I get the urge to sanitize everything, especially when you see your kid gnawing on something like a remote or a dog toy. But I’ve actually started to wonder if maybe a little bit of “gross” is good for them. There’s some research out there about the hygiene hypothesis—the idea that early exposure to microbes can help build a stronger immune system. It’s not that I’m letting my guard down completely, but I’ve tried to relax a bit about wiping every single thing down. I still draw the line at batteries and choking hazards, but if it’s just a little dust or dog hair, I try not to panic.
That being said, it’s tough to ignore the mental image of all those germs. I’ll admit, I’ve had moments where I’ve practically wanted to bubble-wrap the living room. But honestly, the more I tried to control every variable, the more stressed out I felt. Sometimes, it almost seemed like my anxiety about cleanliness was harder to manage than the actual teething process.
I do think there’s a balance somewhere between “let them eat dirt” and “sanitize everything in sight.” Maybe a little strategic cleaning—like focusing on high-risk items and letting the rest slide—makes more sense than trying to keep everything spotless. I’m still figuring it out, honestly.
And about the remote thing... I’ve read that kids are attracted to things adults use all the time, so maybe it’s just about wanting to imitate us? Or maybe buttons just feel good on their gums. Either way, I’ve stopped fighting that battle quite so hard. If it’s not dangerous, maybe it’s just part of the process.
It’s weird how teething ends up being as much about managing our own reactions as it is about helping them through it.