The first day of school is right around the corner and our household is so excited. We have scouted book bags, lunch boxes, and loads of new outfits. The one thing I am not looking forward to is the germs and sickness that comes with the start of any year. This will be our third back to school and I am determined to have a healthy one!
To set my daughter Peyton up for healthy success here are my top 5 back to school tips:
#1 Start your child off right with a hearty breakfast
Begin the day with something that will fill them up and give them good energy for the day. Steel cut oatmeal with fresh fruit is a pretty common occurrence around here. To cut down on prep time I like to pre-make enough for the week then just heat it up in the morning and throw some fruit on top.
#2 Send your kids off with their own water bottle
Now I’m not typically a germaphobe, but can you imagine how many germs are on a water fountain? I like to send my girl with her own water bottle so that she has access to water at anytime without touching something that every other kid has touched. She also doesn’t disrupt class to get up and get a drink. I like to send her Nalgene Grip-N-Gulp since it is has a germ sleeve. This handy cover on her water bottle helps keeps the spout clean as she carries in the side pocket of her backpack.
#3 Pack a healthy lunch
I am really lucky that my girl likes to eat her veggies. I frequently pack veggies and hummus in her bento box. Add in some a ham sandwich, some string cheese and she is set. Peyton typically uses her water bottle for lunch since we don’t do sugary drinks. Sometimes I like to send some milk with her and I can rest easy that the Grip-N-Gulp won’t leak. I also love that these bottles are BPA free and super tough. If it falls onto the ground this bottle isn’t cracking or breaking. 
#4 Wash your hands as soon as you get home
I have found that one way to combat illness is to make sure we make a hand washing stop as soon as we get in the door. This keeps the germs at bay and not all over the toys and surfaces at home. I also make sure to wash their water bottle from the day and have a new one filled up and ready in the fridge for their afternoon. I keep this right beside lots of cut up veggies for Peyton to easily grab for a snack. These bottles are super easy to clean – the grip and gulps only have 3 pieces and the 16oz bottles just have two. Both completely come apart for the dishwasher.
#5 Get your kids moving!
I find that active children are often the most healthy. When you keep your body moving and in shape, it is ready to fight off those colds and stomach bugs that inevitably circulate the classroom. I try to get my kids out in the backyard or on the playground as much as possible. While we are out I make sure to keep them hydrated. These 16oz bottles are perfect and are available in a ton of new colors from cerulean to clementine. They come in wide and narrow mouth so your kids can pick their favorite.
Bonus tip: Keep yourself healthy and hydrated
We all have lots to do to make sure the kids get where the need to be on time. Sit down and enjoy breakfast with the kids to start your day off right, and connect with the littles. I also keep my own water bottle in the car and in my bag at all times. This one is my favorite because of the narrow mouth on it. Remember mamas, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
What are your best tips for staying healthy during back to school season?
Disclosure: This post is sponsored and samples were received. All opinions are my own.
