Did you know that exposing your little one to certain elements might actually reduce their chances of developing asthma, wheezing, and allergies later in life? Here’s a rundown of what you might want to consider:
- Cat dander
- Cockroach droppings
- Mice
- …and other interesting bacteria and allergens!
Sounds strange, right? But researchers from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center tracked 467 urban newborns over three years and discovered that a wider variety of bacteria in the home correlated with a higher likelihood of kids being allergy-free. In fact, they found that 41% of children who didn’t have allergies or wheezing grew up in homes that were a bit more on the “lived in” side. In contrast, only 8% of those with allergies or asthma had been exposed to these allergens during their first year.
Now, that’s the catch—you need to introduce these things in the first year. So, don’t rush to hang out on the subway just yet. Babies’ immune systems are particularly malleable during this time, and exposure to bacteria and certain allergens can help foster tolerance, which acts as a form of protection. But if they haven’t encountered these things by their first birthday, then it’s just dirt and germs.
While we’re not advocating for a total disregard of cleanliness, it’s worth noting that you don’t have to scrub every surface obsessively. A little mess can actually help your baby build resilience!
What do you think? Do you keep your home sparkling clean for your little one?
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In summary, exposing your baby to certain allergens and bacteria in their first year may help prevent allergies and asthma down the road. A little mess can be a good thing!
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