Children Need Dirt and Bacteria to be Healthy

Parents who are paranoid about cleanliness and infection could be damaging their children's immune systems in early life, according to a new survey. Scientists believe today's children, known as the "Playstation generation", could also be weakening their immune system because they no longer play outside. Six out of 10 people told the ICM poll they believed children should be protected from all bacteria, not realising that some exposure is crucial to building up the immune system. Parents are obsessed by keeping their children in a "sterile bubble" of anti-bacterial wipes, sprays and antibiotics, according to the poll.

Only 1% of mothers breastfeed for the recommended 6 months

A recent survey has revealed that only 1 in every 100 mothers breastfeed their babies for at least six months, which is the current minimum length of time recommended by midwives and other healthcare professionals. Data shows that while three quarters of mums start by breastfeeding their newborn, very few maintain it. Older mothers and clerical/professional career women (white collar) are more likely to continue to breastfeed than younger mums and those not working, or in more "blue collar" roles. Studies have shown breastfed children to have greater immunity later in life, and it is generally agreed that breastfeeding is best for baby. Although 6 months is the recommended minimum, continuing to breastfeed for the first year has been shown to provide health benefits to both mother and child.