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Combating Allergies
Helping Your Child Get a Good Night's Sleep
By Heather Johnson Durocher
Medications – both prescribed and over-the-counter – can ease allergy symptoms. Educating yourself and working with your child's allergist or other health provider to find the best options for your child is important. Experts also offer the following tips:
- Plan ahead as much as possible. If allergies run in your family, take precautions as early as possible, even if that means when you're pregnant. This can include ensuring the baby's bedroom has wood or linoleum floors, for example. Other smart ideas: dust mite covers for crib mattresses and keeping decorations, bedding and stuffed animals at a minimum (they can breed dust mites).
- Don't have pets, or at the very least, keep them out of the bedroom.
- Clean air ducts in the bedrooms, and consider investing in an air purifier.
- Wash sheets and other bedding in hot water.
- Place a favorite blanket or stuffed animal in the freezer for 24 hours every three weeks to kill allergens.
- Establish a set place in the closet for toys, which prevents clutter and is easier to keep clean.
Dealing with allergies isn't fun for your child or your family, but understanding what you're up against and taking steps to control the problems can ensure everyone is happier.