Article

3 Signs Your Child's Immune System May Need Support- A Doctor’s View

May 5, 2026

5 mins

ASK THE EXPERT #4: IMMUNITY

Helping Your Child Stay Healthy: 3 Signs Their Immune System May Need Support- A Doctor’s View

By Dr Oh Meng Choo, Paediatrician

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This article is for general health information only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the doctor and reflect her professional opinion. Parents should consult their healthcare professional for personalised advice. Breastfeeding is best for infants.
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It is normal for young children to come down with colds and minor infections from time to time. In fact, it is simply part of how their immune system learns and develops. Most children recover quickly and are back to their usual selves before long. That said, there are a few signs that may indicate your child’s immunity could benefit from a little extra support. Here, Dr Oh Meng Choo shares what to look out for, and the simple, everyday steps that may help keep your child healthy and comfortable.

Q: How does a child’s immune system work, and why do children seem to get sick so often?

A: A child’s immune system works by recognising the presence of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses and developing antibodies to protect against them. After clearing an infection, the immune system preserves a memory of the invader, so it can respond more effectively the next time. This is how immunity builds over time.

Children tend to get sick more frequently than adults simply because their immune systems are still developing. In average young children and preschoolers in Singapore to experience six to eight, or sometimes up to 10–12, respiratory infections (colds) annually

This is common, and children with healthy immune systems generally recover quickly and return to their usual selves without difficulty.

Q: What are the signs that my child’s immune system may need extra support?

A: There are three signs I would encourage parents to look out for.

The first is frequent sickness. If your child seems to catch every bug that goes around and is constantly dealing with a cold, runny nose, gastro-intestinal issues or ear infections, it may be worth paying closer attention to their immune health. While some level of illness is normal, a pattern of frequent or prolonged sickness is worth discussing with your doctor.

The second sign is slow wound healing. Cuts and scrapes are a normal part of childhood, and most children recover quickly. If it seems to be taking longer than usual for your child’s wounds to heal, this can sometimes be a signal that their immune system needs support. Our immune system plays an important role in the wound-healing and skin repair process; so when immunity is lower, recovery can take longer.

The third sign is fussy eating. Children who are consistently selective about what they eat may not be getting the full range of nutrients their growing bodies need. Over time, a limited diet can affect the immune system’s ability to function well. If your child is a persistently picky eater, it is worth speaking to your doctor or a dietitian about whether their nutritional needs are being met.

Q: What can I do to help support my child’s immune system?

A: The good news is that there are several practical, everyday steps that may help support your child’s immunity; and none of them require anything complicated.

The first is feeding them well. Serve your child fresh, whole foods and keep processed or packaged food to a minimum. Fruits and vegetables are particularly important — five servings a day is a helpful guide, with one serving being around two tablespoons for toddlers and one cup for older children. Treats such as cakes and cookies are best kept as occasional foods rather than everyday ones.

The second is ensuring good sleep. A child who is not getting enough sleep may be more prone to illness, as lack of sleep can affect the immune cells needed to fight infections. As a general guide, newborns benefit from around 18 hours of sleep a day; toddlers need up to 13 hours, and children aged three to twelve benefit from up to 12 hours a day.

The third is supporting gut health. Research suggests that around 70% of the body’s immune cells are located in the gut, which makes gut health a meaningful contributor to a healthy immune system. The trillions of bacteria in our gut, known collectively as the gut microbiota, work best when there is a healthy balance of good bacteria. Introducing foods that contain probiotics or beneficial bacteria themselves and prebiotics, which act as nourishment for good bacteria, can help support this balance. Yoghurt and kefir are good examples of prebiotic-rich foods to include in your child’s diet.

Beyond probiotics and prebiotics, research also points to the role of Milk Oligosaccharides (MOs) in supporting gut health. MOs are a type of prebiotic that may play a role in supporting your child’s gut health and immune development, as well as offering potential benefits for cognitive development. For families where breastfeeding is not possible, it may be worth discussing with your doctor whether a formula milk supplemented with MOs is a suitable option for your child. As always, speak to your healthcare professional to find the right approach for your family.

Dr Oh Meng Choo

Paediatrician

Kids Clinic @ Bishan

Blk 116 Bishan Street 12

#01-28 Singapore 570116

https://kidsclinic.sg/

Dr. Oh Meng Choo contributed to this article in her independent professional capacity. The views expressed are her own and do not represent the views of Nestlé, nor do they constitute an endorsement of any Nestlé brand or product.

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