With more and more children in daycare settings than ever before, how can we keep our children healthy? Not only are toys, blankets and cups shared, but also germs. What are the most serious childhood illnesses parents need to worry about?

"Children in daycare are certainly at higher risk for contagious diseases than a child cared for in his own home," says Cathy Giessel, a nurse practitioner and member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners and the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. "However, there is some evidence to suggest that the frequent colds children get while in childcare may offer some protection against asthma and allergies in the future." Giessel says this theory is known as the Hygiene Hypothesis.

Another benefit of more frequent colds in childcare during early life is the child may have less colds when he starts kindergarten, she says. And remember the dangers of secondhand smoke. "Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke from tobacco are at greater risk for colds, bronchitis and asthma," says Giessel. "Be sure others do not smoke around your child."

Giessel says communication with your childcare provider is a vital factor to your child's health. "Your childcare provider should communicate with you daily about changes in your child's health that may be of importance," she says. "A childcare provider who will pick up the phone to let you know about fever or serious accidents is crucial. You should feel comfortable to drop by the childcare setting at any time to check on your child."

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