Your Kids and Indoor Allergies

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Kids and Dust Mites

Mold, Mildew and Kids

Your Kids and Your Pets

Alert Caregivers

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Dust mites thrive on bedding and furniture, and in carpets. They don’t discriminate between your king bed or the racecar bed in your child’s room. To cut down on dust and dust mites, it’s best to do a little cleaning each week. Wash your child’s toys and belongings with a damp cloth, and vacuum trouble areas frequently.

Mold tends to grow in moist environments. Keep it to a minimum in your home by regularly cleaning bathrooms, basements and other damp areas. But what about the bathrooms and locker rooms at your child’s school? If your child seems to only react at school, this may be the culprit. It may be necessary to speak to a teacher or school nurse.

Pets are a great way to teach kids responsibility, but they shouldn’t lead to a constant battle with allergies. When your child comes in contact with a pet, dander can cause reactions. To reduce your child’s reaction to dander, be sure to have your pets groomed regularly, and clean your carpets regularly. If your kids are sensitive, teach them to avoid other people’s pets.

There are many people in your child’s life, besides the pediatrician, who should know about their allergies. Tell caregivers, teachers and the school nurse about your child’s allergies, and the medications they take. You should also discuss any outdoor allergies with their gym teacher.

• Know your child’s triggers, and figure out ways to avoid or reduce exposure
• Keep track of when seasonal allergies peak
• Teach your child allergy awareness
• Store toys in a closed toy box to help eliminate dust

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