Advice on Allergies in Toddlers

Have you considered changing the products you use to clean your house? Personal care products and household cleaners are some of the worst offenders when it comes to allergies and asthma. If he is already fighting off reactions to pollen and things, his system may be overwhelmed by the household chemicals he is breathing.I recommend Melaleuca's Ecosense line. They are non-toxic and they even make products to help you control mold and dust mites naturally. I am really impressed with them. Many people with allergies and/or asthma find that this simple change really helps them. You can add melaleuca oil to his humidifier to help him breathe better and also to help control dust mites and any mold that may be in the room. There are also some nutritional supplements you can try to strengthen his immune system. Alao, limiting the amount of milk he drinks will help the mucous be thinner so he at least has productive coughs.If you would like more info on the products I use, e-mail me at ____@____.com or visit www.saferhome4u.com.
C.

1 mom found this helpful

My daughter is the same way. I know she has to have allergies. My mom's best friend suggested I try putting vicks vapor rub on the bottom of her feet and then putting socks on at bedtime. I know it sounds crazy, but it has seemed to help when she has the bad coughs. I also use the vaporizor. It breaks your heart hearing that big cough out of such a little thing.

Hi G..
Hyland's makes a C plus Cold tablet that dissolves in their mouth instantly. My kids get them all during misc. runny noses, not just for colds. I know it says "plus cold", but basically vitamin C is a great thing to give all the time. It can't hurt him, even it he eats the whole bottle. The worse that will happen is the runs, not likely that will happen.
I restrict dairy. I give soy products. If soy is a problem, they have hemp milk, rice milk and other milk alternatives. We are the only species that gives milk after weaning. May I suggest you read about milk allergies. Knowledge is power.
I do wish you the very best in your pursuit of knowledge.
W.

I rub vicks vapor rub on my childrens feet and put socks on them and they don't cough all nite. Several people suggested it and I thought they were crazy--shows what I know.

L.
Arkansas

Ms. G., while I am a first time mom, I do have some advice to share. On top of everything you are doing-try Vicks Baby Rub on your baby's feet after a nice warm bath. After you load it on the feet, put on nice tight socks. You can use the leftover on your hands and rub it on your baby's chest. I read about this method through a medical research paper from Canada. I am convinced that it works because it cleared up my 2 month year old's runny nose the next day.

You can find the Vicks Baby Rub with all the other Vicks. I hope this helps!!

Keep it up with the honey (but not to remedy the symptoms/coughing) - mix it or spread it to sneak it in his diet every day. Slowly increase the amount every day to maximize the antibody-building benefits. If you can find raw honey that is local within 20 miles of your home it is a wonderful, natural way to combat local environmental allergies. For soothing a cough try generously rubbing good ole' Vick's on his FEET before bed and cover with cotton socks. The bottom of the feet absorbs oils very well - this really works! Vick's is just menthol/eucalyptus so basically "non-chemical".

Good luck!

Hi there,

I am in Raleigh also and have a 17 mo old son that has general allergies and runny nose with the pollen, etc. He does not ususally have a cough unless he also has a viral cold going on at the same time. My pediatrician recommends a Boiron homeopathic treatment for these minor reactions called Allium Cepa, whole foods has it. She is great about giving options to use for minor colds,etc and is very knowledgable but will call in for "real" meds when really needed and she will allergy test and refer out for bigger issues. She is Dr.Ramsdell in Apex, yes, I drive all the way out there for these type options. And her personality and individual care is bar none. So research this option if you are comfortable with it, that is all I can tell you.
Hope you can find an answer soon it is so tough to see them fighting something. And if you want any more info just contact me directly.
D.

Around this time every year my daughter would get the same things. I tried everyhting under the sun, but nothing helped. Guess what did... I changed my cleaning products!!! I completely changed the entire line I used to clean with. My daughter breathes easier, and is her normal two-year old terror self. I can give you more information on the products I use. I have a website www.homeofficemamma.com, my email and phone number is there. Hope I can help.

G.,

A good vitamin, not from Walmart or the drugstore, will improve the condition drastically. If you're serious about tackling this problem with prescription medicine, go to www.wandafloyd.mypharmanex.com for a good children's vitamin. My LifePak vitamins are the only DM supplements in the Physican's Desk Reference. That's how good they are.

