Tips For Keeping Your Baby Flu-Free

As a parent, few things feel more overwhelming than watching your little one struggle with illness. When flu season arrives, that familiar worry creeps in – how can you protect your precious baby from getting sick?

How can I protect my baby from the flu?

While babies under six months can't receive the flu vaccine themselves, there are proven strategies that can significantly reduce their risk of infection. From ensuring everyone in your household gets vaccinated, if they choose to, to mastering simple hygiene habits that make a real difference, small actions can provide big protection.

In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about keeping your baby safe during flu season. You'll discover practical prevention strategies that fit into your daily routine, learn to recognize early warning signs, and understand exactly when it's time to call your pediatrician.

What are some easy ways to keep my baby flu-free?

One of the most effective ways to keep your baby flu-free is through consistent and thorough hygiene practices.

• Wash your hands: Ensure that everyone in your household washes their hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after coming home, before handling your baby, or after coughing or sneezing.
• Keep your house clean: Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, toys, and feeding supplies regularly. If possible, limit your baby's exposure to crowded places or anyone who is feeling unwell.
• Breastfeeding: Additionally, breastfeeding can provide your baby with essential antibodies to help strengthen their immune system. By integrating these simple but powerful habits into your routine, you create a safer environment that minimizes the risk of flu transmission.

Can breastfeeding protect my baby from the flu?

Yes, breastfeeding can protect and reduce the spread of the flu in infants! According to lactation consultants, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breastfeeding has several benefits to protecting infants from contracting the flu if the pregnant or nursing mother takes the appropriate precautions.

Pregnant or nursing women should make an extra effort to get the flu vaccine. Getting the flu shot is a personal decision, however, and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

People who are pregnant are more vulnerable to the seasonal flu, so protective measures such as receiving the correct vaccines, along with preventative care, such as hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick people, will help protect from the flu.

Should I breastfeed my baby if I have the flu?

Even if you contract the seasonal flu, you should continue breastfeeding. According to the CDC, a mother’s body makes antibodies to fight diseases they come in contact with. Therefore, even if you catch the seasonal flu, your breast milk is “custom made” to fight the diseases your baby may be exposed to.

While breast milk alone may not prevent infants from getting the flu, the infection-fighting antibodies in breast milk can help infants contract a less severe case of the seasonal flu. However, if you develop symptoms of the flu, such as fever, cough or sore throat, you should ask a family member who is not sick to feed your baby your breast milk on your behalf.

For babies who have contracted the flu, breast milk is the best source of hydration for them, as it's 90% water and can protect against dehydration. And, unlike formula, the nutrients are easily and completely digested and less irritating to a sick stomach. 

Editor's note: This article was originally published on June 22, 2018, but has been updated.