How To Treat A Toddler's Seasonal Allergies



Treating seasonal allergies in a toddler can be tough. After trying a room humidifier, Benadryl, and several homeopathic remedies, we found taking a daily dose of children's Zyrtec works best for my son. In this post I will highlight several trouble-shooting tips for treating a toddler suffering from seasonal allergies.

First you should examine your child's environment for potential allergens. Does he/she sneeze around pollen or dust, etc.? If so, do your best to eliminate the aggravating item. Make sure to keep your home clean and free of dust, lint, and pet hair. You may also want to use an allergen-removing air filter in your home's furnace/central air handler. Basic filters can be easily found at stores like Lowe's and Home Depot and are very cost effective. More expensive specialty brands can be found online through retailers like Amazon. Some children also benefit from having an air purifier or humidifier in their room. Just be sure to clean and change the product filters as directed or their effectiveness is drastically reduced.

So what if you cannot remove the aggravating allergen? Say it's the blooming trees or grass outside, as it was in my son's case. Then you will have to find the right kind of allergy medication that is suited for your child's age and symptoms. There are several over-the-counter medications now for children two years old and up. Benadryl is the oldest and most cost effective of these, but causes drowsiness and dizziness or dry mouth in most children. Newer brands like Claritin and Zyrtec cost a little more but have far fewer side effects and are labeled non-drowsy, so they are great for daytime. There are also several homeopathic products from companies like Similasan and Zarbee's that help relieve allergy symptoms naturally. You may have to try several brands before finding out which one works best in your child. Always be sure to ask your child's doctor before starting any new medication for specific dosage instructions.

Good luck in the upcoming allergy season!