First thing being a parent you can do is to stay calm. Do not panic. Be a role model. Children will react to and follow your reactions. They learn from your example. You should address the questions and stress that the virus might arouse among children.

To keep the Children safe and away from the infection, Below detailed point may help;

1. Children should be kept away from the crowd. Do not bring them into contact with people who are sick.
2. Teach them to wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
3. Teach them to cough and sneeze into their elbow and keep their hands off their face. Do breathing exercises with your children.
4. The surfaces that children often touch should be disinfected.
5. Work on positive mindset, remind your child that your family is healthy, and you are going to do everything within your power to keep loved ones safe and well.
6. Explain social distancing. Children probably don’t fully understand why parents aren’t allowing them to be with friends. Why they are not going to school. Tell your child that your family is following the guidelines of the government. If you must go out of the house, wear a cloth face covering or face mask and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) of distance between you and other people, to stay away from CORONA virus, or they will fall ill.
7. Establish and maintain a daily routine. Keeping a regular schedule provides a sense of control, predictability, calm, and well-being. Make it as fun as possible. Do family projects. Organize belongings, create masterpieces. Sing, laugh, and go outside, if possible, to connect with nature and get needed exercise. Allow older children to connect with their friends virtually.
8. Build the immune system. Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly; this will help them develop a robust immune system to fight off illness.

Immunity refers to the ability to cope with external impact of changes and protect the body. Our bodies are specially developed for fighting off infections and hence preventing illnesses. But it gets easily impacted due to lack of nutrition, proper sleep and stress and anxiety. Refer to the list of foods to include in the diet:

1. Leafy and Root Vegetables: Leafy vegetables are loaded with nutrients and micro nutrients such as Vitamins A, C & K, calcium, iron, etc. They are also rich in antioxidants which are essential for a healthy immune system. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, beetroots, yam, and potatoes are immune strengthening and work specific to the respiratory system. As they are grown underground they are rich in soluble and insoluble fibre. This helps to build the gut health.
2. Garlic, Onions, and Ginger: To make fresh pastes out of garlic and ginger instead of opting for store bought pastes. Garlic, onion and ginger aid digestion and keep gastritis at bay and also enhances heart health.
3. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, limes and guavas have a good amount of Vitamin C which helps boost immunity. Citrus fruits help the body to absorb the nutrients like iron and support the immune system to grow strong.
4. Pulses and lentils are rich in protein, fiber, folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium. They are good to get protein, which is essential for all body systems including the immune system.
5. Nuts and seeds are rich in Vitamin E which is an important antioxidant and immune booster. If you have trouble feeding nuts and seeds to babies and young children, you can try making Dry Fruits Powder at home.
6. Everyday usage of Turmeric, and other spices and local herbs, can boost the immunity. Curd has ‘good bacteria’ or probiotics which maintain the gut ecosystem.

Some kids/ babies might be allergic to few foods. Kindly consult with your doctor / pediatrician and follow the guidance accordingly. Above information is for general reference only.