Help with a Runny Nosed Boy and Daycare

Updated on August 14, 2007
K.M. asks from Athens, GA
23 answers

My two and a half year old boy has a perpetual runny nose. Or at least he has for that last few months. The snot is always clear and the pediatrician says it is alergies of some kind, the cats, maybe the dogs. At any rate, I am in the process of trying to pinpoint where exactly the problem is, he has been around the animals his whole life. This has become a problem at daycare. My provider has called me many times to come and get him, because he is sneezing so often and has an exhorbatant amount of snot. I go get him every time and cut out of work. The last time she called she told me that other kids were getting sick. I took him to the pediatrician again, immediately, she again told me it was alergies. My daycare provider said he can't come again with a runny nose. I asked her if she wanted me to find another provider and she said it was up to me but he can't come again with a runny nose. Let me clarify, her exact words were, "It can't be THAT runny." Well, it wasn't THAT runny when we left the house that day, it gets that way later in the day. I am going to take him to an alergist if keeping the cats out of his room, and the endless vacuming and hair removal doesn't make a difference. I sort of wonder if my provider just want's to get rid of us, because he is not sick and I am hard pressed to believe he is getting other kids sick?! But he is not sick. I told her the pediatrician thinks it's alergies and she said she could see I didn't believe her about the other kids getting sick. I can't think of a reason why she wouldn't want him there. He LOVES her and is having a hard time not being able to go to her. I pay faithfully and regularly, We have never had a problem before, and she tells me that every provider would make me take him home. I took him to a new home this last week and he still asks for "NeeNee". I have noticed this week that he has been less runny, still runny, but not sneezing and snotting everywhere. And as a write this, I suddenly wonder if the kids aren't alergic to something the provider was using to sanitize around him, she wipes everything he touches all day long, so she says. Anyone have any advice?

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So What Happened?

I stuck with the new day care provider and he hasn't had a runny nose since. Whaddya know! Maybe it was her house. However, he still truly misses "NeeNee" and asks for her several times a week. It is interesting that he seems to ask for her when he is upset with me for setting boundaries. When I tell him no about something he says, I want NeeNee. hmmm...At any rate, he is no longer snotty, thanks for the advice.

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H.T.

answers from Augusta on

My son was the same way and we had his toncils out and he has not had one runny nose since. talk to you dr. about that I know it has helped mine.

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J.P.

answers from Columbia on

My son was in an in-home daycare for almost a year, and a majority of the time, he had a runny nose...Within 3 days of being kicked out of the daycare (I confronted her about ratio/income tax fraud), his nose cleared up, and he hasn't had nasal issues in a year and a half...She was a smoker, who supposedly only smoked outside, but some people, like myself, are very sensitive to the odor...I've known of a lot of children with perpetual runny noses while in daycare...I would still look into allergies, but he may be allergic to something at the daycare

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A.J.

answers from Savannah on

K.,
It sounds like you are covering all of your bases. I would get into an allergist as soon as possible, and in the mean time, get a note from your pediatrician giving your son a clean bill of health (as far as anything contagious goes). It sounds like your son really loves your provider, and I know that would be so hard to give up. Also, get a list of what products she is using on a daily basis to take to the allergist, and be sure to explain your predicament to the allergist as well. That doctor should also be able to provide a note to the provider. I hope this helps, at least you know that there are other (first time) moms here to listen... Good luck!

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T.W.

answers from Columbia on

My son has had a runny nose for weeks, and the daycare provider has not said a word to me. I asked if any of the other kids were sick, and his teacher said they all had runny noses. I think his are mostly allergies... As long as it's not green snot, I don't typically worry. The daycare provider has never told me he couldn't come in because of a runny nose. Only fever and vomiting, or something that is obviously contagious.

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M.P.

answers from Spartanburg on

I know you really like the daycare provider, but it your son (and all the other kids) is getting sick while he is there, then you probably need to find a different provider anyway. I wish you luck- I know it's a hard situation.

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S.C.

answers from Macon on

As a daycare provider myself, I have had children come with runny noses and have not sent them home unless it had a color to it. If it was clear I know that the child is fine and just has a runny nose. I myself have allergies and understand, but as you stated, your son may in fact be allergic to something at the provider's home which is causing him to sneeze and exude more snot. I would have advised you to try another povider also and I am glad that yu did, because know it seems that the first provider's home was really more the issue than your son. Hope everything works out.

