Are immune systems becoming lazy?

New parents are often advised to maintain a bacteria-free environment for babies by sterilising bottles and dummies, as well as washing their hands regularly. Many antibacterial soaps and wipes are marketed to children, parents, and caregivers. In addition, the majority of children are vaccinated against several serious diseases before the age of three. The DIABIMMUNE study, backed by the EU with EUR 6 million in financing under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), is now asking whether by removing all bacteria, we are not actually weakening our children's immune systems.