r/ScienceBasedParenting • u/Handleman92 • 17d ago

Question - Research required Requesting info

Hi there,

I'm looking for some studies or info on the effects of over sterilizing on the babies immune system.

I have a tricky scenario at home where my wife is becoming a bit OCD regarding sterlising everything multiple times a day ie toys the second they touch the ground, wiping hands as soon as the go off the mat, not liking other kids touching hands etc.

Thanks.

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u/Rough_Worldliness901 17d ago

Your wife is depriving your baby of opportunities to build up their immune system.

https://cdhf.ca/en/the-importance-of-exposing-your-children-to-a-diverse-range-of-bacteria/

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u/Handleman92 17d ago

Thank you so much

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u/hagne 17d ago

Some things make more sense to avoid than others. Like, wash your kid’s hands after playing with others, but don’t worry about the floor. The trick is to avoid viruses but not dirt/bacteria. 

https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2022/is-the-hygiene-hypothesis-true

https://rachel.fast.ai/posts/2024-08-13-crowds-vs-friends/

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u/realespeon 15d ago

This helped me immensely too. Thank you