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A.G.

answers from Charleston on

Hi there,
Yes I would definitely see an allergist, see who your pediatrician recommends. and if his runny nose is not bad in the mornings when you drop him off, and then gets worse through out the day, I would begin to think something @ the daycare or provider's home is the trigger for the runny nose. Plus it sounds like the provider probably just doesn't want to wipe his nose all day. That is what is sounds like to me. I would think like you did and it's either something within the provider's home, or the sanitizing ingredient. HOpe this helps.

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J.J.

answers from Athens on

My 2 1/2 year old son had that same problem last year. He didn't go to daycare so that made me even more stumped as to why it was happening. The doctor put him on liquid claritin and it made all the difference. He took a teaspoon in the morning and within the first few days you could see a difference. It's an over the counter medicine now so maybe you could give it a shot?? However if the real problem is the sitter not wanting to keep him anymore then all I can say is this: no matter how much your son likes her if she doesn't want to keep him do you really want him there?? I say if that's the case cut your losses and find another sitter. You'll be happier w/someone you know wants to care for you child. It doesn't always make sense but sitters do stuff like this sometimes. When my middle son was 1 my sisters sitter wouldn't take my son b/c she said she didn't think she'd get along w/me. I was offended at first but I eventually realized that if I couldn't get along w/her then having my child there was not good for anyone. Good luck hope he gets better soon:)

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R.D.

answers from Charleston on

Not to put the daycare down, but my daughter has allergies to mold and mildew as well as grass, latex, and those plastic mats they use at daycare. I took my daughter to an allergist. They can pinpoint exactly what you son is allergic to and can even prescribe him some medicine to help with it. My daughter is much happier and we no longer get runny noses unless she has a cold. Try the allergist and get another daycare. I've seen a lot of kids with really runny noses and they just wipe their noses and let the parents know. If they know it's allergies and it's clear, they should't be sending them home. That's just ridiculous. Also, make sure the allergy meds they give you don't make your child groggy or sleepy. The first one we gave Ash did and it was tough on her to stay awake at school and she would get cranky if they tried to wake her up. Hope this helps

~R.~

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S.L.

answers from Myrtle Beach on

I would personally find another provider. If she genuinely wanted to keep him she would be trying to help you find the problem. He is young and would love anyone who showed him the same! If it is allergies talk to your doctor about Nasonex. Once a day allergy medicine. It works great with my son.

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B.

answers from Augusta on

it could be anything if it acts up when you go out there could be somethign in bloom right now that is setting him off. If you in augusta its the WORST place in the US to live if you have allergies. both of my kids are on zyrtec. Every night they get a dose before bed during the spring and summer. it could be a purfume or dust.

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M.H.

answers from Macon on

Sounds to me like he needs to see an allergist. my sisters' son was always sick, sometimes puffy eyes and congestion too but mostly just always, always runny or stuffy nose. She resisted taking him thinking it was rubbish but his daddy finally took him when he was four. come to find out he was allergic to alot. wheat, peanuts,chocolate, molds etc. none of which was the dog or cat they had already blamed, (and got rid of the dog).
Best of luck,
M. :)

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S.H.

answers from Charleston on

K.,

It kind of sounds like to me that it might be something at the providers house. If he gets worse as the day goes on ....it would just make sense to me that it might have something to do with the provider. My son goes to an in home daycare and she doesn't mind snot. She actually offered to give my son breathing treatments one time when he was really sick. Actually, with most daycares the rule of thumb as long as they are not running a fever or throwing up/diarrhea. I feel for your son...he's the one really suffering because of this. I'm sorry that you are going through this, but I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. You may not think it's a good thing right now, but keep in mind, God always has a plan for you and your son. I still think it might be a good idea to get him tested though. That way you would know what he is allergic to! Good luck!

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B.H.

answers from Spartanburg on

Have you honestly ever seen a 2 1/2 year old without a runny nose? I have a 2 year old and a 3 year old boy and they both constantly have runny noses. Their pediatrician also says it's allergies. He says that as long as the snot is clear, there is no sign of infection. They are in daycare and snot has never been an issue. Sounds like your provider may have other issues. Daycare is too expensive for you to have pay when she doesn't want to do her job and take care of your child. It's tough being a single parent as it is - especially when you're having to pay for services you're not actually getting and losing time from work on top of it.

