It’s all part of their immune system learning the ropes. But while catching bugs is a normal (and important) part of growing up, there’s a lot we can do to support their developing immune systems naturally, helping them bounce back faster and stay well more often.
Children aren’t born with fully functioning immune systems. In fact, their immune system is very much under construction for the first few years of life. From birth, they rely heavily on the immunity passed from mum through the placenta and breast milk, but once they start crawling, touching everything, and putting it all in their mouths, their own immune responses begin to develop.
This means exposure to common bugs is essential—but it also means their bodies need a bit of extra support during those early years to help them deal with all that microbial mayhem.
About 70% of the immune system lives in the gut, which is pretty incredible when you think about it. A healthy, balanced gut microbiome helps regulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and protect against harmful pathogens.
The gut is colonised with good bacteria (microbes), which help educate the immune system, produce protective substances, and maintain a healthy gut lining. When gut health is off—often due to poor diet, stress, or medications like antibiotics—immune function can take a hit.
The best way to nourish a child’s gut? Through their kai. Here are some gut-loving foods that also help support immunity:
Of course, antibiotics can be lifesaving and are sometimes absolutely necessary. But we do want to avoid unnecessary or frequent use, especially in children. Why? Because antibiotics not only kill the bad bugs, they also wipe out the good ones—disrupting gut flora and leaving kids more vulnerable to future infections.
For things like colds, earaches, and mild infections that are viral in nature, natural remedies often provide gentle but effective support—without the collateral damage.
New Zealand is blessed with some incredible herbal medicine brands that have created beautiful formulas for children. Here are a few worth having in your natural toolkit:
These formulas typically include immune-supportive herbs like echinacea, elderberry, thyme, and kawakawa—all shown to support children’s natural defences.
Supporting your child’s immunity doesn’t mean stopping them from ever getting sick.
It’s about building resilience—so when the bugs do come knocking (and they will), your child’s body is ready to respond effectively and recover quickly.
With a solid gut foundation, a nutrient-dense diet, and the gentle support of herbal medicine when needed, you’re setting your little one up with lifelong tools for thriving health. And let’s be honest, fewer sick days are a win for the whole whānau.
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