When the warm spring weather finally rolls in, people want to get outside to enjoy nature and get some exercise, but for children with allergies, it’s not that simple. The increased pollen count and growing grass and weeds can trigger various allergy symptoms and make playing outside unpleasant. As your child’s caregiver, there are tips you can follow to help alleviate these symptoms and keep them active throughout the season.

How to Keep Your Child Active in Spring

1. Identify Their Allergy Triggers

As the caregiver, you should first figure out which allergens trigger a reaction for your child. This may include tree pollen, plant pollen, and insect bites and stings. Have your kid tested by the family’s pediatrician to determine which triggers they should avoid. In addition to identifying spring allergy risks, this test will point out factors like food allergies.

2. Pick the Right Activities

Certain sports and activities are better suited for children with allergies. For instance, for kids who experience allergy-induced asthma, it’s better to participate in sports in a warm and humid environment, so avoid something like indoor ice hockey. Similarly, anyone allergic to grass should stick to indoor sports like basketball or volleyball.

3. Check the Pollen Count

The amount of pollen in the air changes day-to-day, so check before choosing an activity. For days with high pollen counts, stick to indoor activities and save the outdoor fun for another time. Video games like Wii Fit and Xbox Kinect are fun ways to keep your child entertained while moving at the same time. Even something as simple as playing Twister or indoor tag can be an engaging alternative to playing outside.

4. Monitor the Weather

Caregivers should keep in mind that certain allergens will be affected by the time of day and weather. For example, playing outside is best in the late afternoon, as pollen levels die down by then. Moderate or heavy rain can also provide relief for those with pollen allergies. However, it can be detrimental for those allergic to mold, as it will grow in damp conditions.

 

Having a child with allergies can make staying active difficult, but not impossible. If you’re the caregiver and need more advice on combating allergies, contact the team at J&D Ultracare in Suffern, NY. As the area’s leading home health care agency, they have a team of children’s nurses with years of experience helping children like yours combat allergy symptoms to keep active all year long. Their expertise in pediatric care has earned them the National Quality Approval stamp from The Joint Commission, so you know your child will be in good hands. Schedule an appointment by calling (845) 357-4500 or learn more online.