Development of the immune system in children: What parents should know

The immune system is your child's bodyguard. It protects against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens and develops step by step during the first ten years of life.

Maternal Immunity – The First Line of Defense

In the last weeks of pregnancy, your baby receives protective antibodies from you. This so-called maternal immunity helps in the first months of life to defend against many pathogens. After birth, breast milk can further support this protection. Maternal immunity is usually most effective in the first three months, sometimes up to about nine months – after which your child's own immune system increasingly takes over. Vaccinations play an important role in this.

Are Vaccinations Important?

Yes, vaccinations help the immune system to recognize certain pathogens early and to build targeted antibodies without the child having to go through the illness themselves. Especially in the first years of life, when the immune system is still maturing, some infections can be severe. Vaccinations significantly reduce this risk.

Which vaccinations are recommended is outlined in the respective national vaccination schedules and should always be discussed with your pediatrician.

Why Many Infections Are Normal

Several infections per year are normal in the first years of life. Each illness trains the immune system.

• In the first two years of life: Approximately 6–8 infections are common, especially when maternal immunity decreases.
• Toddler and preschool age: Here, children can experience even 8–12 infections per year. Especially in the autumn and winter months, colds, gastrointestinal infections, or fever episodes are more frequent.
• School age: As they get older, the immune system becomes more stable. The number of infections usually drops to 3–5 per year.

Fever is part of most infections and is the body's natural weapon against pathogens. Mild fever is often also a natural reaction to a vaccination. Especially at night, many parents worry that the temperature will rise unnoticed and trigger a febrile seizure. This unsettles them and makes them sleep poorly or not at all.

• Continuous temperature & respiratory monitoring
• Notification for fever rise
• Convenient and easy to use

Tips for a Strong Immune System

✔ Breastfeed for at least 6 months, if possible
✔ Plenty of regular sleep & healthy diet
✔ Daily fresh air & exercise
✔ Avoid stress and harmful substances

 

The immune system develops over many years, and infections with fever are an important part of it. With MARY by sticklett, you have a smart companion that gives you peace of mind when your child cannot yet express how they are feeling.