Baby allergies?

[slcjess]

Im pretty sure my baby has allergies. there's nothing I can do about this until he's older, right? He's been up for the past hour congested, and was sneezing all through church after having been outside. Snot suckers do nothing for his congestion, I held a warm washcloth to his nose and had him breathe into that for a sec which helped enough that he could get back to sleep. Is there anything else I can do? I'm afraid my dog may also be part of the problem so that's awesome. 
Im going to try to go back to sleep for a few hours so I might not respond immediately, but if any tips would be appreciated, if there is anything I can do to make him more comfortable this season. 

[cabbagecabbage]

Oh, that stinks. Do you have the disgusting/magical nosefrida? If not, it's the best $15 you'll spend.

[usm]

How old? Our pedi gave us a space dosage for Benadryl at 6 months I think. Allergies are miserable. Elevate the head of the crib and saline spray.

[bananapancakes]

Could he have reflux? I think it's rare for infants to have allergies but reflux symptoms often look like allergies.

[isabel]

Use saline spray religiously. We used it so often when DS was a baby (he was chronically stuffed up), that he now brings us the bottle when he wants "squirts."

Anyway, it will help lube his nasal passages and make it easier for him to expel snot on his own.

Eta: I have a strong preference for Little Remedies brand saline mist. The most goes in without plugging their nostrils. For DS, it was a lot more comfortable and less scary than drops.

[isabel]

May 2, 2016 6:54:39 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Could he have reflux? I think it's rare for infants to have allergies but reflux symptoms often look like allergies.

Huh. That's interesting. I wonder if DS's stuffy nose was related to reflux. I do think he had mild reflux and was on Zantac for awhile. He was a major spitter upper, but I never connected the stuffy nose with the spitting up.

[jlt19]

May 2, 2016 6:54:39 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Could he have reflux? I think it's rare for infants to have allergies but reflux symptoms often look like allergies.

My pedi once told us a baby had to go through a full season of allergies in order to have it dx. I don't know if it was b/c they can't GET seasonal allergies for the 1st year, or they just don't dx it b/c it could be something else, like you said.

[slcjess]

Oh thanks you guys! I'll try some of this stuff. A few questions-
Nosefrieda- I'm terrified of this. What is the risk of getting boogers in my mouth? (cabbagecabbage) I don't think I can handle that.
How do I elevate the crib? He will be 3 mo on Sunday. (usm)
How do I tell the difference between reflux and allergies? Can reflux start at any time? This mess really just started bad this past week. Should I try to take him in to the pedi? He doesn't have an appt scheduled til June for a 4 mo appt but of course if it's something his dr can help with I'll make an appointment (@bananapanckes and I don't remember who else)
Saline spray- like nose spray? Should I get a humidifier?
Thank you guys for the help. My poor baby. My family had allergies that don't mess around. I hope it's not that. (Although reflux doesn't sound much better lol )

[lemoncupcake]

You won't get boogers in your mouth with the nose frida, I promise! We have had the most luck with doing saline spray and then waiting a few minutes before auctioning - it helps to thin everything out. It's really satisfying!

One other thing that has helped my DD (the same age as yours) is to put her in the RNP in the bathroom while we are showering. She's entertained and the steam helps to thin the mucous.

[isabel]

May 2, 2016 11:47:55 GMT -5 slcjess said:

Oh thanks you guys! I'll try some of this stuff. A few questions-
Nosefrieda- I'm terrified of this. What is the risk of getting boogers in my mouth? (cabbagecabbage ) I don't think I can handle that.
How do I elevate the crib? He will be 3 mo on Sunday. (usm )
How do I tell the difference between reflux and allergies? Can reflux start at any time? This mess really just started bad this past week. Should I try to take him in to the pedi? He doesn't have an appt scheduled til June for a 4 mo appt but of course if it's something his dr can help with I'll make an appointment (@bananapanckes and I don't remember who else)
Saline spray- like nose spray? Should I get a humidifier?
Thank you guys for the help. My poor baby. My family had allergies that don't mess around. I hope it's not that. (Although reflux doesn't sound much better lol )

You will not get snot in your nose. Make sure you use a filter. It really is the most effective way to remove snot. You may need your H to help you though. DS really hates it and I have to have DH hold him while I use the snot sucker.

We were never able to elevate the crib because DS was a crazy sleeper and was all over the place. If your isn't, you can put a couple folded blankets under one end of the mattress.

Regarding the saline, this is what I get and we've had great success with it. It helps moisturize his nasal passages. Make sure you use saline before the Nose Frida.

Yes, I would get a humidifier. Do you live in a dry climate? We do and run one 24/7 in DS's room.

