That's what maternity/paternity leave is supposed to be for. It doesn't stop after the first 6 months. The first few years, they will get infected by most germ

That's what maternity/paternity leave is supposed to be for. It doesn't stop after the first 6 months. The first few years, they will get infected by most germs passed around among kids in daycare. If you are unlucky, you get infected too. There are sometimes months (like our last month :p) where they get a cold or stomach flu three or four times in a month. Obviously, when they are sick, you can't bring them to daycare. Your own defences get weakened as well as a result sleep interruptions. So, we typically end up getting somewhat sick half of the time as well. I am happy that we are in Europe, where there is decent sick leave and insurance. (My wife and I both work.)