Natural Immune Support for Babies in 2025

Dr. Leo Bennett
Jan 16, 2025
4 min read

By Dr. Leo Bennett, Child Development Advisor | Expert Advice Column | Childcare Standards Council

As we move through 2025, supporting infant health remains a top concern for many families, particularly when it comes to building strong, natural immunity. Parents are increasingly asking how they can support their baby’s immune system in gentle, science backed ways without relying solely on medication or supplements.

In this article, I’ll share what we know about natural immune support for babies today. This includes key factors such as nutrition, sleep, environment, and emotional wellbeing all supported by current research. The goal is not to "boost" immunity in unrealistic ways, but rather to help your baby's immune system develop as it should, safely and steadily.

Understanding Infant Immunity: A Delicate Start

Babies are born with immature immune systems. In the first few months of life, they rely heavily on passive immunity, mainly from maternal antibodies passed through the placenta and, if breastfeeding, through breast milk.

As babies grow, they gradually develop active immunity, learning to respond to new bacteria and viruses through safe exposure. A healthy, supported immune system becomes stronger over time and your baby’s everyday experiences can help this happen naturally.

Breastfeeding: The Natural Foundation

Breastfeeding remains the gold standard in early immune support. Breast milk contains:

Antibodies (especially secretory IgA)
White blood cells
Prebiotics (such as human milk oligosaccharides)
Anti inflammatory factors

These components work together to fight infections, support gut health, and shape the immune response. Even partial breastfeeding offers significant benefits. The NHS recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods thereafter.

For families who are formula feeding, many modern formulas in 2025 are fortified with prebiotics and nucleotides, which can help support gut and immune function, although they do not fully replicate the protective properties of breast milk.

The Role of Gut Health in Immune Support

Over 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. This makes the gut microbiome the community of microbes that live in the digestive tract essential for immune development.

To support gut health:

Introduce a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains and pulses during weaning
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics unless prescribed
Limit ultra processed foods as baby grows
Encourage exposure to natural environments for microbial diversity

Some parents consider probiotic supplements, particularly if their baby was born via caesarean section or received antibiotics early in life. While research is ongoing, certain strains (e.g., Bifidobacterium infantis) show promise. Speak to a GP or health visitor before introducing probiotics.

Sunshine and Vitamin D

Vitamin D is critical for healthy immune regulation. Babies in the UK often don’t get enough sun exposure to produce the necessary levels of vitamin D, particularly in the winter months.

Current NHS guidance recommends:

A daily supplement of 8.5 to 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D for all breastfed babies from birth
Formula fed babies who consume less than 500ml of formula per day should also take a supplement

Vitamin D helps regulate immune responses and may reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

Outdoor Play and Safe Exposure

Daily time outside helps babies:

Get fresh air and natural light
Experience mild, everyday microbes that support immune learning
Build a healthy circadian rhythm, which influences immune responses

There’s no need for sterility in everyday environments. Allowing your baby to play on clean grass, soil, or sand under supervision is a safe way to support natural immune development.

Balanced Hygiene: Not Too Much, Not Too Little

While handwashing remains crucial especially before feeding or after nappy changes it’s also important not to overuse antibacterial products.

Top hygiene tips for immune balance:

Use gentle, fragrance free soap
Avoid antibacterial hand gels for babies
Regularly clean, but don’t over sanitise toys
Let babies explore under supervision it’s part of how they learn about the world

Sleep and Immunity

Sleep is essential to immune function. During deep sleep, the body releases proteins called cytokines, which help fight infection and inflammation.

To support healthy sleep:

Establish a gentle, predictable bedtime routine
Keep the sleep space cool, dark and quiet
Watch for tired cues and respond early

Babies with regular, quality sleep are generally more resilient to colds and other infections.

Emotional Wellbeing and Immune Health

A secure, loving environment is a powerful immune support. Babies who experience responsive care tend to have lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which can otherwise suppress immune activity.

Ways to support emotional immunity include:

Skin to skin contact
Responsive feeding
Gentle, affectionate interaction
Consistent caregiving

These daily moments build secure attachment and help regulate both emotional and physical health.

What About Immune Boosting Foods or Products?

You may have seen teas, oils or supplements advertised for "boosting" baby’s immunity. The truth is, there is no magic product. A baby’s immune system needs time and gentle support not quick fixes.

Focus on:

Nutrient rich foods once weaning begins (iron, zinc, vitamin C, healthy fats)
Age appropriate exposure to the environment
A well rounded daily routine with play, sleep and comfort

Avoid giving supplements or herbal remedies without medical advice.

The Role of Vaccinations

While this post focuses on natural support, no immune strategy is complete without vaccinations. The UK immunisation schedule protects against serious illnesses like measles, meningitis, whooping cough, and more.

Vaccines work by safely training the immune system and are a vital part of lifelong health. Speak with your GP or health visitor if you have questions about your baby's vaccinations.