Day care sickness is totally normal

When you have a toddler in day care, it may seem like they’re always sick. The only time your child doesn’t have a cold is when they have a stomach bug.

Page last updated on: 3/10/25

You’re not imagining it, and you are not alone. Kids are more prone to contagious illness, and preschools and day cares are a perfect environment for them to pass germs around. But there is good news. Most of these illnesses are minor and normal, and can even have some benefits later in life.

In this article: 

Why is my child getting sick so often?

There are a few reasons kids get sick frequently in their first years outside the home:

  • New groups mean new germs being introduced. The more children your toddler interacts with, the more germs from different environments they’re exposed to.
  • Toddlers are messy. Kids this age are still exploring their world by touch, crawling and putting toys and hands in their mouth
  • Hygiene is still a work in process for this age group. Kids often don’t cover their mouths when they cough, or wash their hands well.
  • Young children have young immune systems too. Many of the germs they’re being exposed to (while common) are new to their bodies’ defenses. The body isn’t as familiar with the viruses and bacteria it’s coming into contact with, so it’s less able to fight them off.
  • Little bodies feel illnesses differently. Smaller airways, nasal passages and tear ducts are blocked more by less congestion than adult counterparts. Kids also get fevers and dehydration more than adults.
  • Toddlers aren’t always able to communicate that they’re sick. That means they might be more demonstratively ill and need attention. It can also mean they can’t tell you if symptoms are mild, leading them to go out when unwell and spread germs.

Not to worry! The good news is that all these illnesses are actually helping your child’s ability to fight them off. Your child’s immune system is being introduced to new germs and learning how to fight off infections. Exposure now means they’re more equipped to fight off illness later.

What should you expect from “day care disease?” 

It’s hard to know what’s “normal” when getting sick is abnormal in itself.  And any time your loved one is ill, it’s hard not to worry. Here’s what to expect:

  • Kids are more likely to get sick during colder months. In late fall and winter, expect more sick days.
  • If other kids are getting sick, it’s normal for it to spread through the class.
  • Back-to-back illnesses. Kids can recover from a stomach “bug” only to get a cold immediately after.
  • Preschool aged children can get ten or more respiratory infections in a year1 and can last up to ten days2.
  • Minor illnesses like colds, headaches, a slight cough or congestion don’t have to keep kids out of school.

Every child is different, so monitor their health and trust your intuition. If you think there’s a problem, even with “normal” illnesses, call your child’s doctor.

When should I keep them home?

Watch out for signs your toddler might need to stay home from day care and see a doctor:

  • Irritation or fatigue, decreased appetite
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Mouth sores that cause drooling (a common symptom of hand, foot and mouth disease)
  • A confirmed case of a communicable infection like:
    • COVID-19
    • Influenza (flu)
    • Strep throat before treatment is started

Be attentive to how your child is acting. If they don’t have any of the symptoms above, and are acting normally, they can probably go to day care. Always contact your child’s healthcare provider first if you’re unsure, if they’re not getting better or their illness seems to be getting worse. 

When does “day care disease” become cause for concern?

Listen to your intuition. If your child is sick more often than their peers, or doesn’t get better as quickly, call your child’s pediatrician for the best guidance. Watch out for signs of longer term issues like:

  • Frequent infections (four or more ear infections in a year, or two or more episodes of pneumonia or other serious infections).
  • Infections that don’t improve with multiple courses of antibiotics.
  • Thrush that keeps coming back.
  • Poor weight gain or growth.

These can be signs of an underlying condition. If your child does have allergies, a chronic medical condition or immune system problems, it’s important to treat them early.

What can I do to stop them getting sick so often?

There are some easy at-home practices you can do to create a clean and safe environment for your toddler. Here’s what you can do to help:

  • Follow your pediatrician’s vaccination schedule. Getting protection against the most serious childhood infections on the right timeline is important to cover them against illnesses that could cause serious harm.
  • Eat well. Plant-based foods like whole grains, fruit and vegetables are important to support a healthy immune system.
  • Sleep well. A well-rested toddler isn’t just more pleasant to be around, sleep also helps support their immune system.
  • Teach hygiene early. Make hand-washing a part of their bathroom and eating routine, and encourage them to sanitize their hands throughout the day.
  • Learn your day care’s policies for cleaning and disinfecting toys and surfaces. Communicate with them about illnesses that may be going through the center.

As your child gets older and their immune system gets used to fighting germs, day care illnesses will become less frequent. They should get sick less often and have less severe symptoms as they age. For now, trust your gut and know that you’re helping them build a strong immune system.

1 https://publications.aap.org/patiented/article-abstract/doi/10.1542/ppe_document087/338/Upper-Respiratory-Infection-Common-Cold-Child-Care

2 https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/cough-in-children