Are Your Kids’ Showers Really Getting Them Clean?

By Kelly Turner on October 9th, 2009

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My shower broke a while back, and I never heard the end of it from my boyfriend, who claimed it was worse than not washing at all because I was “bathing in my own filth.”  Thanks, honey.  This from the guy who won’t wipe his mouth until he’s done eating because it’s just going to get messy again.  He has a great personality, I swear.

Imagine the vindication I felt when I found this article from the NY Times about all the bacteria your shower rains down on your every morning.  And then I shuddered and felt like slathering myself in hand sanitizer.

A group of microbiologists from the University of Colorado, headed by Norman R. Pace, looked at the bacteria content of shower water, particularly because the bacteria found in showers get mixed into fine droplets that are then breathed deep into the lungs.  Thankfully, the bacteria is relatively harmless to most, but can cause issues with those who have weakened immune systems. Surprisingly, it is healthier to breath the air in a subway in New York than breathe in the air during a New York shower. Blech.

The blast of bacteria from your shower head is worse when you first turn it on, as the bacteria builds there when not in use.  Dr. Pace recommends letting the shower run for about 30 seconds before hopping in to miss the brunt of it.  Also, plastic shower heads breed more bacteria than metal ones, so make the switch.

Don’t freak out: the human body is resilient.  This isn’t meant to scare you into shoving your kids in a plastic bubble, it’s to show you that you can’t completely control your environment. The only way for kids to build up their immune system is for their bodies to be exposed to germs in the first place.   If you are one of those parents chasing after your kid with antibacterial wipes and sanitizer, take a break.  If your kid’s shower can’t even keep them completely clean, what chance do you have?