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If you have young twins, especially ones who were born before 34 weeks' gestation, when the lungs finish developing, the wellness of your little ones is paramount.
To foster healthy growth and development, it's crucial to ensure your babies are in the best position to fight off pathogens, as those who were born prematurely can be at a higher risk for adverse outcomes when they're exposed to respiratory illnesses.
Building immunity is important all year-round, but certain times of the year are especially important.
"RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) season, which typically peaks from November to March, is a critical period, as this virus can cause severe respiratory issues in infants," says Elina Furman, a certified infant massage instructor with over 15 years' experience in the baby products industry.
"Similarly, cold, flu, and COVID-19 cases surge during the fall and winter months, and the holiday season adds another layer of exposure to germs," she says. "Supporting your baby's immunity during these key times through baby massage, proper nutrition, rest, hygiene, and breastfeeding (if possible) can help keep them healthy year-round."
Cold and flu season is upon us, which means RSV, COVID strains, and other afflictions are beginning to run rampant.
Here are some tips that could help your twins build up their immunity, fight off illnesses, and thrive throughout this time of year.
1. Ensure your babies stay hydrated
Babies who are old enough should be drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if they have a cold.
2. Massage for relaxation and growth
Incorporate gentle baby massage into your daily routine to soothe your children, promote better sleep, and support healthy development. A massage tool like Kahlmi, which uses Acu-touch technology and gentle, low frequency vibration, can help families connect, calm, and comfort their little ones.
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Kahlmi Baby Massager
Baby Massager Designed to Aid Sleep
This is Kahlmi, the world's first baby massager. Intended to aid your babies' sleep, it has an ergonomic and award-winning design that features interchangeable massage heads. It helps lull your little ones to sleep by easing constipation and offering relief for gas and colic. Made with edible-grade silicone, this soothing device has been approved by pediatric experts for use on newborns, infants, and toddlers.
3. Use reflexology techniques
Reflexology can quickly relieve gas, constipation, or sleep troubles. Try gently massaging your babies' feet to soothe them in times of discomfort.
4. Regulate their temperature
Dressing your babies in breathable, layered sleepwear helps regulate their temperature at night, reducing the risk of overheating or chilling and promoting better sleep.
5. Introduce immunity-boosting foods
For babies who are eating solids, introduce immunity-boosting foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, avocados, and bananas. These nutrient-rich options provide essential vitamins and minerals.
6. Implement a calming bedtime routine
A consistent bedtime routine—including a warm bath, massage, and soothing sounds—helps signal to your baby that it's time to wind down. This promotes deeper, more restful sleep.
7. Practice good hygiene and clean baby spaces
Babies explore the world with their hands and mouths, so keeping toys and play areas clean reduces their exposure to germs. Natural, baby-safe cleaning solutions are great for this.
8. Alleviate teething pain
Use frozen breast milk popsicles or chilled fruit teethers when your baby is teething. The cold helps numb sore gums and reduces inflammation.
9. Wear your babies when possible
Wearing your babies in a sling or carrier keeps them close to your body, offering comfort, reducing stress, and stimulating their sensory and emotional development. When you have multiple babies, twin carriers, like the TwinGo Air Baby Carrier, make this seemingly impossible feat feasible.
10. Expose them to fresh air and sunlight
Daily exposure to fresh air and natural sunlight, even for just 15 to 30 minutes, can boost your babies' moods, help regulate their sleep-wake cycles, and support healthy vitamin D levels.
Boost your babies' wellness
Incorporating these wellness tips into your babies' daily routine can significantly boost their immunity by supporting overall health and creating a strong foundation for their body's defenses, says Furman.
"Practices like daily massage and reflexology promote relaxation and reduce stress, which helps regulate the immune system, while probiotics and nutrient-rich foods such as sweet potatoes and avocados strengthen gut health, which is a critical component of immunity," she explains.
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101 Baby Hacks by Elina Furman
Quick & Easy Solutions for Almost Any Baby Issue
This is 101 Baby Hacks: Infant Massage & Natural Solutions to Help with Sleep, Colic, Gas, Teething, Congestion & More by Elina Furman. With a foreword by Manasa Mantravadi MD, this book is a helpful resource for parents, with easy, natural and quick solutions for almost any baby issue.
"In addition, fresh air and sunlight support healthy vitamin D levels, which are essential for immune function," Furman says, while maintaining clean play areas and practicing good hand hygiene both reduce your babies' exposure to harmful germs."
Beyond these measures, consistent routines that use white noise as part of a calming bedtime ritual encourage restful sleep, which is vital for immune restoration and growth.
Together, these tips create a balanced, nurturing environment that helps your babies to fight off illnesses and thrive.
What do you do to help your babies to build up their immunity? Have you tried any of these methods to help soothe your twins when they're feeling under the weather? Let us know in the Comments section below or connect with us on Instagram to share your thoughts!
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