As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
As parents, we always worry about our babies getting sick. Should we expose them to germs to build their immune systems? Or should we practice really good hygiene to keep the germs away? It all depends on your child’s age.
Children’s Immune Systems
Kids LOVE getting dirty, and that’s okay! Once upon a time, it was believed that good hygiene is what kept kids from developing allergies and getting sick. In more recent years, there have been many studies that have proved otherwise.
According to WebMD, exposing infants and young kids to germs will offer them more protection against autoimmune diseases, asthma and allergies later on in life. So let them explore around the house and outdoors, and let them do what they do best — get dirty!
The Newborn Immune System
Newborns, on the other hand, do not have developed immune systems. According to Cleveland Clinic, it takes about 2 months for their immune systems to mature and be able to fight off viruses. The good news is that newborns do get some protection from their mother’s immune system, as well as breast feeding.
How To Keep Your Baby Safe
To be on the safe side, it’s best to take extra precautions until your baby is 3 months old. Then, you can go ahead and relax a little!
Limit Visitors
Of course, everyone wants to see the new baby! However, limiting visitors to your closest family and friends is a good idea. Make sure they wash their hands well before touching your baby. And of course, postpone their visit if they are feeling sick.
Practice Good Hygiene
Keeping hands clean is so important! Of course, you should only handle your baby with clean hands. But don’t forget to keep your baby’s hands clean too, because they go straight to into their mouth!
Wiping down surface areas is often is important as well! Focus on areas that your baby is always touching, and that are prone to germs, like your changing tray.
Keep Up With Vaccines
I know this can be a touchy subject, but vaccines will protect your baby from things like whooping cough, which can be life-threatening for infants under 6 months, as well as other infections and diseases.
So, to sum it all up, you can’t be too careful or over hygienic with your newborn. Protect them as much as you can in their first few months of life. Once your baby is a little older, exposing them to everyday germs is generally a good thing. Don’t keep them in a sterile environment…let them play outside and get dirty!
As always, sharing is caring! Please click on the buttons below to share this post with your friends!