W.
1-877-736-7630

My 3 year old has allergies. I didn't like the idea of meds at first either, so I did the same as you. Try putting him in a hot steamy bathroom with the door closed right before bedtime. That will help decongest him and possibly get some of the allergen out of his nose. I eventually had to put my child on meds because he also has asthma. You might want to check with his ped. to make sure he doesn't either. It can present the same symptoms.
Good Luck
Natalie
Mommy of 3
Ambria-7, Dalton-3, Jonathon 12 months

My 2 year old does the same thing. I use a humidifier also. I also was using these patches that helps stop the cough. You put it on there chest or there clothes where they can't get it.. My little girl also love for me to rub the mentholatem on her chest and zip up her pj's. Hope this helps...

Rub Vick's Vapor Rub on the bottom of his feet right before you put him in bed at night then put socks on his feet for him to sleep in.

It should help his cough and he should sleep a lot better.

I don't know what it will do with regards to the runny nose because my son's allergies cause his nose to be congested and this therapy helps with this as well.

Good Luck!
A.

Shaklee Corporation has some wonderful pure, potent, and effective natural food supplements. Try Liqui Lea, Chewable Vita C and Ocean Wonders Multivitamin. If you can get him to drink alfalfa Tea--Alfalfa tablets dissolved with fresh lemon juice and pure honey added, would be great. Just any alfalfa won't give you the same results as Shaklee. There is a difference among food supplements.
Please go to my website, learn about Shaklee, and order these great products for your family.
Our non toxic Green cleaning products have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show several times and are now in the White House. Many children who were diagnosed with asthma and other allergies no longer suffered after the family switched to Shaklee's Get Clean Cleaning Products.

My Website is www.shaklee.net/gwensuttonbuggs
My E-mail address is ____@____.com
Thank you and enjoy a great day.
Gwendolyn S. Buggs

I put Vicks vapor rub on my son's chest under his PJ's (so he doesn't get it on his hands). It quiets his cough well along with a humidifier.

Hi G.. My son is 19 months and has the same allergy symptoms as your little one. I actually thought he had bronchitus or something else really horrible last year - he was coughing so bad and he couldn't even eat his breakfast in the mornings for his runny nose and awful wet cough. He was so miserable and we were getting no sleep. Wisked him off to the pediatricain - she sent us to an allergist. She prescribed half a teaspoon of Zyrtec every night before bed. I know you don't want to use meds, but this is available without a prescription now. It is the grape liquid that says it is for 2 years and up. Pharmacists says it is the same thing. We still do the same dosage and he feels SO MUCH BETTER every single day. He can play outside and get a good nights rest. We are not doing nose wiping all day long. No more relentless coughing. He was drowsy the first few mornings, but his body adjusted quickly. It was so worth it in my opinion. Just a last ditch idea for you if all the vicks and other ideas don't work out...good luck

Hi G.,

Coughing at night and night mostly is a sure indication of Asthma. My daughter was diagnosed with asthma at about 15 months. Singulair did not cut it for her. She is actually on FLOVENT which is a preventative type medication. Pediatricians do not like to diagnose asthma at that young of an age, but if you son is coughing about an hour after he lays down and does so continually night after night with very little symptoms during the day then I would be willing to bet he is asthmatic. The reason why this happens at night is due to the relaxation of the bronchioles and the fact that your husband is laying down which only exasberates the situation. Got to http://www.drgreene.com/21_1583.html. Good luck to you it took us over 5 months to finally get into a pediatric pulmonologist, my daughters pediatrician was hesitant to do anything because she was so young. One other alternative for you is an allergist that specializes in allergy drops. THEY ARE A Miracle!! Let me know if you need anything else. GOOD LUCK!

L.

I work with a company that developes, manufactures & sells CHEMICAL FREE household cleaners & personal items. Using these products & clearing your home of these chemicals with all the smells that go with them, would help your son and your husband. Most people don't realize that the air they breathe in their home is more harmful than the air from outside.

I'd love to tell you how to purchase (direct from the company). They are safer for your home, and they are as effective, environmentally safe and as economical as "store bought" products. Plus, 100% money back guarantee!

Look forward to hearing from you.

D. M.

Use LOCAL honey (as the bees will have pollinated local flowers...) Also, Nettle tea. Both these things have been effective for many who try.

I also ran across this article about alternative allergy relief:

http://www.todaysparent.com/healthsafety/allages/article....

I found no statement one way or the other using nettle tea with young children. I would think 1 serving of the pre packaged stuff would be ok, per day. Ask your health food store person, or find a good Naturopathic Dr.

We use the Gentle Vapors from PediaCare. It plugs into the outlet and fills the bedroom with menthol and eucalyptus. It's wonderful and my husband and I have actually used it for ourselves. We use Vicks on their feet too.

