Firstborn, middle, or youngest? Birth order affects children’s health

Youngest Child Youngest children are considered the most free-spirited, as they are often treated with more leniency than their older siblings and are generally cheerful and risk-taking. Good news for youngest children: like middle children, they usually have better immune systems than firstborns due to repeated early exposure to germs. One article noted that youngest children are less likely to develop asthma and allergies compared to their siblings. Some studies also suggest having older siblings is linked to a lower risk of food allergies.

However, youngest children are more likely to visit hospitals due to risky behaviors, such as accidental injuries or substance use. Despite often receiving more attention and affection for being the “baby,” they typically get less medical attention during illness, as parents are less anxious or overwhelmed compared to their experience with the firstborn. Mentally, youngest children may be more vulnerable to issues with self-esteem and self-efficacy.

May 9, 2025 | 6:44 am