It’s often said with a chuckle that kids should be allowed to get dirty, but science backs this up more than we might think. Research indicates that children exposed to various germs and allergens tend to be healthier than their overly sanitized counterparts. For those of us who mop the floors less frequently than we’d care to admit, this news is quite the relief.
In the enlightening book “Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Your Child from an Oversanitized World,” authors and microbiologists, Alex Rivers and Sam Carter, present compelling evidence that parents don’t need to obsessively sanitize every aspect of their children’s lives. In fact, they argue, striving for a pristine environment could be counterproductive. Through a plethora of scientific studies and their innovative research, Rivers and Carter explain how early exposure to beneficial microbes and allergens is vital for a child’s immunity.
Surprising Recommendations
Among their surprising recommendations is getting a dog. Yes, you read that right! A furry friend can introduce delightful dirt into your home, which, according to Rivers and Carter, is a good thing. They even suggest letting your pup slobber on your little ones for that germy goodness. Of course, if allergies are a concern, that’s a different story, but for many, a canine companion could be a boon for health.
When it comes to introducing allergenic foods to babies, they advise against waiting. Instead, they recommend offering peanuts, soy, and shellfish between four and seven months. This goes against the traditional guidelines many parents have followed, but research suggests that delaying these foods might actually increase the risk of allergies. Rivers and Carter also mention that the rise in food allergies might stem from children being “microbially deprived,” preventing their immune systems from developing properly.
Minimizing Antibiotic Use
The authors advocate for minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use and assure parents that they needn’t stress over germ exposure. In fact, they reference a Swedish study showing that babies whose parents clean pacifiers with their mouths have fewer allergies compared to those rinsed with tap water. So, it seems that a relaxed attitude towards germs could be beneficial for both kids and our sanity.
As a parent, I find myself on the more laid-back side of the germ spectrum. Sure, I steer my kids clear of truly disgusting things (like animal poop), but when it comes to dirt? I let them enjoy some cake—dirt cake, that is! I’ve never been the hand sanitizer mom, and now I don’t feel guilty about my relaxed approach.
Of course, handwashing is still important—after using the bathroom, before meals, or after being in a germy place like a doctor’s office or crowded subway. And let’s not forget: plain soap and water are perfectly adequate—antibacterial soaps are really only necessary in hospitals.
It’s refreshing when science gives us a break and eases some of our parental anxieties. Because, let’s be real, we already have enough to worry about. For more insights into this topic, check out our other blog post on terms and conditions and visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Additionally, for further reading on insemination methods, see this excellent resource from the Cleveland Clinic.
Summary
Embracing a bit of dirt and germs can actually be beneficial for kids’ health. Scientific evidence suggests that exposure to microbes and allergens helps build stronger immune systems, reducing the risk of allergies and other health issues. So let kids get messy—it might just be what they need to thrive.