Michele,
I used to have the same opinion as u, "dirty eat, dirty big". But on second thoughts, that was what our mothers' generation believed. I compared our generation with theirs, esp. in the aspect of environmental hygiene, I don't think it's safe to believe in that saying anymore.
Just look at the no. of new vaccines that are available now - rotavirus, pneumococcal, etc. They were non-existent in the olden days. Why do we have them now? 'Cos there really are too many viruses that mutate at such a fast rate that even scientists find hard to keep up with. Think bird flu, SARS, etc.
I got to know all these 'cos I watched several documentaries on Discovery Channel that enlightened me to the harsh reality that we are now living in such a polluted environment that we better practise good hygiene and take necessary precautions.
Besides, what u read abt 'babies dun really get too dirty', I think they meant newborns. Newborns dun really get into contact with many objects 'cos they lie in bed most of the time. But when they grow older and learn to crawl, that's when their knees and hands will be all over the place. We can't make them wear mittens throughout the crawling stage right? In fact, I heard that it's better not to let babies wear mittens once they are 2 months old. It stifles their hand development.
Well, just offering my two cents' worth on this topic.
I guess ultimately, it's a personal decision that all mummies & daddies have to make. But I know it's not easy, as many people will offer you their views (Grannies, Grandpas, Aunties, Uncles, Cousins) and it's very easy to get lost amidst all that. Like what happened to me. You'll just have to make your stand if other people's view differs and you know you are right.
