Did you know that babies can get hay fever?

By Rachel Stewart

Just because your baby seems congested, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unwell or contagious. Your baby might have hay fever. Yep – just like adults, babies and toddlers can get hay fever too.

Symptoms of hay fever in babies and toddlers

Hay fever in toddlers and babies looks the same as when adults are affected. That means you may notice the following symptoms:

• runny nose
• frequent sneezing
• itchy eyes, mouth, ears and throat
• red, itchy and watery eyes.

How to prevent hay fever in babies and toddlers

Hay fever is caused by an overactive immune response to triggers in the air. This means the first way to help ease hay fever in toddlers and babies is to try to reduce their exposure to the trigger or cause.

Common hay fever triggers include:

• dust/dust mites
• pollen (from grasses, flowers, and other plants)
• pet fur and dander
• smoke (including cigarette smoke)
• mould spores.

You can help reduce the amount of triggers in your baby’s environment by keeping your home generally clean and tidy. Change bedding and vacuum frequently. Dusting top to bottom –  dusting higher places first and then finishing at the floors can help remove (rather than just redistribute) dust and other allergens.

Also using a HEPA filter in your home or baby’s room, and having a filter on your vacuum cleaner, can help reduce your baby’s hay fever triggers in the air.

If your child’s hay fever is caused by dust mites then it’s worth investing in a good quality mattress protector. That will create a barrier between your baby and the mites living in their mattress.

If your baby’s hay fever trigger is pollen (you may notice it more in spring, or when it’s windy and the pollen is being blown around more), you can check the pollen levels in your area. Many weather apps have this as an added feature. You might then chose to stay indoors a little more.

Baby and toddler hay fever treatments

Saline nasal sprays and/or saline nasal drops, such as those offered by Flo and Fess, can help relieve and clear nasal congestion, and will help wash away airborne irritants such as pollen or other allergens.

Non-drowsy antihistamines can help with an itching, runny nose and sneezing. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about which one they’d recommend. It’s also recommended you speak to your doctor about giving a baby under six months any medication.

Any time you have any concerns about your child’s health you should see your GP. You can also speak to a qualified nurse by calling Health Direct.

Read more: 

• 5 practical ways to support your baby’s immune system
• How to treat your baby or toddler’s cold
• What to do when your baby or toddler has a cough