Hey there, I am a pediatric nurse, and there is a blood test to find out what he is allergic to. Instead of going to the allergy Dr. They can do it from one blood draw, It will tell if he is allergic to any grasses, tree's and also some foods. Just an Idea. J.

Try Zicam - it's all natural and you can get it in any drugstore. My son had horrible allergies and we ended up getting him allergy shots. But at your son's age he's too young for that. If your husband outgrew most of his allergies then maybe your son will also. Good luck!

Hi G.,
I have heard from more than one Mom that if you rub Vicks Vapor Rub on his feet and put a pair of socks on him that it will take care of the night coughing. Also, they make Triaminic Runny Nose and Cough grape flavored strips that I had given my son at times like that (just one strip) and that helps alot also. There is also Vicks Baby Rub that you may want to rub on his chest and neck. Hope this helps.
T.

I've used over the counter homeopathic medicines--they sell formulas for specific allergies such as pet dander, tree pollen etc. I've also used Boiron cough syrup which does have a honey base, but isn't very strong honey tasting. you can buy all at whole foods. It also might be a good idea to get him tested for allergies so you can target things to avoid. Duke has an excellent child allergy center if you are near Durham or they can do a blood or skin test in a pediatrician office. Both my children have allergies & it's an ever changing challenge, but does really help to know what to avoid.

Hi G.,

My sister had allergy asthma, and she was allergic to all kinds of stuff - dust, grass, dog dander, cat dander (just being in the same room with a cat put her in the hospital in an oxygen tent.) We got her allergy shots weekly for years, and finally she got to the point that she wasn't hospitalized anymore, and she can live without the constant coughing and wheezing. She feeds a cat outside, but won't let it inside. She can have a dog now, which is a comfort to her.

If you've rid your home of suspected allergens and nothing else works, try getting the blood test the nurse is talking about. At least you'll have something definitive to go by, even if it's just ruling something out. Then you could start looking at her diet. That might be your next step before having to consider meds. Food allergies can present all kinds of ways.
Good luck! D.

G.,

Have you tried Vick's Vapor Rub? When my little one has a cough (he's 19 months) I put a very little under his chin and some on the bottom of his feet when he goes to bed. It seems to help! Good luck!

Hi G.,
I have heard about putting Vicks on the bottom of his feet and put socks on his feet. The coughing should stop in about 5 min.

I have a 27 month old. I took her last year and had her tested for allergies and was told by her allergist and her ENT that she is too young for environmental allergies (pollen and such). She was found to be allergic to cats and eggs. We got rid of our cat, but the problem never went away. I finally took her to an ENT last month and found that her adenoids were almost completely blocking her airway in her nose. She had them out the next day and has improved soooooo much. Maybe you should talk to an ENT. At least they can rule that out.

This will sound strange but I've tried it & it works. At bedtime, put some Vick's Vapor Rub on the bottoms of his feet & put socks him. It stops the cough. I put in on the bottom of the feet & toes as well and then plop on some socks and I'm sleepin' good.

first of all youre not suppose to give honey to children under 2 years of age(a dr will tell you so will the people at WIC) because of allergy reasons as well as oher reasons.it sounds like allergies to me also but take him to the dr they do have liquid syrups for children under 2 for allergies,if its allergies there isnt much you can give him other than allergy medicine unless you get rid of anything that can cause allergies such as carpets,pets,houseplants,covering the mattresses with matress covers made to cover beds to prevent allergies to even dust mites. a child can also be allergic to lady bug,cockroach droppings,etc.I have had allergies since I was about 3 and they thought it was colds all the time.also certain molds that might be presents in or around the house could cause allergies as well as certain trees,plants,etc you might also try an air cleaner or air purifier in the home and you want to have the humidifier set to where you get (I was told 50-70% humidity)the honey can also make allergies worse I would take your son to an allergy specialist/ pediatrician when hes at his worse if possible and see what they say its really hard to control allergies unless you know whats causing them. also they do have nasal sprays called little noses for kids with allergies sometimes thats all it will take to control them. but see a specialist or someone that knows a lot about allergies and go from there good luck.

I feel for you! My daughter is 2 and she is in the 95th percentile for nasal allergies and has multiple food allergies as well. Like you, my husband is allergic to many things. The other advice you received is pretty good, but I'd like for you to consider something: having allergies is a problem in their immune system ....a medical problem. I believe that you treat a medical problem with medical solutions. (If she had an eye problem, I would get her glasses, so let's follow the same logic!) When she was 18 months old, we had her allergy tested by a well-reputed immunologist/allergy doctor. It gave us many answers. I am really glad that we did it. Now she is on daily medication and weekly shots. The meds don't affect her adversely in any way....not sleepy, not foggy, not hyper. The shots are very fast and the nurses who do it are quick and have stickers! We tried treating her with non-medical things, but they were only temporary fixes...something on the surface that didn't address the real problem. Also, their are pillow cases and mattress covers that help protect from dust mites and help with sleeping. Hope this helps....

I've learned that if you want them to get some sleep and lessen their cough, put Vicks Vapor Rub on their feet, then put socks on them, and it helps ALOT. Good Luck!

rubbing baby vicks vapo-rub on my daughters chest has always worked better than anything on her coughs. along with a vaporizer...she sleeps soundly for several hours straight and then if she wakes up i just rub a little more on and she goes right back to sleep.

G., Stop giving your toddler honey. Until the age of two it could cause botulism. It is something in the intestinal tract that babies can't can't break down. Otherwise it sounds like your doing all you can. Allergies are so prevalent in this area and my granddaughter, who is three,is on alavert and nasonex everyday. She has been on it for about six months and it has made a big difference. Ask your pediatrician about what you can give your baby and good luck. L. R.

hi...the honey i've heard works..but it has to be local honey...maybe check a health food store...and try to put it in oatmeal or toast and jam!!! good luck

Hey G., my name is M., and I have a 3 year old son. We recently relocated, and I'm not sure if that did it but my son has been miserable with allergies. I had taken all allergens out of my home so I know they are outside allergies. We have been using the little noses brand saline spray, it was tough in the begining, but know he is ok with it. Also you can try Elderberry syrup for the cough,it is usually post nasal drip that causes the cough. Good Luck, and I've been told we have past the hieght of the season. M.

Since my son was an infant we were always told he had asthma. He always sounded like he had congestion in his chest,but who am I to tell a doctor he wrong. After years of doing the same medicines and breathing treatments I finally wised up. Deep down I knew my son didn't have asthma. Make a long story short I took him to a asthma and allergy specialist. Come to find out he doesn't have asthma he just allergic to more than a few things. Now that I know what he allergic to and precautions I have to take life is good again!! By the way i am the same way about giving my child all this medication and all the allergist gave me was a nose spray he would take at night for 2 weeks and just use it when needed afterwards. If you are in Fayetteville area Dr. Follett is great!!

My son is 28 and still gets sick whenever there is a sudden change in temperature. I have not tried it personally but he says this home remedy really helps him sleep at night when he can't get rid of his cough. Put some Vick's vapo rub on the bottom of his feet and then put socks on. It does not stop the allergic reaction but he will be able to rest through the night. You said you would prefer not to have meds, but we were able to cope much better during the day if I gave my son a teaspoonful of Benadryl at least a half hour before we left the house.

My son (2) also has allergies. I have given him products from the company Herbs for Kids. You can go to the website to look at the specific herbs and their uses, but they do not sell direct. I found drugstore.com to be the best place to buy unless you have a good natural food store that carries them in your area. I have used "Nettles and Ebright" for my son for the allergie season. It does not take away all of the symptoms but reduces dramaticly.

God Bless,

This may sound crazy, but it works. Do this before he goes to bed - For the cough, put Vicks Vapor Rub on the bottom of his feet then put his socks on. I've tried it on kids and adults and it has worked every time for me. My son has many allergies and it always worked. GOOD LUCK.

I just recently read about using Vitamin C for allergies. My son had goopy eyes that were a little red, so I started looking into it. I got some chewable Vitamin C and gave him one in the morning and one at night for a day or two, and then once a day for another few days. It cleared up in no time!

The main side effect with Vitamin C is that if you get too much, it gives you diarrhea--that's when you know it's too much! :-)

I have often used the Johnson and Johnson eucalyptus bath to help with the nose and cough...maybe try giving a warm bath before bedtime. It seems to open everything up pretty well for us.

Hello G. M- It is very hard to raise healthy children let alone children with health issues. I recommend a natural supplement to help with allergies, sleep disorders and other health issues. Here is a website that can give you information and testimonials:www.insidemangosteen.com/judy0114

J. H

Put some vicks on his chest for the cough. I have been told to put it on a persons feet also, then put on some socks. As far as the allergies, check with an ENT to make sure he doesn't need his adnoids or tonsils out & that he doesn't have a lot of fluid in his ears. When my daughter was around 3 years old we had been doctoring her for an ear infection, it turned out her ears were full of fluid & ready to rupture. She had tubes put in 3 times, but eventually had her adnoids taken out. Good luck.