Discover how to keep kids healthy this winter with immune-boosting foods, supplements, and DIY natural remedies. Learn how this Mama Bare soothes colds, coughs, and dry winter skin with the safest and simplest solutions.
Winter brings cozy nights, snowy adventures, and lots of family time—but it can also mean colds, flu, dry skin, and more sniffles than you’d like. Kids’ immune systems are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable during the colder months. The good news is that there are many natural solutions. With the right foods, supplements, and DIY remedies, you can give your child’s body the support it needs to stay strong all season long – because less sick days from school means you keep the family flow moving!
Here’s your complete guide to boosting your family’s immune system, soothing common winter ailments, and keeping their skin protected from the winter weather.
Why Winter Wellness Matters for Kids
When temperatures drop, we spend more time indoors where germs spread easily. Add dry air, less sunlight (hello, low vitamin D), and holiday sugar overload, and it’s no wonder colds and coughs make their rounds. Taking a proactive approach to wellness can help reduce sick days and keep kids feeling their best.
Immune-Boosting Foods to Include This Season
Nutrition is one of the simplest ways to strengthen your child’s natural defenses. Stock up on:
- Vitamin C-rich foods: oranges, kiwi, bell peppers, and berries. Try this Berry Loaf recipe!
- Zinc-rich foods: pumpkin seeds, beans, lentils, and chicken. Try these Black Bean Brownies
- Probiotics for gut health: yogurt, kefir, or small servings of sauerkraut. Add yogurt to pancakes
- Hydration helpers: water, warm herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos
- Comforting broths and soups: mineral-rich bone broth can be sipped like tea or added to meals. You can also use it to add nutrients to simple sides, like rice or quinoa
Tip: Keep a “Winter Superfoods” grocery list on your fridge so you never run out of these staples.
Helpful Supplements for Kids (Check Age Guidelines)
While food should be the foundation, supplements can fill in the gaps:
- Vitamin D: essential in Canadian winters when sunlight is limited
- Probiotics: help balance gut bacteria and strengthen immunity
- Omega-3 fatty acids: support brain and immune function
- Elderberry syrup: a traditional remedy to help ward off viruses (not for babies under 1 year if it contains honey). Try this recipe for a homemade Honey Garlic Syrup with Blueberries for kids over age 1
Always check with your healthcare provider before starting your child on any new supplements.
DIY Natural Remedies for Winter Ailments
Sometimes kids still catch a bug, and that’s okay—it helps build their immune memory. But you can make the journey more comfortable with these simple, natural helpers:
- Elderberry Gummies: immune-boosting and kid-approved because they are easy to eat
- Honey Garlic Cough Syrup (for children over 1): soothing and antibacterial
- Steam Inhalation: warm bowl of water, a drop of eucalyptus, lemon or rosemary essential oil and a towel tent for congestion relief (skip essential oils for young children). Be sure water is below the boiling point so the steam doesn’t burn!
- Herbal Bath Soak: steep chamomile or calendula tea bags in bathwater for skin comfort and relaxation
- Gentle Chest Rub: coconut or olive oil with one drop of lavender, lemon, rosemary, or chamomile essential oil. Avoid certain essential oils for small children or with certain medical conditions, like epilepsy. Check with your healthcare provider to be sure
Skin & Comfort Care During Cold Weather
Dry indoor air and cold winds can be hard on little ones’ skin. Chapped cheeks, dry patches, and even diaper rash are common in winter. Here is what parents keep their winter skincare toolkit:
- Bum Bum Balm for diaper rash flare-ups that can often occur with a cold or flu
- Sweet Cheeks Body Balm for chapped faces and dry spots
- Basically Bare Everywhere Balm for all-over moisture and protection, specifically on lips or for sensitive skin
All-natural and Canadian-made, Dimpleskins Naturals herbal balms provide a safe, gentle barrier that protects delicate skin.
Lifestyle Habits for Strong Immunity
Wellness isn’t just about food—it’s about daily habits, too:
- Sleep: ensure your child gets plenty of rest to support repair and growth.
- Outdoor play: fresh air and natural light boost mood and vitamin D.
- Handwashing: simple soap and water are still the best defense.
- Low-toxin environment: swap harsh cleaners and synthetic fragrances for safer alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Winter wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on nutrient-rich foods, thoughtful supplements, soothing natural remedies, and gentle skin care, you can help your kids feel their best even through the coldest months.
And when irritation strikes—like diaper rash or dry winter skin—reach for Bum Bum Balm and the Dimpleskins lineup. Because when little ones are comfortable, the whole family sleeps easier.
Here’s to a cozy, healthy winter season for you and your family! 
