3 Yr Old That Constantly Wakes up with Puffy Red Eyes

Hello R.,
My name is R. as well... spelled same way LOL.
I have a 5 yr old daughter and we had a similar situation. Her going back and forth when her father and I were split up
was very hard. She had puffy eyes all the time. I had a cat at my house as do you. I've had the cat my daughters whole life. However, children are not always born with allergic reactions they develop them over time. You really should go to a pediatric and see if it's the cat first. Doesn't mean you will have to get rid of cat, they have medication you can give baby to keep cat. Also the transition is hard from house to house for her, if you and dad can make her bed at both homes similar... same type of pillow, same sheets, same night time baby, it will ease her discomfort. Try Synthetic sheets nothing with feathers. Does dad have pets? Also cleaning the air filter in both homes is an easy thing to do that can also make a big difference and should be done every 4-6 months depending on the season. With my daughter it was a mixture of all of it. I wish you the best of luck. Let me know how it goes.
R. Romero

You know, it could possibly be something in the air where you live, or the environment. It may not be pet related at all.

I would consider other possible irritants.

I get itchy red eyes too, since I was a kid. Sometimes it is just something in the air and especially when certain trees are in flower or in fruit, and at certain times when the wind direction is different.

Also, it could be something she is eating, or inadvertently touching THEN via her hands, is touching her face with.

How about laundry or cleaning things in origin? Could she possibly be reacting to anything like that?

Or maybe it is just dust mites?

Or is there any kind of skin lotions/perfume/soaps that you wear... and after hugging/kissing/cuddling with you before bed, she gets allergic to it...thus waking up with a reaction/red itchy eyes the next day after waking? These are all possible scenarios...

Try to think of anything... that could be affecting her before bed, while sleeping, and then when she wakes up the next day, she is exhibiting symptoms...

Good luck, and take care,
Susan

When I first read your question, I immediately thought it was an allergy to a cat. The same thing happens to my father in law when he stays at my brother in laws house. I know you said she has been around cats her whole life, but if she is staying at another place part time, she isn't around cats and then comes to your house and starts rubbing her eyes, she is allergic. Maybe she didn't react that way when she lived with you full time because she was around it all the time. Now that she isn't, her body has adjusted and changed. You could always have her tested for allergies at the dr's office. Hope you find out whats making her miserable.

My guess is the cat too. As previously said allergies can happen later on to anything particularly cats and other animals. Also you most likely have already done this, but maybe getting allergy filters for your air/heating. You may just have to get rid of the cat. But see a doctor first to test her.

Just a thought but she may be allergic to your cat. My best friend is just allergic to simease no other cats...

I read your question and Leslie's response answer;I also first thought "cat allergy".Being 3 begins a whole new inner-self for your daughter:same stuff can become allergic
reactions:foods,fabrics,animals,etc.Without sounding mean, men rarely,if ever,notice ANYTHING wrong with children -- only if something is wrong with their TV,car,or sport item (golf clubs,baseball stuff,etc.),so,I believe your ex sees her eyes,but, has zero clue,so don't feel guilty about it and worry.Now...your little girl's eyes are telling you that there is something used on her skin and it's an allergy.Lotions,shampoo,her favorite baby with a ribbon, natural fabrics:wool,her fingers touch something and she sleeps with her hands on her face.Aveeno anti-itch cream (for example) could help just before bedtime on her hands--however,tell your pediatrician quickly because your little lamb is feeling poorly.Remember this:she has never been 3 before so this is all new to her body,too,her resistance has adapted and now it's bothering her.You are a wise mother to ask for help...ASK..keep asking!! WebMD.com is an excellent web source to ask about her symptoms,too.Good luck.

take her to the dr. i would say its pink eye but that doesnt fit at all. it could be allergies. but i would still take her to her dr to see what it really is. good luck!