Non Toxic Ways to Prevent Kids Getting Sick This School Year

Non Toxic Ways to Prevent Kids Getting Sick This School Year

Back to school means gearing up for every bug, cold, and flu coming your way. While I am attempting to corral three energetic children here on the Treasure Coast, it seems the humid Florida weather seems to invite every germ to the party.

But I’ve noticed a big change in our health and energy lately.

Since Florida’s flu season is year-round, (yea that’s a thing) I’ve searched high and low for clean, non-toxic substitutes to harsh chemicals or impractical routines.

This post dives into immunity-boosting nitty-gritty, starting with nutrition and sleep, based on what our family finds effective. Let’s consider keeping our little ones playing instead of sniffling!

Fill Nutrition Gaps with Kid-Friendly Vitamins

Picky eaters are my daily reality. One of my kids would live on chicken nuggets if I let him, which would leave huge gaps in his diet during busy school weeks. As a mom who’s experimented with a lot of various things, I’ve found non-toxic vitamins with folate, not folic acid, bridges those gaps. No artificial dyes or sugars.

I personally adore Hiya Kids Multi-vitamins. They’re unique because unlike gummies that are terrible for teeth, they’re organic chewables and include fruits and veggie blend. The reusable bottle is great, and the kids like the characters and stickers.

Getting nutrients from Whole Foods is always best, so get some organic fruits and stash in the freezer. I make homemade smoothies. You can put anything in there from fruit to flax seed to kefir. I sneak kale into them, masked by peanut butter and honey and they have no clue.

Vitamin D seriously wards off respiratory bugs, so talk to your pediatrician about starting a vitamin regimen, whether supplement or daily smoothies.

Immunity and Sleep

Make Consistent Bedtimes a Priority for a Stronger Immune Systems. Sleep is non-negotiable at our house, but with after-school activities, it’s easy to fall behind. I’ve been there, letting bedtime get pushed back for “one more story,” only to have everyone grumpy and snuffly the next week.

Regular sleep is not merely rest, but a non-toxic defense against germs by enabling the body to repair and fight off invaders. Go to bed at the same time every single night, including weekends. Kids thrive with routines. We use Earthley Good Night Lotion (magnesium lotion) and it seems to help at night.

For my preschool-aged children, that’s 8 p.m. sharp, which allows for 10-11 hours. I started this routine last fall, and it was a lifesaver! There were fewer tantrums and no major colds. The secret? A wind-down routine like soft lights and a book, no screens an hour before.

If your child has difficulty winding down, try a weighted blanket made of natural cotton. Mine loves it for the gentle pressure that soothes anxiety without meds. It’s washable and toxin-free, unlike some synthetic ones.

For bath time, try a sleepy time epsom salt. Keep rooms cold, around 68 degrees, for a more sound sleep.

Master Handwashing to Stop Germs in Their Tracks

Ok guys, hand sanitizer is so 2020. Plus it’s drying, and some have harmful chemicals.

Handwashing may appear obvious, but correct handwashing is a non-toxic powerhouse at stopping the spread of germs, especially when kids touch everything at school.

But is your hand-soap toxic? A healthy lifestyle isn’t about just suppressing symptoms, or quick fixes. It’s about truly adapting better practices in your home, and that could be as simple as soap!

For a cost-effective option that is clean and reduces waste, get the big bottle of Dr. Bronner’s and create your own foaming soap. Just mix 1 cup of Dr Bronners with 3 cups of water and pour into foaming dispensers for each bathroom. Voila!

Scrub for a minimum of 20 seconds. Sing the ABCs during lathering. My children laugh through it, making a chore a game, and it guarantees they get all areas.

Hydrate with Fruit-Infused Water Instead of Sugary Drinks

Juice boxes are tempting for convenient hydration, but they’re loaded with sugar that can actually weaken immunity. I’ve substituted them with fruit-infused water in our home, a nontoxic way to keep kids drinking and flushing toxins on school days. It’s also refreshing in our Florida heat.

Thinly slice organic strawberries, lemons, or cucumbers and let them steep overnight in a pitcher. My kids call it “spa water” and drink twice as much without realizing it’s beneficial to them. The natural flavors encourage hydration without adding to the sugar cravings.

While implementing better practices takes time, a simple switch can be going from plastic bottles to stainless steel.

Stash Wipes Everywhere for Quick Clean-Ups

Wipes are my favorite non-toxic germ-fighting secret weapon, especially with kids who forget to wash up. I stash them everywhere—car, backpack, kitchen—to wipe away dirt before it spreads.

A quick wipe-down of hands and faces after playdates prevents hitchhiking germs from taking a ride. Non-toxic, biodegradable, and effective. There are many options now, but look for compostable or biodegradable so they will literally break down in 3-4 months unlike other wipes that take decades!

Finding Balance

A lot of moms use the 20/80 approach. This means that 80% of their lifestyle is clean and non-toxic, while 20% is reserved for indulgences or mess-ups. As parents, we mess up. Find what works for you and balance it out. It takes time to make healthy swaps, but every step you take toward the non toxic way of life, the better off you’ll feel.

Rounding out, these toxin-free practices (vitamins, sleep regularity, diligent handwashing, smart hydration, and handy wipes) have transformed how my family keeps school-season germs at bay. They’re easy to implement in daily life and have a physical effect in staying well. Give them a try and see what’s best for your crew.