick child at home helps to protect others. For example most policies will be that a child can only attend care 48 hours after their last loss (vomit or poo). 

References:
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/9/2207