Why Does My Child Catch Every Bug from Their Centre?

Gabby
Jul 9
4 min read

If it feels like your child has caught every cold, cough, and bug since starting at Te Ōki—you’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not alone. Many families experience this surge in sickness, especially during the first year in early learning. For most children, these frequent illnesses are part of the normal process of developing a stronger immune system. But we know that for some families, sickness isn’t just inconvenient—it can be distressing or even risky, especially for children with underlying health conditions. In this blog, we’ll explore what’s happening, why group care can lead to more bugs, and what we’re doing at Te Ōki to reduce the spread and support your child’s wellbeing. We’ll also share some practical ways you can help at home.

The Immune System: Learning Through Exposure

Children are born with an immature immune system that gradually strengthens over time—especially through regular, low-level exposure to viruses and bacteria. As children come into contact with everyday germs, their bodies learn how to respond. This is how the immune system develops a kind of “memory,” helping children get sick less often as they grow older.

According to paediatric research, the first 12–24 months of attending early childhood education (ECE) often come with more frequent illnesses—sometimes up to 8–12 mild infections per year (Starship Children’s Health, 2022). While this can be exhausting for families, it is generally considered a typical part of early development.

Why Illness Spreads in ECE Settings

Young children love to explore the world through touch, movement, and closeness. This is how they learn—but it also means they’re in constant contact with shared toys, surfaces, and each other. Combine that with developing hygiene habits and the natural need for close connection, and you’ve got a perfect environment for sharing not just joy, but germs too.

It’s also important to remember that children come from families who are active in the wider community—working, shopping, attending events—and every day, a whole range of microbes make their way into our shared spaces. When those microbes meet 20–40 little immune systems in one place, it’s natural that some bugs will be passed around.

Winter adds another layer of challenge. Colder temperatures, more time indoors, and the survival rate of viruses on surfaces all contribute to the seasonal spike in illness.

What to Expect in the First Year

It’s completely normal to see a rise in your child’s sick days during their first year in ECE. You might notice:

More frequent runny noses or coughs
Increased tiredness
Minor bugs passing through quickly—then coming back again!

This doesn’t mean they’re not thriving. In fact, their immune system is working hard behind the scenes to learn and adapt. As they grow, you’ll likely notice their body bouncing back more quickly and getting sick less often.

What We Do at Te Ōki to Keep Everyone Safe

At Te Ōki Early Learning, we take our health and safety responsibilities seriously. Our procedures are guided by:

Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centres (2008)
Nga Kupu Oranga – Infectious Diseases guidelines (Ministry of Health)
Health and Safety at Work Act (2015)
Current public health guidance from the Ministry of Health

Here are some of the things we do to reduce the spread of illness:

✅ Sick Child Policy: Children with vomiting, diarrhoea, high fevers, or other concerning symptoms are sent home and must stay home until they’re fully well

✅ Illness Register & Monitoring: We track sickness patterns and communicate with families about outbreaks.

✅ Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing is embedded into our routines, and high-touch surfaces and shared toys are cleaned frequently.

✅ Covid Protocols: We follow Ministry guidelines around managing Covid-19 and similar illnesses, staying in close communication with whānau.

✅ Exclusion Periods: We follow best-practice exclusion periods—for example, children must be symptom-free for 48 hours after vomiting or diarrhoea before returning.

✅ Cautious Re-entry: We err on the side of caution to protect everyone, especially during winter and for our most vulnerable children.

How You Can Help

Working together with whānau is key to keeping our community healthy. Here are a few ways you can support your child and the wider centre:

Keep sick children home until they are symptom-free and fully recovered.
Check for signs of illness each morning before drop-off—especially in winter.
Keep us informed via Kebudel or a quick call if your child is unwell or if someone in your household has tested positive for Covid or another contagious illness.
Share wellness tips with your child—teach them about tissues, handwashing, and catching coughs in their elbow.
Boost their overall wellbeing with good sleep, a healthy diet, fresh air, and downtime when needed.
Winter supplements - for an extra boost you could try a child safe immunity vitamin, just ask your friendly pharmacist for advice.

If your child has been unusually unsettled due to sickness, please know our kaiako are here to help. We often send reassuring updates via Kebudel or text, and we’re always happy to chat on the phone if you need extra support or have concerns.

Final thoughts

Getting sick more often when starting ECE is a normal part of growing up—but that doesn’t make it easy! At Te Ōki, we’re committed to creating a safe, clean, and nurturing environment, while working in partnership with whānau to protect each child’s wellbeing. With patience, connection, and care, children build strong immune systems—and a strong sense of belonging too.