Your little one’s runny nose has not let up for several days. The poor baby keeps sneezing and rubbing her itchy, red, watery eyes. Instead of suffering from a cold, your baby may be suffering from seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergens affect lots of children, although newborn seasonal allergies are rare. These types of allergies tend to develop after a cumulative exposure to particular allergens. Newborns don’t tend to spend enough time outdoors to develop reactions to ragweed, grass or tree pollen. Of course, that being said, allergies can develop in children at any age, so if you notice newborn allergy symptoms, call your pediatrician.
Symptoms of Allergies in Babies and Toddlers
If your child is suffering from seasonal allergies, they may have all or some of the following symptoms:
- Itchy eyes, throat and/or nose
- Puffy, red or watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Dry, hacking cough with clear mucous
- Mouth breathing
- Trouble sleeping
Relieving Seasonal Allergy Symptoms in Young Children
The best way to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies in babies and toddlers is to try to avoid allergens whenever it is possible. A few tips include:
- Check your local pollen counts and limit activities outdoors when it is high.
- Turn on the air conditioner and keep windows closed to keep pollen from getting into your home.
- Clean regularly to control the allergens in your home.
- Replace HVAC filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- 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.
- Dry your laundry in the dryer instead of outside on a clothesline.
If seasonal allergy symptoms still persist, your pediatrician may recommend a safe over the counter or prescription antihistamine or nasal spray.
When to Call Your Pediatrician at Pediatric Partners
As newborn allergy symptoms are rare, it is important to have your new baby checked by a pediatrician if they are showing signs of newborn seasonal allergies. This is extremely important, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by a high fever. Still, don’t ever hesitate to give us a call. Pediatric Partners is always here to help navigate the challenges new parents face when dealing with babies and seasonal allergies. We love what we do!
Pediatric Partners has three locations to better serve our patients. The Evans office is at 411 Town Park Blvd.; the downtown Augusta office is at 1303 D’Antignac St., Suite 2600; and the new Grovetown office is at 5135 Wrightsboro Road. For more information about Pediatric Partners, call the office at 706-854-2500, visit PedPartners.com, or follow the Pediatric Partners of Augusta Facebook page.
