Remember to get your child to thoroughly wash his hands with soap and warm water after playing, going to the toilet and before meals. When hands are kept clean, germs lose their favourite way to travel, so this will greatly cut down the chances of passing on, or picking up, infections.

If getting your child to wash her hands frequently proves difficult, buy her a fun foaming handwash designed specially for children, or use an alcohol-free hand sanitiser. A little dab or squirt from a sanitiser will kill 99% of germs without any soap, water or towels, so it’s great if you’re out and about. What’s more, kids think it’s a treat to use – more fun than washing hands!

Cold viruses spread quickly and easily among children. Use paper tissues to wipe their noses and remember to put used tissues in the bin immediately and not to leave them lying around. With very young children, try to avoid contact with other infected children and teach older kids how to cover their faces with their elbows or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Eating fruit and vegetables every day may help support a healthy immune system. But if your little one doesn’t like eating fruit, make it more fun by giving him a rainbow of colours every day such as purple plums, blue blueberries, red tomatoes, green broccoli, yellow sweetcorn and orange carrots.

If your child is between six months and five years old and is a very fussy eater, she may need extra vitamins in the form of a child’s multivitamin supplement. If you are not sure whether she would benefit, ask your health visitor or GP for further advice.

Ensure your kids drink enough water every day to stop them getting dehydrated and to help keep their body’s defences working well. Try to avoid giving them fizzy drinks and fruit squashes that are very high in added sugar.

Ask your child to warn you as soon as he gets a sore or scratchy throat, as this is often the first symptom of a cold. Offer your child plenty of water and diluted fruit juice, such as apple or cranberry.

Make sure your children get enough sleep (even if they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Father Christmas). Sleep helps their little bodies to recover from the previous day and a lack of sleep can increase their vulnerability to infection. Make sure your child’s bedroom is well ventilated but warm. Plants can be excellent air purifiers, but do check your child is not allergic to the one you choose.

Keep your kids active. Even if it is cold outdoors, staying inside all the time can be very unhealthy for children, so get yours out into the fresh air whenever possible. A moderate amount of regular exercise will help to boost their immune systems.

When sending children off to school or out to play, make sure they're dressed appropriately for the winter weather in layers that are wind- and waterproof. If possible, opt for wool instead of cotton, as this is an excellent insulator. Wool also helps children stay drier and warmer than cotton, which is quick to absorb water.