Anyone can have allergic reactions including a baby. Parents can distinguish between a common cold and allergies in their baby by investigating the occurrence of symptoms that are common to allergies.

Assess whether or not the baby has had a constant stuffy or nose that is constantly dripping?

If the baby is always wiping at or pushing the nose, allergies should be considered.

Is there a constant nasal discharge and is it thin and clear or thick and yellow or green?

Are the baby's eyes itchy, red or water?

Is there a discoloration under the eyes of purple or blue (allergic shiners)?

Does the baby mouth-breathe?

Does the baby have a dry cough?

Does the baby have a skin rash?

If the answer to one or more of these questions is a yes, than your baby will need to be evaluated by the baby's pediatrician so that it can be determined if the baby has allergies.

Babies can react to a variety of allergens including: food, medications, insects, animal dander, dust mites, pollen and mold. A baby can have respiratory symptoms, skin symptoms or intestinal issues.

Babies with nasal allergies may be reacting to dust mites, animal dander or molds.

Some babies are allergic to bedding such as down comforters, feather pillows and chenille or wool blankets. Tobacco smoke can irritate and make allergy symptoms worse.

Allergies can run in families so if there is a family history of allergies the baby will need to be monitored especially when it comes to food allergies. Pediatricians should be informed of the medical and family history so that they can advise parents when it comes to introducing baby to solid foods. You can never be too careful when it comes to food allergies and the young child.

Household cleaning can be one source of prevention when it comes to allergies and babies. There are many ways of protecting babies from environmental factors that could trigger breathing difficulties. Avoidance of allergens is not always possible, and skin testing for allergies is not usually done until 18 months to 2 years of age. Babies can also have milk allergies, which will affect the formulas that can safely be given to babies. Parents and pediatricians must always be diligent about avoiding known allergens and about preventing severe allergic reactions. Babies of families where there is a history of allergies, eczema or asthma should be monitored carefully and their environment carefully controlled. In order to avoid allergens it is important to be ware of all the sources including food, home indoor environment and outdoor environment. Everything that touches baby must be scrutinized including bedding, toys, clothing and even laundry detergent can be a source of allergen.