How to Get Rid of Allergies in Infants

An allergy is the body's reaction to a substance in the environment considered by the body as an allergen. Allergens differ from a person to another based on different factors like the environment, the seasonal changes, heredity, other health conditions, medications and treatments the body is exposed to. One must do everything possible to ensure an infant with allergies some comfort or maybe protect him or her from getting an allergic reaction.

Steps

1
Make sure the infant's clothing and bedding is all made of 100% cotton.
2
Whoever is handling the baby should be dressed in all cotton as well.
- If not possible, a cotton blanket can be placed on the body parts of the handler that will be in touch with the baby. i.e a lap, shoulder, arm or chest.
3
Nursing mothers should avoid or limit consuming foods and drinks that run high risk of allergies; search for those. They should also consult a doctor before taking any medication because traces of it will run in the lactating milk.
4
Keep the infant in a dust free, smoke free, environment. Use odorless cleansing detergents, preferably natural cleansers where possible. Ventilate often, but make sure the infant is not in a room with a draft.
5
Refrain from using air fresheners. You may use natural potpourris for that. i.e citrus peels, vanilla pods or rose petals in simmering water.
6
Use mild laundry detergents to wash baby clothing; there are special products on the market shelves. Perfumed detergents may cause nose and lung allergies. Residue of too much detergent will cause skin allergy.
7
Use infant friendly shampoos and soap. Clean the baby's bottom with running warm water instead of wet wipes when changing diapers or cleaning baby vomit.
8
Pat dry a baby's body with a soft pure cotton cloth after a bath. Use baby oil, calendula oil, or olive oil to moisten the baby skin if the weather is dry. Powder is not necessary but maybe helpful to keep the body dry in humid weather.
9
Make sure whoever handles the infant is not wearing perfume.
10
Keep the infant cool or warm using your proper judgement. Too much warmth is just as bad as too much cold. A rule of thumb is, if it is cold or hot for you, it is so for the baby too.
11
Treat colds naturally and rather quickly. Long colds may turn to allergies affecting the nose and the lungs.
12
Look for an alternative to chemical medication where possible after consulting a doctor. For instance, fennel or anise tea are good alternatives when handling colic, flatulence, and constipation.
13
As the infant starts to eat, introduce vegetables first, one at a time. For example, one may start with soft steamed peas, but keep feeding the same vegetable for two weeks before introducing squash or carrots. Should an allergy show from food, you will be able to find the allergen quicker. After a few vegetables have been introduced, fruits, then cereals may follow. Then mixtures of some of what was introduced earlier may follow.
14
Honey was so controversial for babies, so introduce it after the first year of age.
15
Refrain from adding salt or sugar to baby food.
16
When taking an infant out in the open, check the weather and the forecast first, avoid crowds especially in closed or poorly ventilated places.