How To Help A Baby With Allergies

Allergies in babies and young children are becoming increasingly common, with a rise of about 5% recorded every year in the UK. According to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, at least 1 in 40 children suffers from a serious allergy. Often, allergies can be underrecognized, and are not correctly treated and managed.

Some of the most common allergies that affect babies include food allergies, hay fever, dust mites, and insect bites and stings. As these tend to have some similar symptoms, it can be difficult to work out precisely what is causing the allergy. For example, pollen and dust allergies can cause irritated nasal passages, irritated eyes, and a runny nose.

Babies can also suffer from hereditary conditions, such as asthma and eczema, which often accompany pollen and dust allergies. If your baby is displaying symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath, you should seek medical advice immediately.

Even they have non-urgent symptoms, such as a blocked or runny nose, frequent sneezing, itchy throat and ears, a rash, red swollen or watery eyes, and headaches, it’s advisable to consult a GP or pharmacist, to help identify the root cause.

They will then recommend ways to prevent further exposure, and may prescribe treatments. Many milder allergies can be successfully treated with antihistamines or steroids in children over two years old, but they are not usually recommended for babies. However, your GP may suggest an alternative treatment.

Babies, and older people, can be allergic to animal dander, so if you have a family pet, such as a cat, dog, rabbit, or guinea pig, consider rehoming them. If you can’t face this prospect, as maybe your pet has become an integral part of family life, then at least keep them away from your child’s bedroom.

If house dust is suspected to be the cause of the allergy, it’s time to carry out a deep clean of your home. Declutter surfaces as much as possible, to make dusting easier, and use a damp cloth when you dust to make the process more effective. Vacuum carpets on a regular basis, and consider replacing them with hard flooring, such as wood, laminate, or tiles.

If your house is prone to mould, open windows more often, or use a dehumidifier. Avoid leaving damp washing around the house, and use a tumble dryer or airing cupboard instead. Wash bedding and clothing on a regular basis to remove pollen, dust mites, and animal dander, and look for anti-allergy bedding.

If hay fever is identified as the cause of your baby’s allergies, then it’s advisable to limit their time outdoors on days when the pollen count is very high. Keep windows and doors shut as far as possible, and if you are making a car journey, fit a pollen filter to the vents. If your baby has been outside, wash their face with a damp cloth, and change their clothes.

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