Can Babies Get Springtime Allergies? 5 Things For New Parents to Know

As spring arrives with its colorful blooms, it also brings something less welcome — allergy season. As a new parent, you’re hyper-tuned to every sniffle, sneeze, or restless night your baby experiences. So when you notice your little one rubbing their eyes, sneezing, and fussing more than usual, it’s only natural to wonder if your baby can get springtime allergies.

1. Yes, Babies Can Get Seasonal Allergies

Though less common in the first two years of life, babies can indeed develop seasonal allergies. Research shows that while allergic reactions are less frequent in infants, they can begin developing as early as three years of age.

Susceptibility to seasonal allergies — notably allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and hay fever — tends to increase with age from this point onwards. Babies need repeated exposure to allergens before developing symptoms. This is why seasonal allergies often don’t appear until a child has experienced at least one or two allergy seasons.

Family history plays a significant role. If both you and your partner have allergies, your tot is twice as likely to develop them, too.

2. How to Tell if It’s Spring Allergies

Allergy symptoms in babies can be subtle and often mimic those of a common cold. When your baby encounters allergens like pollen or mold spores, their immune system may overreact, triggering inflammation and a variety of symptoms, including:

• Persistent runny nose with clear discharge
• Sneezing more than usual
• Frequently rubbing the eyes or nose
• Red, watery, or puffy eyes
• Congestion or noisy breathing.
• Coughing, especially at night
• High irritability
• Disrupted sleep patterns

Here’s where things can get tricky. Many allergy-like symptoms overlap with those of common colds or other upper respiratory issues. However, allergies typically don’t cause fever, and symptoms tend to persist longer than the typical cold.

In some cases, seasonal allergies could trigger a mild sinus infection. Sometimes called sinusitis, these infections are one of the most frequent causes behind visits to health care facilities. Untreated allergies in children can lead to more frequent sinus infections and respiratory issues. This is why it is important to address allergies as soon as you notice signs.

3. When to See the Doctor

While mild symptoms can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. See a healthcare provider if your baby experiences any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or excessive wheezing
• Develops a fever
• Extreme irritability or lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Symptoms, such as nasal congestion, that significantly disrupt sleep or daily activities
  like feeding
• Allergy-like symptoms that persist longer than two weeks with no improvement

A recent study found that early intervention for allergic symptoms can significantly improve the quality of life for young children and potentially reduce the risk of developing illnesses like asthma. An allergist can perform specialized tests, such as skin prick or specific blood tests, if seasonal allergies are strongly suspected and impacting your child’s quality of life.

4. There’s No Allergy Test for Infants Under Six Months

Because of how an infant’s immune system is still developing, traditional allergy testing, like skin pricks or blood tests, isn’t typically recommended for babies under six months. If your pediatrician suspects the newborn has a serious allergy, particularly eczema or feeding issues, they may refer you to a certified pediatric allergist for further guidance.

For older infants and toddlers, testing becomes more reliable and may be helpful in pinpointing environmental triggers like pollen or dust mites.

5. How to Manage a Baby’s Seasonal Allergy

For babies experiencing mild seasonal allergies, several approaches can help:

Reduce Exposure to Allergens

Take a few measures to reduce your child’s exposure to allergens:

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days.
• Use air conditioning with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to reduce indoor airborne allergens.
• Change clothes and wash your hands after spending a substantial amount of time outdoors.
• Wet dust and vacuum regularly to limit indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander.

Provide Gentle Symptom Relief

There are a few gentle remedies you can try to offer relief:

• Keep the baby well-hydrated.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to dry air.
• Lying on their back during sleep may improve breathing and comfort. Inclined positions — As those while on a car seat aren’t recommended.
• Nasal saline drops and suction gadgets can help clear an infant’s nasal passages. However, these are to be used under pediatric guidance.

Planning Ahead Helps

While you can’t prevent allergies entirely, being prepared and proactive can help your little one navigate springtime more comfortably. If you suspect your baby has seasonal allergies, keep a simple symptom diary noting when symptoms appear and possible triggers. This information
can be invaluable when discussing concerns with your pediatrician.

Understanding seasonal allergy triggers, preventive strategies, and when to seek medical advice can help you keep your little one more comfortable during the spring months.

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