The early years of life are when children are most vulnerable to environmental changes, weather, and pathogens. Therefore, supporting your child’s immune system—especially for babies born via C-section—is a top priority for many parents. In the article below, BabyNest will share ways to strengthen your child’s immunity according to each developmental stage. Let’s explore them together.
1. Why is it important to boost immunity for newborns and young children?
The immune system is the body’s natural “defense barrier” that helps protect children from harmful pathogens. However, in the first years of life, a child’s immune system is still immature and not yet fully developed.
As a result, young children are more prone to colds, fever, cough, and digestive issues when the weather changes or when they are exposed to new environments.
Moreover, many studies show that babies born via C-section may experience slower immune development compared to vaginally born babies, as well as potential impacts on brain and cognitive development.
Unlike vaginal delivery, C-section babies do not come into contact with the mother’s vaginal microbiota. Therefore, they do not receive the “first dose of beneficial bacteria” like vaginally born infants. This leads to an imbalance in gut microbiota—an important factor affecting immune development. Because of this, C-section babies are more likely to experience:
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A 2.6× higher risk of respiratory distress compared to vaginally born infants
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Increased risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma
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Higher rates of hospitalization due to respiratory infections
For these reasons, boosting immunity for newborns and young children—especially those delivered by C-section—should be prioritized early on. This not only helps children stay healthy but also allows them to keep up with peers.
2. How to boost immunity by age
2.1. Boosting immunity for babies 0–12 months
Breastfeeding
In the first months of life, breast milk is the most precious gift parents can give their child, as it provides abundant natural immunity for newborns and infants. Besides essential macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats for growth, breast milk also contains many bioactive components such as immunoglobulins, antibodies, and enzymes that naturally help C-section babies restore gut microbiota while activating and regulating immune responses.
If the baby cannot be exclusively breastfed, parents may choose formula milk enriched with immune-supporting nutrients. 2’-FL HMO, MFGM, and DHA—also found in breast milk—have been researched and shown to be suitable even for C-section babies.
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MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane): Formed by mammary epithelial cells, MFGM contains over 150 bioactive lipids and proteins. It supports gut health, immunity, and brain development. Studies show that MFGM supplementation helps improve cognitive and behavioral milestones, enhances digestive development, and reduces infection by preventing pathogen adhesion and supporting antibacterial activity.
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DHA: An essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce and must be supplemented. DHA is vital for visual and neurological development. When combined with MFGM, it supports both IQ and EQ development.
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2’-FL HMO: The most abundant HMO in breast milk, associated with the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria.
Vaccination
Parents should ensure their child receives all recommended immunizations on schedule. Key vaccines in this stage include:
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Hepatitis B
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BCG (tuberculosis)
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5-in-1 or 6-in-1 vaccine
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Rotavirus
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Pneumococcal
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Seasonal flu
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Meningococcal
Maintaining a clean environment
To support immune health, keep your baby’s environment clean, limit contact with many people—especially those who are sick—and always wash your hands before caring for the baby.
2.2. Boosting immunity for children aged 1–3 years
At this stage, the immune system is still developing and unstable, while exposure increases as children attend daycare or go to public places.
This makes them more susceptible to common illnesses such as colds, fever, and digestive disorders. Parents can strengthen their child’s immunity through:
Maintaining proper nutrition
According to WHO, children should continue breastfeeding until age 2 to receive antibodies and beneficial bacteria from breastmilk—especially important for children with weaker immunity, such as those born via C-section.
If the child is not fully breastfed, parents may choose formula milk containing immune-supporting ingredients such as HMO, MFGM, and prebiotics.
Balanced meals
A well-rounded diet consisting of all four essential food groups ensures the immune system functions optimally.
Combining physical activity, proper sleep, and good hygiene
Movement enhances lymphatic circulation, helping remove waste, bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
Studies also show that chronic sleep deprivation weakens immunity and increases infection risk. Children aged 1–2 years should sleep 11–14 hours/day.
Parents should also teach children to wash hands, rinse their mouth, and brush their teeth daily as they begin interacting more with others.
2.4. Boosting immunity for children 3+ years
As children start preschool, they encounter more environmental pathogens, especially during seasonal transitions. Parents can support immunity through:
Balanced diet & fermented foods
Children should consume all four nutrient groups—carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, especially antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune barrier.
A 2021 study from Stanford Medicine showed that diets rich in fermented foods like yogurt help increase gut microbiome diversity and reduce immune-related inflammation.
Adequate sleep
According to PubMed Central meta-analyses, insufficient sleep lowers immune responses and increases infection risk. Children aged 3–5 years should sleep 10–13 hours/day, while older children need 9–12 hours/day.
Choosing suitable formula milk
For C-section babies or children who frequently get sick, parents may consider formula enriched with immune-supporting nutrients such as HMO, MFGM, and prebiotics to strengthen immune defenses and balance gut microbiota.
