There is nothing more scary for a new parent than the thought that their child might get sick. But while most parents manage to keep their children away from cold and flu germs, most don’t realise the effect that household allergens can have on their newborn baby. Baby allergies can be caused by a simple factor in your house; from dust mites to pollen, pet fur to mold, any of these common allergens can cause your child to develop an allergy.
Don’t worry, removing these allergens and preventing or reducing allergic reactions is simple when you know how.
What is a respiratory allergy?
An allergy is simply a reaction by the baby’s immune system to an irritable substance in their environment. The child’s body sees this irritant as a danger and releases chemicals such as histamines that cause uncomfortable and sometimes harmful symptoms. Over time your child might build up an immunity to the irritants, but if they are left untreated or ignored allergic symptoms can lead to asthma or emphysema.
What are the most common irritants?
The most common allergens found in your home are dust mites, animal dander and mold. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in fabric and carpet and feed on dead flakes of skin. If children inhale accumulated mites from areas that aren’t cleaned regularly they can develop respiratory allergies.
How can I get rid of these irritants?
You need to make sure that all bedding, clothing and comforters are washed in hot water at least once a week. It also helps to cover crib and bed mattresses with an impermeable encasement, which act as a barrier between baby and the mites.
Dusting regularly and vacuuming with a cleaner that has a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter will help to trap the dust mite particles.
Unfortunately, stuffed animals and plush toys are dust mite heaven so you need to make sure you wash them as often as the bedding. If your child has a favourite toy it might be worth buying two, so that he can still sleep with one while the other is in the wash!
If your child has a severe allergic reaction to your pet then the only option might be to give the animal away, which is often a difficult and heartbreaking decision to make. If the baby’s reaction is a mild one then keep the pet out of the child’s room and ensure it is well groomed to reduce the allergens.
Mold is another particularly irksome allergen and it can grown anywhere, from closets to attics, showers to mattresses. It can cause mold allergies If you have an area in your house which is warm and moist you will likely find mold. When the mold reproduces it sends off spores, which are the allergens. If you have problems with damp in your house invest in a dehumidifier to keep the air dry. Cleaning with mold-inhibiting disinfectants such as bleach or tea tree oil and water can also help to reduce the allergens.
Should I speak to my doctor?
If your child shows any respiratory symptoms then speak to your doctor, who will work with you to treat the problem.
Bringing home a newborn is a scary enough experience for new parents without having to worry about allergies. Before you even bring your child home from the hospital clean and disinfect their room, invest in a proper ventilation and vacuum system and make sure you use a mattress cover. Taking care of a newborn baby can bring a number of unforeseen obstacles that you have to overcome - but with proper care and preparation household allergens don’t need to be one of them.
