Parents and moms especially are obsessed with making sure their kids are not exposed to germs. But is this really a good thing? Do you really need to make a bubble around your kid, and Isolate him completely?
Well, not really.
Jack Gilbert was overwhelmed with advice when he became a father. People were constantly telling him how to take care for his child, how often he should sterilize his pacifier or when to give him antibiotics.
Gilbert is a scientist who studies microbial ecosystems at the University of Chicago. He decided to find out more about the risks involved when kids come in contact with germs.
“It turned out that most of the exposures were actually beneficial,” Gilbert says. “So that dirty pacifier that fell on the floor — if you just stick it in your mouth and lick it, and then pop it back in little Tommy’s mouth, it’s actually going to stimulate their immune system. Their immune system’s going to become stronger because of it.”
Jack Gilbert is the co-author of a new book called Dirt is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System.
The short interview you’re about to see below answers many of the questions Gilbert has received from parents over the years.
Hand sanitizer? Good or bad?
“Usually bad. Hot, soapy water is fine. Even mildly warm, soapy water is fine, and it’s probably less damaging to the child’s overall health.”
What are some things that parents get wrong?
“Some of the main things are over-sterilizing their environment, keeping their children from ever getting dirty. So going out into the backyard and playing in the mud, and then as soon as they’re filthy, bringing them in and sterilizing their hands with antiseptic wipes, and then making sure that none of the dirt gets near their faces. Also, keeping them away from animals.”
“The dogs and cats, sure, but also, other animals. It’s fine to wash their hands if there’s a cold or a flu virus around, but if they’re interacting with a dog, and the dog licks their face, that’s not a bad thing. In fact that could be extremely beneficial for the child’s health.”
Wash a pacifier or lick it if it falls on the ground?
“Lick it. A study of over 300,000 children showed that parents who licked the pacifier and put it back in — their kids developed less allergies, less asthma, less eczema. Overall, their health was stronger and more robust.”
What should I allow my child to do?
“Oftentimes, it’s hard to get your kid to eat a healthy diet. I would strongly try to encourage the consumption of more colorful vegetables, more leafy vegetables, a diet more rich in fiber as well as reducing the sugar intake.”
“But just generally, allow your kid to experience the world. As long as they’re properly vaccinated, there’s no threat, and they will actually get a stronger, more beneficial exposure.”
