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Infants and Allergies: Things to Know as a Parent
As a new parent, you're overjoyed by the arrival of your little bundle of joy. But with that joy comes responsibility and worry, particularly if your child has allergies. This blog post will explore everything parents need to know about infants and allergies. We will discuss what symptoms to watch for and how to manage an allergy-friendly environment in your home. Whether it's food or environmental allergens, we've got you covered so you can focus on enjoying every precious moment with your baby!
Why are infants more susceptible to allergies?
Allergies can be an issue for people of any age, but infants are at especially high risk. That's because their still-developing immune systems may not yet be able to handle certain irritants. Furthermore, children are often exposed to various environmental allergens when they are born. Their bodies have never encountered them before. It potentially increases their response to substances that would otherwise have been harmless. This can lead to a greater likelihood of developing allergies. It contrasts adults who already have had prolonged exposure and whose immune systems may vary in how they respond. To help limit the chance of infants having allergic reactions, parents should pay close attention to what they eat and the environment in which they live.
Things to watch out for and Dealing Mechanism
#1 The consumption of foods
The first thing the parents need to focus on is the kind of food their child consumes. For instance, certain foods can be allergic to the baby and trigger many other problems. The most common allergy-causing foods are milk, eggs, fish, soy, wheat, and nuts. Of course, there is a possibility that allergy might depend from child to child, but these foods are known to trigger an allergic reaction in most kids. It's essential to consult a doctor if the baby develops an allergic reaction. Even the baby can outwear specific allergies, but some allergies can cause an outbreak of other major problems. It can develop into skin rashes, nasal congestion, wheezing, digestion issues, and even hives.
How to tackle it − The whole idea behind dealing with food allergies is to introduce a new food to the baby slowly. For example, introduce a new fruit to the baby slowly till you see the baby is reacting to the fruit positively. Also, the importance of introducing the food independently should not be neglected. While adding a new food item to the old diet, you may miss the baby’s reaction to the new food.
#2 Environment
Many parents prefer keeping their babies inside the house due to dust and other issues. In this case, sudden changes in the baby's environment can result in allergic reactions. Since the immune system of the baby is not used to stay and fight the bacteria of the outer environment. Some factors contributing to a baby developing allergies due to the environment are dust mites and outdoor pollens. Many argue that infants tend to wear out their allergies with time. However, it's important to understand that even the simplest allergies can cause issues for the baby and even trigger bigger health problems. Also, if the infant actually wears out the allergy or the problem, it should be kept in the context that the issue was never really solved in the first place, and the symptoms can reappear anytime.
How to tackle it − One of the ways to deal with environmental factors can be paying proper attention to the baby and also taking input from the doctor. For instance, if you know that your baby is at a high risk of developing problems like asthma, it's advisable to check how much the baby has to deal with dust. This can be a great way to not only keep the allergies under check but also curb the bigger problem, which is the chances of the baby developing asthma.
#3 Seasons
One of the most important things to look out for is the weather. Infants can easily develop new allergies and even health problems just due to the change in the weather. It is a known fact that changes in the weather, be it for the cold or summer, can lead to a lot of problems. One such season change to look out for is the time when the pollen count can be high. This happens around spring. When the pollen count is high, a lot of infants tend to develop allergies since their immune system or even their body is not used to it.
How to tackle it − The way to deal with seasonal issues is rather simple. As a parent or even a caretaker, you have to make sure that you check the weather report on a daily basis. A lot of platforms even offer the pollen percentage just for the same reason that a lot of people develop allergic reactions towards pollen.
#4 Pets
Even though the pets might just be curious and have fair feelings for the baby, it's important to understand that a baby can develop allergic infections due to the fur or bacteria that might come from the pets.
The timing of pet exposure may also play a role in developing allergies. Some facts cite that infants exposed to pets in their first year of life are less likely to develop allergies and vice versa.
Some pets may be more likely to cause allergies than others. For example, cats tend to produce more allergens than dogs. And some breeds of dogs may be less likely to cause allergies than others.
How to tackle it − Parents should keep checking how their pets are around the baby. If the baby develops allergic reactions, such as sneezing, coughing, or a rash, consult a doctor to determine the best action.
Apart from pets, even cockroaches pose a major threat to babies. They might not always be there to come across as a threat, but they might be in the plate used to feed the baby earlier. Hence, it's always advised to clean the utensils even before normal cooking is left alone when done for infants.
Conclusion
Trying and keeping up with all the potential allergies your infant may develop can be overwhelming as a parent. However, if you watch for common signs like skin irritation or difficulty breathing, you can act quickly to seek medical assistance and prevent further symptoms from arising. Remember to note any family history of allergies when determining which foods are safe for your baby to consume. These steps will help ensure your little one stays healthy and happy!
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