The Ins and Outs of an Infant’s Immune System
You may have read or been told that babies receive antibodies from their mothers while still in the womb. This is true.
During the third trimester of pregnancy, antibodies pass from you to your little one through the placenta. The level of antibodies your baby receives all depends on your own level of immunity and whether you took measures to boost it while pregnant, such as through vaccinations and supplements. These secondhand antibodies — which contribute to what is known as “passive immunity” — give your baby at least some protection when he or she is born.
In addition to receiving antibodies from you during pregnancy, your baby also receives some immunity during birth. Your vagina possesses beneficial bacteria which, when he or she passes through it, your baby collects. This bacterium helps to build your little one’s gut microbiome, which contributes to his or her immunity.
After birth, your baby’s immune system will continue to strengthen with your help. The colostrum in breast milk possesses several powerful immune-boosting properties that not only help to fight off disease but that also contributes to the production of growth hormones.
Passive immunity does not last long. It starts to decrease just a few weeks after birth and completely disappears within months. The good news is that as passive immunity wanes, your baby’s natural immunity strengthens, growing stronger and stronger with each new germ and virus he or she encounters.
Ways To Safeguard Your Baby’s Immunity In the First Few Weeks of Life
The first few weeks to months of a baby’s life are almost always nerve-wracking for new parents in large part because infant immunity is so fragile. The slightest sniffle can trigger stress and anxiety, and a tiny cough can lead to countless sleepless nights. While this is normal, know that there are things you can do to safeguard your baby’s health and peace of mind.
In addition to breastfeeding or using a nutrient-rich formula and adhering to the recommended vaccination schedule, you can boost your baby’s immunity with supplements such as Wellements organic elderberry immune syrup. This and similar products are ideal for daily maintenance and offer much-needed immune support.
Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, there will be times when your baby feels under the weather. In these instances, it’s always nice to have an age-old herbal remedy to rely on. Though a bit more advanced of the gripe water of yore, Wellements gripe water with probiotics soothes stomach discomfort and contributes to your little one’s gut microbiome.
Baby’s immune systems are fragile at birth, but you will be surprised by how quickly, and with your help, they mature. Get the products you need to safeguard your little one’s health until that happens.
