A newborn’s immune system is still developing, making them more vulnerable to illness. Since they don’t receive full protection from vaccinations until later, parents play a key role in reducing their exposure to germs.
This guide will cover:
✔️ How a newborn’s immune system works
✔️ Ways to protect your baby from illness
✔️ Signs of sickness & when to call the doctor
How Strong Is a Newborn’s Immune System?
At birth, babies have some passive immunity from their mother, but it’s temporary. They rely on breast milk, vaccines, and environmental exposure to build stronger immunity over time.
📌 Newborn Immune System Facts:
✔️ Antibodies from the placenta protect baby for the first few months.
✔️ Breastfed babies receive extra antibodies through colostrum and breast milk.
✔️ By 6 months, babies start producing more of their own immune defenses.
💡 Related Post: Newborn Feeding: How Often & How Much Should Your Baby Eat? (Breast milk can provide extra immune support!)
How to Protect Your Newborn From Illness
Newborns are more susceptible to infections, but you can reduce their risk with simple precautions.
1. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
✔️ Wash hands before touching baby—especially after being in public.
✔️ Encourage visitors to wash hands or use sanitizer.
2. Limit Contact with Sick People
✔️ Avoid crowded places during flu season.
✔️ Politely ask visitors not to come if they’re sick.
3. Keep Baby’s Environment Clean
✔️ Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, phones, pacifiers).
✔️ Wash baby’s clothes and blankets regularly.
4. Follow Safe Sleep Practices
✔️ Place baby on their back to reduce the risk of infections and SIDS.
✔️ Keep the room at a comfortable temperature to prevent overheating.
💡 Related Post: Co-Sleeping: The Controversy & What the Research Actually Says
5. Consider Breastfeeding (If Possible)
✔️ Breast milk contains protective antibodies that boost immunity.
✔️ Even partial breastfeeding provides benefits.
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re formula-feeding, you can still support immunity with good hygiene and ensuring baby gets enough sleep.
When to Call the Pediatrician
🚩 Signs of Illness in a Newborn:
❌ Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (call the doctor immediately)
❌ Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
❌ Extreme lethargy (baby is hard to wake)
❌ Refusing to eat for multiple feedings
❌ Fewer than 6 wet diapers per day
📌 Pro Tip: A fever in a baby under 3 months old is always an emergency—seek medical care right away.
💡 Related Post: Newborn Poop: What’s Normal & When to Worry (Digestive issues can also signal illness.)
Birthify’s Expert Support for New Parents
💛 Worried about protecting your baby from illness? Not sure when to call the doctor? Birthify’s newborn specialists provide real-time guidance so you can keep your baby healthy with confidence.
👉 Join Birthify today and get expert-led newborn support! Sign up here