Hay Fever In Babies And Toddlers - A Parents Guide

It’s not just adults that have to deal with hay fever. Even very young children can get it. Hay fever in babies can be tricky to spot, as it often looks similar to a cold. Because cold and flu treatments won’t work on hay fever, getting a proper diagnosis from a medical professional is essential to help ease your child’s symptoms and keep them comfortable.

Where colds are caused by viruses, pollen from trees, grass, or weeds cause toddler allergies. The pollen triggers reactions during certain times of the year. Children can’t always explain what they’re feeling, so it’s important to know what to look for so you can treat it properly. It’s easy to get confused about hay fever in babies and toddlers, so this guide will cover how to spot hay fever, what treatments are safe, and ways to reduce exposure to pollen.

How To Identify Hay Fever In Babies And Toddlers

The first step towards treating hay fever is being able to identify it. Babies may have a runny or stuffy nose, red or watery eyes, and frequent sneezing. Unlike with a cold, hay fever doesn’t come with a fever or thick mucus, and symptoms last as long as pollen levels are high rather than clearing up in a week or two.

Where adults can communicate how we’re feeling, babies and toddlers can’t as much. A toddler with hay fever might rub their eyes and nose more often, seem restless, or struggle to sleep due to congestion. They may also become irritable or lose interest in playing outdoors. If symptoms only appear during certain seasons or get worse after your child spends some time outside, it’s most likely hay fever rather than a cold.

Safe Treatment Options For Young Children

Some over-the-counter allergy medicines are specially designed to help children with hay fever. But, they’re not always suitable for particularly young children. Piriton Syrup for Children (containing chlorphenamine) can be used for children aged one year and over, but it may cause drowsiness. Clarityn Allergy Syrup for Children (containing loratadine) is non-drowsy and suitable for children aged two years and over.

Natural remedies that may help include:

• saline nasal sprays to clear pollen from the nose
• cool, damp cloths over the eyes to relieve itching
• extra hydration

If your child is showing signs of hay fever but is too young for allergy medicines, speak to your GP. They can provide additional guidance.

Protecting Your Baby From Pollen

Dealing with hay fever in children can be challenging, but there are ways to reduce pollen exposure and keep your little one comfortable.

Pollen Proofing the Nursery

Keep nursery windows closed when pollen is high, like in the early morning and evening. Use an air purifier if possible, and dust surfaces with a damp cloth to remove pollen. Washing your child’s bedding regularly can help remove pollen, and drying laundry indoors can stop pollen settling on fabrics.

Outdoor Activities

Planning ahead of time means you don’t have to avoid outdoor activities entirely. Pollen counts are typically lower around midday or late afternoon, so aim for these times to go outside. Try to avoid grassy parks and fields during peak pollen seasons, and check daily pollen forecasts before heading out.

Prams and Pushchairs

Use a rain cover or drape a muslin cloth over the pram to block pollen while still allowing airflow to your baby. Wipe down the pram after outdoor trips to remove any pollen buildup.

Clothing

Dress your baby in long sleeves and trousers to minimise skin exposure. After outdoor play, change their clothes and gently wipe their face and hands to remove pollen.

When To Seek Medical Help

Hay fever symptoms in babies and toddlers are usually manageable, but some may need medical attention. If your child has severe sneezing, persistent congestion, or trouble sleeping due to symptoms, speak to a doctor.

Keep an eye out for emergency signs like breathing difficulties, wheezing, or swelling around the face, which could suggest they’re having a serious allergic reaction.

Tell your child’s doctor when the symptoms began, how long they typically last, and if you’ve noticed anything that triggers them. It might be worth keeping a symptom diary to take to the doctor. This way you can let them know of any patterns, and help differentiate between illness and allergies.

Daily Management Tips For Parents

As a parent, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your child from hay fever symptoms. Creating a low allergen environment is a great place to start. Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons, and use an air purifier if possible. Regularly wipe down surfaces, keep on top of vacuuming, and wash bedding often.

You can monitor pollen counts to figure out when the levels are high, and try to limit your child’s outdoor time on those days. When your child comes back inside, change their clothes and wipe their face and hands to remove pollen.

Some evidence suggests that honey (but only for children over one) may help reduce hay fever symptoms.

Always Remember...

It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any hay fever medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs.

Conclusion

If your little one is experiencing hay fever, children’s antihistamines like Piriton Syrup or Clarityn Allergy Syrup could help relieve their symptoms. It’s especially important to get professional advice before giving any medicine to children - a doctor or pharmacist can help make sure the treatment is suitable.

Explore hay fever medication options to find the best one for your child.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/
• https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever/