Why does my child keep getting sick at daycare?

It’s very common for children to get sick more often when they start daycare. The main reasons are:

• Lots of exposure: Daycare brings many children together, so viruses spread easily.
• Immature immune system: Young children are still building immunity to many common germs.
• Close contact and shared items: Toys, surfaces, snacks, and nap areas make transmission easier.
• Hard-to-maintain hygiene: Toddlers can’t consistently wash hands well or cover coughs reliably.

In many children, this means frequent colds and other viral illnesses during the first year or two of daycare. That pattern often improves over time as they get exposed to more common viruses and build immunity.

How often? There isn’t one exact number that fits every child, but frequent respiratory infections are common in group childcare. Most of these illnesses are viral, and many clear on their own within about a week to 10 days.

How to help reduce illnesses:

• Encourage handwashing with soap and water, especially after daycare and before eating.
• Keep vaccinations up to date, including flu and COVID vaccines when age-appropriate.
• Make sure they get enough sleep, nutritious food, and fluids.
• Ask the daycare about their cleaning practices, sick-child policy, and hand hygiene routines.

When to call the pediatrician:
Most daycare colds get better on their own, but get medical advice if your child has:

• trouble breathing or wheezing
• dehydration signs, like fewer wet diapers or very dry mouth
• a fever in an infant under 3 months
• fever lasting more than a few days
• ear pain, severe fussiness, or symptoms that keep getting worse