Why Preschoolers Get Sick So Often
By First Cubby Editorial · Updated 2026-07-09
Preschoolers get sick a lot — commonly around 6 to 10 colds a year — because their immune systems are still developing and group settings share germs. It’s normal, usually peaks in the first year of care, and each mild illness helps build immunity. The frequency eases as your child gets older.
Why it happens
Two things combine: a young immune system that’s still “meeting” common viruses for the first time, and a group setting where hands, toys, and close play spread germs fast. There are hundreds of cold viruses, so catching one after another is expected, not a red flag.
What’s normal vs. when to call the doctor
A string of mild colds — runny nose, cough, low fever — is typical. Call your pediatrician for a high or persistent fever, trouble breathing, signs of dehydration, ear pain, or a child who seems very unwell or isn’t bouncing back. Always follow your school’s illness policy for when to stay home (usually fever, vomiting, or diarrhea).
How to cut down on sick days
- Handwashing — the single biggest lever, at pickup, before eating, and after nose-wiping.
- Keep sick kids home — it protects the whole class and speeds recovery.
- Sleep and good food — rest and nutrition support a developing immune system.
- Stay up to date on vaccines, including the annual flu shot, per your pediatrician.
It gets better
The first year in care is usually the sickest. As immunity builds, the colds get fewer. See preparing your child for group care and what to pack.
This is general guidance, not medical advice. For fevers, breathing trouble, dehydration, or a child who seems very unwell, contact your pediatrician.
Frequently asked questions
How many colds a year is normal for a preschooler?
Young children commonly get around 6 to 10 colds a year, and even more in their first year of group care. Each illness is usually mild and helps build immunity. Frequent colds alone, without warning signs, are typically normal at this age.
Why is my child always sick since starting preschool?
Two reasons: their immune system is still learning, and group care means lots of shared germs from hands, toys, and close play. The first year in care is usually the sickest; it improves as immunity builds.
Does daycare or preschool make kids sick more?
Children in group care do catch more colds early on, but they also build immunity earlier — studies suggest they tend to get sick less later, in the early school years. The overall load evens out over time.
When should I keep my child home or call the doctor?
Follow your school’s illness policy — generally keep kids home for fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or when they’re too unwell to participate. Call your pediatrician for a high or persistent fever, trouble breathing, dehydration, or a child who seems very unwell.
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