Let’s face it: kids can be pretty gross. From babies who spit up and constantly need diaper changes to teenage boys with their overwhelming hormones, children are often walking petri dishes of germs. They are undeniably cute and bring joy to our lives, but they also come with a fair share of ickiness.
Parents typically fall into one of two categories: those who want to wrap their family in a bubble of protection and those who prefer to ignore the mess. I personally lean toward the latter. I believe in the five-second rule and think a little dirt is part of a healthy childhood. However, sometimes the grime and germs our kids bring into our homes can be a bit overwhelming. While it’s important for children to build their immune systems, there’s a line between healthy exposure and inviting a nasty stomach bug into your home.
To mitigate this, I encourage my kids to wash their hands (though they often ignore my pleas), maintain a reasonably clean house (thanks to my fantastic cleaning service), and stockpile disinfecting wipes. But it turns out, we may be worrying about germs in all the wrong places. A study by Clean Living Co. examined various household items and children’s toys, yielding some surprising findings.
Strollers Are Surprisingly Filthy
While many assume that cell phones and remote controls are the germiest items in a household, strollers actually top the list when it comes to kids. Since most strollers are stored in garages, they are subjected to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and yeast. Additionally, garages can harbor dust, exhaust fumes, and even pests like mice, contributing to the filth.
Other major germ hotspots include sippy cups, pacifiers, plush toys, and diaper bags.
The Bedroom Beats the Bathroom in Germ Count
Most people believe bathrooms are the germiest areas of the home. However, research shows that bedrooms actually harbor more germs.
Pets Don’t Contribute Significantly to Germ Levels
Despite popular belief, homes with pets aren’t necessarily dirtier than those without. In fact, research indicates that the presence of a furry friend doesn’t dramatically increase household germ levels.
Preschoolers: The Ultimate Germ-Carriers
While babies might sit in their own mess, they are actually the least germy. Toddlers, with their sticky fingers and habit of putting everything in their mouths, are more exposed to germs. However, preschoolers take the crown when it comes to germ exposure.
Boys Are Slightly Germier Than Girls
In homes studied, 44% had more boys than girls, but they accounted for 51% of the overall germs found.
Chemical Disinfectants Might Not Be Necessary
All those antibacterial wipes I stockpile may be more of a burden than a benefit. They could contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, known as “superbugs.” “Many parents may overdo it with antibacterial wipes and soaps,” says Laura Turner, a community health expert. “While our study revealed various germs, that doesn’t mean you or your child will necessarily fall ill. Remember, some germs can actually be beneficial.”
Instead of panicking about germs or dismissing them entirely, it’s best to adopt a sensible approach. Boiling items your children put in their mouths, disinfecting high-risk areas like bathrooms, and regularly sanitizing germ-prone items can help. For everyday cleaning, consider using vinegar, lemon juice, borax, and baking soda to minimize harmful chemical exposure. And of course, good old soap and water is the best way to keep pesky germs at bay.
Perhaps if I could just get my kids to remember to put the toilet seat down, life would be a bit easier.
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Summary
In our quest for cleanliness, we often overlook the real germ hotspots in our homes. Strollers, bedrooms, and preschoolers are among the top offenders. While maintaining hygiene is important, over-reliance on chemical disinfectants could lead to other health issues. A sensible approach, along with good hand-washing practices, can help keep your family safe from harmful germs.