Immunity is important for a newborn because it helps protect against what?

Immunity is crucial for a newborn as it provides protection against infections and diseases. At birth, a baby has an immature immune system that is not fully developed, making it vulnerable to pathogens that can cause serious health complications. This protection comes primarily from antibodies transferred from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which help the infant ward off infections in their early months.

The immune system plays a vital role in recognizing and responding to harmful microorganisms, thus decreasing the risk of illnesses that can be particularly severe for infants. While stress, nutritional deficiencies, and physical development are important factors in overall health and well-being, they do not directly correlate with the immediate protective function of immunity against pathogens that newborns face early in life.