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Every parent knows that kids are bound to get sick at some point. However, a recent study from the Netherlands suggests that children who attend daycare might actually gain a slight immune system advantage.
As much as I dislike cleaning up after a bout of vomiting—I’d rather tackle almost any other chore—it’s an unfortunate part of parenthood. Especially for those of us with kids in daycare, where germs seem to flourish. But here’s a silver lining: according to a comprehensive study surveying 2,200 children in their first six years, kids who go to daycare are more frequently exposed to stomach bugs in their early years. While this may seem obvious, the findings indicate that these early encounters with illness could actually strengthen their immune systems for the future.
Children are effectively little petri dishes, whether they’re at daycare, preschool, or playdates. It’s nearly inevitable that they’ll return home with some bug that transforms your household into a makeshift hospital. But the bright side, as suggested by the Dutch research, is that these early illnesses might fortify their bodies against future infections. Although the immune boost for daycare children tends to diminish by age six, having a few extra years with fewer sick days is undoubtedly a benefit worth noting.
The study also highlights non-health benefits of daycare, including improved academic performance and behavior down the line. However, that doesn’t do much to soothe the frustration when your child brings home a stomach bug, leading to a family-wide reenactment of a scene from a classic movie.
So, stock up on hand sanitizer and take comfort in the idea that while your kids may be sick now, their exposure to the daycare germ fest could help them fend off illnesses in the future. And if you’re interested in more resources on family health and wellness, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary
Daycare exposure can lead to early illnesses that may strengthen children’s immune systems, potentially reducing future sickness. The benefits of daycare extend beyond health, affecting academic performance and behavior as well. While the germs may seem daunting, they can ultimately contribute to better health outcomes down the line.