Proof: Dirt don't hurt!

(A picture from a few months ago of Soluna playing at the park with hella dirt on her face and clothes!)

I am not the kind of mama that keeps her baby clean with sanitizer, wet wipes and the constant taking away of things and experiences to avoid the grime. I put clean clothes on Soluna, wash her hands at transitional points during the day, give her a bath at least every other day and carry around a wipe for her nose or face whenever it's needed. But I will let her PLAY in dirt, in sand, on grass... practically anywhere. I let her pick up things, even when they might go in her mouth. I take things away once they are in there, but I want her to explore, be curious, and experiment. I think the constant taking away and fear of germs on mama's part can hinder that playful and smart baby spirit.

Apparently dirt does more for babies than mamas and papas think. There was a recent article in the New York Times entitled "Babies Know: A Little Dirt is Good for You." The article talks about how all instinctive behaviors have an evolutionary advantage built in. There is a "hygiene hypothesis" being studied by researchers that claims that organisms like bacteria, viruses and worms that enter the body along with dirt helps to develop a healthy immune system. Researchers are even going so far as saying that worms redirect an out of wack immune system that has allergies, asthma or an autoimmune disorder. The early exposure to dirt helps babies immune systems learn to react. In ultra-clean environments, babies immune systems don't have the opportunity to learn to react appropriately. Dirt for thought.