Springtime Allergy Tips for Babies and Toddlers

Spring is here. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and… your little one won’t stop sneezing? Yep, spring allergies can hit babies and toddlers hard, leaving them (and you) feeling miserable. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back with practical, parent-tested tips to help ease those sniffles and keep your kiddo happy.

Here are our Springtime allergy tips for babies and toddlers. 

Understanding Spring Allergies in Babies and Toddlers

First things first: Can babies even get seasonal allergies? The short answer is yes—but not as commonly as older kids. Most seasonal allergies (aka hay fever or allergic rhinitis) start showing up after age 2. That’s because it takes time for a child’s immune system to develop sensitivities to pollen, grass, and mold.

Still, if your baby is rubbing their eyes, sneezing a lot, or has a runny nose (without a fever), allergies could be the culprit. Toddlers, on the other hand, are prime candidates for springtime sniffles.

Common Allergy Symptoms in Little Ones

  • Sneezing (more than usual)
  • Runny or stuffy nose (clear mucus, not yellow/green)
  • Itchy, watery eyes (lots of rubbing!)
  • Coughing (especially if it’s worse outside)
  • Irritability (because who feels good with a stuffy nose?)

If you notice wheezing or trouble breathing, call your pediatrician—it could be asthma or another issue.

How to Reduce Allergens at Home

You can’t control the pollen count outside, but you can make your home a sneeze-free sanctuary.

  • Keep Windows Closed: As tempting as it is to let in that fresh spring air, open windows invite pollen inside. Run the AC instead (with a clean filter!).
  • Wash Hands & Faces Often: Pollen sticks to skin and clothes. Wipe your little one’s face and hands after playing outside, and consider a quick bath before bedtime to rinse off allergens.
  • Use a HEPA Air Purifier: A good air purifier can trap pollen, dust, and pet dander. Place one in your child’s bedroom for cleaner air while they sleep.
  • Vacuum & Dust Regularly: Pollen settles on floors and furniture. Vacuum with a HEPA filter and dust with a damp cloth to avoid kicking particles back into the air.
  • Wash Bedding Weekly: Allergens cling to sheets and stuffed animals. Wash them in hot water weekly to keep sneezes at bay.
  • Invest in hypoallergenic bedding – Consider purchasing pillowcases and mattress covers that are designed to keep out dust mites and other allergens.
  • Keep pets out of bedrooms – If possible, keep pets out of your child's bedroom to minimize exposure to pet dander.
  • Control indoor humidity levels – Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% to discourage the growth of mold and dust mites. You can use a dehumidifier to achieve this.
  • Change air filters regularly – Regularly change the air filters in your home's heating and cooling system to trap allergens.
  • Groom pets regularly – If you have pets, groom them regularly to minimize shedding and dander.
  • Wipe down surfaces – Regularly wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust and pollen.

Outdoor Allergy Management

You can’t (and shouldn’t!) keep your kiddo inside all spring. But you can take steps to minimize exposure.

1. Check Pollen Counts

Pollen is usually highest in the morning. Plan outdoor play for late afternoon or after rain (when pollen levels drop).

2. Dress for Defense

  • Hats & sunglasses shield eyes from pollen.
  • Long sleeves & pants reduce skin contact with allergens.
  • Shoes off at the door keeps pollen from spreading inside.

3. Wipe Down After Playtime

A quick rinse in the sink or a damp washcloth can remove pollen from hands, face, and hair.

4. Avoid Hanging Laundry Outside

Pollen loves to cling to clothes and sheets. Use the dryer instead.

Safe Allergy Relief for Babies & Toddlers

Before reaching for meds, check with your pediatrician—especially for babies under 2. Here’s what might help:

For Babies Under 1

  • Saline drops & a bulb syringe to clear nasal congestion.
  • Cool-mist humidifier to soothe irritated airways.
  • Breastfeeding (if possible) can help boost immunity.

For Toddlers (Age 2+)

  • Children’s antihistamines (like Zyrtec or Claritin) only if approved by your doctor.
  • Honey (for kids over 1) can help soothe coughs (but never for infants—it’s a botulism risk!).
  • Steamy bathroom sessions loosen mucus before bedtime.

Avoid decongestants for young kids—they’re not recommended for children under 4 and can cause side effects.

When to See a Doctor

Most spring allergies are annoying but not dangerous. However, call your pediatrician if:

  • Symptoms last more than two weeks.
  • Your child has trouble breathing or wheezing.
  • They develop a fever (could be a cold or infection).
  • Over-the-counter meds aren’t helping.

If allergies are severe, an allergist can test for specific triggers and recommend treatments like immunotherapy (but this is rare for very young kids).

Further Reading for Parents

Dealing with allergies is just one part of parenting a little one. Here are more helpful articles from our blog:

  1. How to Create a Sleep Schedule for Your Baby – Because allergies can mess with sleep!
  2. Summer Safety Tips for Babies – Prep for the next season.
  3. Surviving the Teething Phase – Another common cause of fussiness.
  4. The Importance of Tummy Time – Keep development on track, even with allergies.
  5. Winter Skin Care for Babies – Seasonal skin tips.
  6. How to Handle Toddler Tantrums – Because allergies + crankiness = extra challenges.

Final Thoughts

Spring allergies can be a pain, but with a few smart strategies, you can help your little one breathe easier and enjoy the season. Pay attention to symptoms, minimize pollen exposure, and always check with your pediatrician before trying new treatments.

Here’s to fewer sneezes and more sunny-day giggles!