Keep hay fever at bay

Hay fever rarely affects babies aged under two years, but after that age it becomes more common and often goes hand in hand with other allergies such as asthma and eczema.

Snmeezing, watering eyes, snoring and mouth-breathing are all telltale signs of hay fever, caused by an allergy to pollen. Here are ways to minimise the problem if your toddler is a hay fever sufferer: 

1. KNOW YOUR NUMBERS: Listen to the daily pollen forecast. Children who are especially sensitive to pollen might start to get hay fever symptoms when the pollen count is as low as 10; when it reaches 50, most sufferers will start to struggle.

2. HIT THE TOWN: When the pollen count is high, keep your child away from gardens and parks, especially if the grass has just been cut. Choose a walk on the street or a visit to town instead. Even better, head for the seaside.

3. BE A SHADY BABY: Buy your child a pair of sunglasses to protect her eyes against airborne pollens which spark hay fever symptoms.

4. BECOME THE POLLEN POLICE: Change your child's clothes when she comes inside as pollen often gets trapped in them. A shower and hair wash can also get rid of pollen. Avoid leaving washing on the line when the pollen count is high, and give pets who've been outside a wipe-down to get rid of pollen in their fur.

5. BE NOSY: Smear a little Vaseline around your child's nostrils. It feels soothing and helps trap pollen, stopping it from getting in her nose and sparking a fit of hay fever sniffles.

6. ASK AN EXPERT: See your GP about which hay fever medicines you can use with small children, and don't presume the brands you rely on are safe. For example, many types of antihistamines are not recomended for children under 12.

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