With the cooler weather and the drier, dustier air some of us do experience sneezing and sniffling. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that seasonal allergies are plaguing your infant.

According to physicians, seasonal allergies to things such as pollen and grass usually don’t rear their ugly heads until a child is about two to four years old. Your infant would need to have significant exposure to something like grass to trigger a seasonal allergy, and most infants simply don’t spend that much time outdoors in their first year of life to make that happen. So yes, Mom and Dad, you have to see some seasons before you have symptoms of seasonal allergies! Phew… thank goodness, right?

But, while you can probably rule out autumn allergies, you can’t rule out allergies altogether. In fact, allergies are the most frequently reported chronic medical condition kids experience. Did you know that food allergies may affect as many as 8% of all kids?!

And then of course there’s also genetics – according to the American Academy of Paediatrics, a child is 25% more likely to have an allergy if one parent is allergic, and the risk is more than doubled if both parents have allergies.

Things like mould, dust and pets can trigger symptoms such as red eyes, sneezing and sniffles, just like seasonal allergies. And, although newborn allergies can be scary, there’s no need for panic. Allergies are more commonplace than a decade ago, and more successful treatments are available. Sometimes baby’s allergy may even go away on its own over time.

Looking for ways to protect your little bundle from allergies?

• Breastfeed your baby for at least six months.You can increase the benefits of breastfeeding if you avoid eating allergenic foods including milk, eggs, fish and nuts.
• If you don’t nurse, use a hypoallergenic hydrolysed formula. Use something that’s made up of protein that’s so broken down, it’s virtually undetectable by the immune system.
• Check your local pollen counts and limit activities outdoors when it is high.

• Keep windows closed to keep pollen from getting into your home.
• Clean regularly to control the allergens in your home.
• Take your shoes off when you come inside to reduce the pollen tracked into your home.
• Bathe or shower after coming inside to wash away pollen from skin and hair.

Cold vs allergy?

Thing is, it can be tricky to tell the difference between an allergy and a cold. How do you make that call? Dr S Ganjian, a paediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Centre in California, states that a child almost certainly has a cold if he has a fever, nasal congestion, or was exposed to someone who was sick.

That being said, no matter what, never try figuring out what’s plaguing your little one at home on your own, especially if the symptoms have been going on for a while or are getting more severe.

If you are concerned because of some symptoms you’ve spotted, make an appointment with your paediatrician so you can set the wheels in motion to make your baby feel better as soon as possible.

Source: www.whattoexpect.com, www.burdettbirthcenter.org, www.fitpregnancy.com, www.babygaga.com, www.everydayhealth.com, www.romper.com, www.thebump.com, www.parents.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.