Borrowed Immunity: Why Babies Get Sick More Often After 6 Months and How to Support Their Immune System Naturally

n the early months of life, many babies rarely fall sick. But once they reach around 6 months, parents often notice a sudden change, including more sniffles, coughs, fevers, and daycare bugs.

So what changes?

The answer lies in something beautiful and powerful called borrowed immunity.

What Is Borrowed Immunity?

Borrowed immunity is the natural protection babies receive from their mothers’ antibodies during pregnancy and through breastmilk after birth. It acts as a temporary immune shield, helping protect babies while their own immune system is still learning to work.

During pregnancy, antibodies pass from mother to baby through the placenta. After birth, breastmilk continues to deliver immune factors, antibodies, and protective compounds that help defend babies against infections.

This temporary protection is known as passive immunity, commonly called borrowed immunity, because babies rely on their mother’s immune system before their own immune defences fully develop.

Research shows that maternal antibodies gradually decrease during the first year of life, with a noticeable change happening around the 6-month mark. As babies transition from relying on mum’s antibodies to building their own immune system, they naturally begin to get sick more often.

This stage is a completely normal part of immune development.

Why Do Babies Get Sick More Often After 6 Months?

At birth, babies have high levels of maternal IgG antibodies, which provide strong protection against many infections. Over time, these antibodies naturally decrease.

At the same time, babies become more active and curious. They start sitting, crawling, mouthing objects, trying solid foods, and interacting with more people and environments, especially if they attend infant care or playgroups.

Meanwhile, their immune system is still learning how to recognise germs, respond appropriately, and build long-term protection. This creates a natural immune learning phase where babies experience more frequent illnesses, not because their immunity is weak, but because their immune system is actively training and developing.

This period helps strengthen immune memory and build long-term resilience.

The Role of Breastmilk in Supporting Baby’s Immunity

Even after 6 months, breastmilk continues to play an important role in immune health. It provides immune-supporting components such as secretory IgA antibodies, lactoferrin, immune cells, and prebiotics that support healthy gut bacteria.

These elements help protect the gut lining, regulate inflammation, and guide immune development, which is why continued breastfeeding remains beneficial well beyond infancy.

Gentle Immune and Antioxidant Support During This Stage

During this immune learning phase, gentle immune and antioxidant support can be helpful, especially during periods of higher exposure such as daycare, travel, or seasonal illness waves.

One of the most well-studied natural ingredients for immune support is elderberry.

Elderberry contains natural antioxidants called anthocyanins that help slow down how quickly viruses spread, giving the immune system more time to recognise, respond, and clear them. This supports the body’s natural defences and helps reduce immune stress.

Studies show elderberry provides antiviral, antioxidant, and immune-supporting benefits, making it a gentle and natural option for babies during times of increased immune demand.

Why Slowing Germs Matters for Baby’s Immune System

When viruses enter the body, they replicate quickly. By slowing down how fast germs multiply, elderberry gives immune cells more time to react effectively.

This helps reduce how overwhelmed the immune system becomes, supports smoother recovery, and allows babies’ developing immune systems to respond more efficiently. While it does not prevent illness entirely, it supports healthier immune responses during this important learning stage.

How to Support Baby’s Immune System After 6 Months

Supporting immune development during this stage focuses on creating a strong foundation. This includes nutritious feeding, healthy gut bacteria, quality sleep, gentle immune and antioxidant support, and safe exposure to everyday microbes.

Together, these help build long-term immune resilience, not just short-term protection.

How Legendairy Milk Elderberry Drops Support Baby’s Immunity

Legendairy Milk Elderberry Drops are formulated to provide gentle immune and antioxidant support for babies during this immune learning phase.

They contain carefully sourced elderberry extract to help support immune system development, antioxidant protection, and natural viral defence mechanisms.

They are especially helpful during daycare transitions, travel, seasonal bug waves, and periods of increased exposure, offering parents an easy way to support their baby’s growing immune system.

Final Thoughts

If your baby starts getting sick more often after 6 months, it does not mean their immunity is weak. It means their immune system is learning, adapting, and becoming stronger.

This phase is natural, temporary, and incredibly important for building lifelong immune resilience. With gentle immune support, good nutrition, and plenty of cuddles, your little one is building the foundation for a strong and healthy future.