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W.S.

answers from Spartanburg on

It sounds like he is allergic to the day care. It could be anything from the carpet to the stuffed animals. Talk with your Ped Dr and ask for something to treat the allergies with, my son took CLarinex for years, from the time he was just a toddler. It made a huge difference in his quality of life. Ask to be referred to an allergist. One that specializes in children.

Also, he may be asking for NeeNee right now, but at that age, if you don't bring it back up, he will forget NeeNee's name in 3 months.

You guys are in my prayers,
W.

M.C.

answers from Charlottesville on

I agree too..most of that sounds like allergies..Very well could be coming from the childcare place..the news here just did a thing on allergies and pillows so that could be it if he sleeps with some sorta of pillow there (if at all). I would just get him tested and see what they come up with..if it isnt stuff from you, then it HAS to be childcare place. I would find a different place nonetheless just because they dont seem to really know what they are doing as far as "sick" and "allerigies" ... There is a HUGE difference and it is easy to tell them apart for the most!

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C.H.

answers from Augusta on

I can kind of relate to how ur provider is feeling...my nephew also has that same exact problem. Everytime I watch him or even see him his nose is rinning likes he's in the middle of a cold storm. Since he has gotten my whole family sick before I keep asking my brother in law if he is sick and they tell me he just has back allergies, I ask why he's coughing or sneezing so much and they say that all of the is from the allergy..coughing due to the snot running into his throat. I believe them but with 2 kids of my own and my family getting previously sick I am still weary of him when he's around.I'm sorry the daycare provider is giving u such a hard time, I say get a note from the doctor and take it in to her..I dont see how she is in a legal right of way to not allow ur kid be there if she has a written statement..also mention to her about how u think it might be something she's using to clean.

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M.B.

answers from Charleston on

It sounds like to me that he may be allergic to something at the babysitter's house. If he is okay when he is at home and then when he is at her house it gets worse. It may be something she has their. If it is just allergies then of course he can't be getting the other kids sick that is impossible. She is just trying to find somebody to blame for their being sick. And since your child has the runny nose then she blames them.

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S.C.

answers from Savannah on

I developed allergies at the age of 13. We realized it when I began having a perpetual runny nose and I would sneeze a lot. I wasn't sick. My mom took me to the allergy doctor... he did some tests, found out what I was allergic to and I started getting weekly shots.

He gave me Actifed which was by prescription only at that time. That and the shots took care of the constant runny nose. I'm sorry your provider doesn't realize that he's not sick... it's just allergies. Some people just are not understanding... when I was going through this, kids at school started calling me "snuff nose"... it was embarassing, but what can you do? Hopefully you can get him tested and an allergist can start the process of clearing this up.

Take care,
S.

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R.C.

answers from Spartanburg on

Heck, half the kids at my son's daycare have had runny noses for the last month or so, my son included. His is starting to dry up now, but they let a little boy in his classroom yesterday that had a SUPER snotty nose, so I hope my son's doesn't start up again. I'd really try to get your pediatrician to send in a note about the allerigies. Like it has already been mentioned, usually a doctor's note trumps everything else. Good luck!

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J.B.

answers from Columbia on

If your pediatrician writes a note that it's allergies, then that should be good enough for the provider. When our son was in childcare it didn't matter if there was a runny nose - almost of the kids had a plethora of snot! The true indication of if they were sick was a fever over 100.4. No fever, no yellow/green snot or coughing up green gunk - it's allergies. If that's not good enough for her - then I agree that there's something else going on.

of course if he's showing improvement, then maybe it is something at her place and he's better off not being there. Very hard for them, I know - but maybe best in the long run.

Good luck!

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L.C.

answers from Myrtle Beach on

Hi there...my little one basically has the same issues. He is now on a nose spray, nasonex. It helps a lot. Not sure what makes hos nose run, but it helps.
Also, the ent gave us sudal for when it gets worse, basically antihistamine for toddlers. He has been on both of these since about age 1.
Hope this helps.

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S.A.

answers from Augusta on

I have a child that gets runny noses and congestion. We use a nose spray product called "Little Noses." You can get it at any drugstore or supermarket. We use it at night, before he goes to bed. It helps to clear it up. We have pets too and live in city with the highest allergy rating. So, don't feel bad or give up your pets. It's better that they are around them at a young age, so they will build up an immunity. Also, I see other children at daycare with runny noses all the time, so I know I'm not the only one and that it is normal. I hope this helps!

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