Seasonal allergies season is upon us. The weather is warmer, the flowers are blooming and kids are spending more time outside. All these factors are a perfect combination for seasonal allergies and as you can imagine many families are dealing with this. When caring for kids, it’s important to know how to detect the signs of allergies so you can deal with it in good time.

Common Allergy Triggers

Understanding the triggers that cause allergies is the first step in providing relief for your child. These triggers can be in many forms and once you know what it is that affects your child, you can control the environment to an extent. Some of these allergy triggers include:

  • Pollen from trees and plants
  • Insect bites
  • Cigarette smoke, perfumes and other chemical gases
  • Hair and fur from pets or dust mites
  • Food items such as peanuts, chocolate or milk/dairy products

Signs Of Allergies

Kids react differently to different types of allergy stimuli. If you notice your child has allergies at certain times of the month then you can zero in to determine what’s specifically causing the allergies. Here are a few signs of allergies:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Skin rashes or hives
  • Stomach aches or stomach cramps

How To Deal With Seasonal Allergies

  1. Know your child’s allergies and symptoms. Whether you have 1 or 5, each child is unique. Keep a journal of the symptoms, the start and end, what may have triggered it and what symptoms they had. This way, you can be better prepared over time.
  2. Inform caregivers about your child’s allergies and triggers. While you may be well aware of your child’s allergies, caregivers may not have this information. Share as much detail as you know so that they’re ready to spot the signs when they appear.
  3. Plan for alternative games. If you know your child has a certain type of allergy which affects the games she plays then plan for alternative games that are just as fun. Keeping your child’s spirits up is part of your child’s welfare and overall good health.
  4. Wash up and change clothes after playing outdoors. Get rid of pollen and other outdoor triggers by having your child wash up and changing their clothes when they get home. This will help eliminate more exposure to the triggers and keep the indoors safe for them.
  5. Use medication correctly. We have all used over-the-counter allergy medication without thinking much about it. For the kids however we need to be a little more conscious. Allergy medications work well when taken consistently as opposed to taking them when you feel the symptoms only. If you find medications are not working as effectively as they should, consult your pediatrician to see what could be done. Some kids develop severe allergies which need a stronger dose or a different form of treatment.

Allergy season can be a difficult one for many families. However, with some planning and awareness, your kids will stay healthy and safe from an emergency trip. Knowing what triggers your kids’ allergies is the first step to getting a handle on and preparing for this season. Having well trained and informed caregivers makes a great difference in making sure your kids are taken care of. That’s why Signet Nannies takes time to train and educate our nannies and babysitters. Give us a call today and let’s schedule a time to discuss your needs.

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