You may notice your little ones suffering more with allergies thanks to this beautiful weather that we have been blessed with. Here’s how to help relieve your baby’s hay fever symptoms.
Those who have babies and children who suffer with hay fever may find spending time outdoors a little problematic. So, we’re turning our attention to spotting the signs and relieving symptoms in babies and children…
Hay fever in babies and toddlers is very common, and it can affect them just the same as adults so it’s important that you know how to best prevent allergic reactions from occurring as well as ways to quickly relieve symptoms. Dr Giuseppe Aragona, GP and online doctor for Prescription Doctor reveals his tips for ensuring your child and baby is comfortable this hay fever season.
How to Prevent Allergic Reactions from Hay Fever in Babies
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Time Your Outings
Try to avoid exposing your baby and child to pollens during spring and early summer, this is easier said than done, of course, but this is the best way to prevent any unwanted allergic reactions. Avoiding the heat of the day is advisable, too – as this is when the pollen count can peak, Taking your baby or child out early morning or for a late afternoon stroll would be better, as this is less likely to trigger any allergic reactions.
2. Pack and Prepare
Before you head out the door, ensure you have everything you need should an allergic reaction occur. Things such as tissues, a flannel so you can wash your baby’s face and child friendly antihistamine medication are good to have to hand. You may also want to bring some anti-reaction cream should you need to apply to their skin throughout the day.
3. A Touch of Vaseline
Dabbing a spot of child friendly nasal balm such as Vaseline or petroleum jelly on the nasal passages of your little one’s nose may help to prevent allergic reactions, as the pollen particles will stick to the jelly as oppose to heading up the nose and causing a reaction. Be careful that you don’t apply too much so its uncomfortable, sticky or makes it harder to breathe, just a dab around the nose will work.
4. Think About Clothing
Make sure your baby is wearing light, airy clothes but that they have their arms and legs covered. This will prevent any skin reactions as sometimes children may have itchy skin from the pollen particles and will be tempted to scratch. I would also advise bringing a soothing cream for skin conditions such as eczema, as this will work nicely if your child does start to itch.
5. Try on Some Shades
If your child or baby will let you, put a pair of sunglasses on them, wrap around ones if you can as these will protect their eyes against pollen particles.
6. Avoid High-Pollen Zones
Keep your baby away from public gardens (with lots of flowers and trees) and parks if you know they already suffer badly with reactions, as this is where most of the pollen will be due to cut grass and pollen on the plants and trees.
7. Track Pollen Count
Keep an eye on the daily pollen count, if it is particularly high you may want to avoid heading outside and can choose to wait for another day.
How to Relieve Hay Symptoms in Babies
- If your baby starts to show symptoms of hay fever, you should rinse a flannel in cool water and wipe their face to remove any pollen that may be on their face that could cause further irritation. Brining a flannel out with you is advisable, so you can take it into the café or restaurant and keep your child comfortable.
- Change your baby’s clothes and wash their hair as soon as you’ve been outside as this will remove any trapped pollen that could transfer to their cot or bed, which could lead to them having continued reactions whilst in bed.
- Give your baby child-friendly antihistamine medication as this will work to quickly relieve the initial symptoms, you may find nasal sprays and eye drops for children also. Note: Please check the age specifications and safety warnings for the antihistamine medication. You should also consult your GP before starting your baby on any new medication.
- Give any pets who have been outside a clean to remove any trapped pollen, if your child plays with the pet this pollen may transfer back to them
- You may find that you want to wash any linen or your babies bed sheets to ensure no pollen has attached itself to these, this can also happen if a window is left open as the pollen is able to come through.
