Healthy habits begin at a young age. During a child's formative years, parents should establish consistent routines that promote wellness. From seeing a pediatrician regularly to eating well, here’s how to ensure that your little ones grow healthy and strong.

How to Keep Your Children Healthy

1. Encourage Physical Activity

Limit screen time so that your kids aren’t bound to their electronic devices. Treat playtime as a fun experience by taking them to the park, introducing them to new sports and games, and setting up play dates with friends. 

The more physical activity they get, the more they’ll appreciate spending time outside, getting fresh air, and breaking a sweat. Exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase the chance of living longer. 

2. Read Nutrition Labels

Check labels closely for information about serving sizes, saturated fats, sugar, and calories. Avoid highly sweetened products that could cause cavities; save the extra sweet treats for special occasions. 

Pediatricians recommend starting children early with healthy eating habits by incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and water in their diet.  Having your kids help buy groceries and prepare meals can teach them how to make healthy choices and try new foods. 

3. Prioritize Proper Sleep

Bedtime is an important part of a child’s routine. Set a consistent time so that your child knows exactly when it’s time to put the tablet away, turn off the television, or stop playing with toys. 

Make sure their room is quiet and comfortable. If your child has trouble falling asleep, consult a pediatrician. The culprit could be as simple as consuming too much sugar or not getting enough physical activity during the day.

4. Wash Hands Regularly

Kids don’t realize how often they come into contact with germs, so parents should take the lead and encourage their children to wash their hands often. They should always wash with soap and hot water when coming in from outside, after using the bathroom, before eating meals, after sneezing or coughing, and after playing with pets.

Parents throughout Atlanta, GA, trust in the caring and experienced pediatricians at Walton Family Medicine PC. The family medicine practitioners offer a variety of comprehensive services for patients of all ages, including wellness exams and treatment for acute and chronic conditions. Visit the website to learn more about how they can help your child, or call (770) 267-7093 to schedule an appointment with a doctor.