[slcjess]

isabel, yes I live in Utah so basically the middle of the desert. Haha. I forget how dry it is here, a humidifier would probably really help. Luckily h stayed home today since we were all up for a while last night so he can help me with the scary snot sucky thing. Does it come with a filter or do I need to get one seperate?

[slcjess]

May 2, 2016 11:55:14 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

You won't get boogers in your mouth with the nose frida, I promise! We have had the most luck with doing saline spray and then waiting a few minutes before auctioning - it helps to thin everything out. It's really satisfying!

One other thing that has helped my DD (the same age as yours) is to put her in the RNP in the bathroom while we are showering. She's entertained and the steam helps to thin the mucous.

I did think about sitting with him in the bathroom with a hot shower running to steam it up, but he was finally able to get to sleep right before I tried it. I only know it's a thing because of the nanny diaries movie. Hahaha

[isabel]

May 2, 2016 12:36:24 GMT -5 slcjess said:

isabel , yes I live in Utah so basically the middle of the desert. Haha. I forget how dry it is here, a humidifier would probably really help. Luckily h stayed home today since we were all up for a while last night so he can help me with the scary snot sucky thing. Does it come with a filter or do I need to get one seperate?

It should say on the box, but I bet even the basic package would include a few filters. You can also buy the filters separately. Don't forget to do saline first! It really help lube everything and thin out the mucous.

Yeah, definitely get a humidifier. It makes a big difference.

[cabbagecabbage]

You can also shoot breast milk up there instead of saline then nosefrida. It seems much grosser than it is but it's like magic and will draw out all the gunk those little bulb squeezes can't get.

[slcjess]

Thanks everyone! I'm headed to get my guy some supplies. Poor pumpkin. He's currently sitting in is bouncer, sneezing and moaning. lol. It's very pathetic. I'm going to see if I can stock up on some nosefrieda filters while I'm at the store cause that definite sounds like something I'll want to have in the middle of the night! The little bulb sucker I got from the hospital does noting but maybe that's because I didn't know about the saline stuff? I dunno. He slept til almost 11:30 today so that's good at least! Haha

[slcjess]

Oh and in addition to all this awesomeness I realized the other day he also inherited my families eczema. lol. Sorry kid, mamas side of the family is a mess. It's grandpas fault!

[usm]

We elevated the mattress by putting folded blankets under the fitted sheet where his head was. We also lowered one side of the mattress down a notch. This only works if you are on one of the higher settings now.

[liverandonions]

Yes yes yes to the Nose Frida-That thing is a lifesaver. You are FAR removed from the Snot. And yes to the saline pray too. Little Remedies or arm & hammer is the best because they have the best top. The only one I can get OTC at Kaiser is Neil Med I think and it's got a long narrow arm that can cause damage with how much he squirms while doing it.

I put him on the changing table, hold his hands with one hand, and stablize his head with my elbow and almost lay across him. It looks crazy but he hates the sucker so much it's the only way to do it. He always feels better after too.

[Booze Raccoon]

I'd call the pediatrician. FYI my dd went to the allergist for the first time at 9 months.

[slcjess]

May 2, 2016 15:55:19 GMT -5 Booze Raccoon said:

I'd call the pediatrician. FYI my dd went to the allergist for the first time at 9 months.

Would you go to the pedi like NOW, or could I just ask about it at his 4 mo appt. 
i did get the nose freida and an extra box of filters while I was there. I made h hold his head while I positioned the blue part and made him suck on it. Hahah. I might try it again on one nostril because he does sound a little clogged still but OMG- soo much came out!! Haha. He's currently lounging on me watching Chelsea soccer with H. I also put a little Vaseline around the edges/inside of his nose and got some boogie wipes. 

[slcjess]

 Stuffy baby says thanks gbcn! I feel way better now!  (heart) (kiss)

[Booze Raccoon]

May 2, 2016 16:07:50 GMT -5 slcjess said:

May 2, 2016 15:55:19 GMT -5 Booze Raccoon said:

I'd call the pediatrician. FYI my dd went to the allergist for the first time at 9 months.

Would you go to the pedi like NOW, or could I just ask about it at his 4 mo appt. 
i did get the nose freida and an extra box of filters while I was there. I made h hold his head while I positioned the blue part and made him suck on it. Hahah. I might try it again on one nostril because he does sound a little clogged still but OMG- soo much came out!! Haha. He's currently lounging on me watching Chelsea soccer with H. I also put a little Vaseline around the edges/inside of his nose and got some boogie wipes. 

No, no, I'd just call to ask what I could do for him. That's all I meant. You're probably doing all you can. I hope he gets some relief soon.