Medical Conditions

Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever) in Baby or Toddler

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are uncommon before age 2 because children need at least 1-2 seasons of pollen exposure to become sensitized. Most seasonal allergies develop between ages 2-5. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose with clear discharge, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and the "allergic salute" (pushing the nose upward with the palm). Unlike a cold, seasonal allergies do not cause fever, and symptoms last as long as pollen exposure continues (weeks to months) rather than resolving in 7-10 days.

Key takeaways

  • Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are uncommon before age 2 because children need at least 1-2 seasons of pollen exposure to become sensitized. Most seasonal allergies develop between ages 2-5. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose with clear discharge, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and the "allergic salute" (pushing the nose upward with the palm). Unlike a cold, seasonal allergies do not cause fever, and symptoms last as long as pollen exposure continues (weeks to months) rather than resolving in 7-10 days.
  • Usually normal when: Clear runny nose and sneezing during spring or fall that does not include fever
  • Call your doctor if: Wheezing or difficulty breathing during allergy season (allergies can trigger asthma)
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are uncommon before age 2 because children need at least 1-2 seasons of pollen exposure to become sensitized. Most seasonal allergies develop between ages 2-5. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose with clear discharge, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and the "allergic salute" (pushing the nose upward with the palm). Unlike a cold, seasonal allergies do not cause fever, and symptoms last as long as pollen exposure continues (weeks to months) rather than resolving in 7-10 days. At 0-12 months, true seasonal allergies in babies under 1 year are very rare because the immune system needs multiple seasons of exposure to develop sensitization. If your baby has congestion and sneezing in spring or fall, it is much more likely a viral cold than allergies. Babies can have up to 8-10 colds per year, which can easily be mistaken for allergies. If your baby has persistent congestion that does not resolve and seems worse outdoors or in certain environments, mention it to your pediatrician, but allergies are an unlikely diagnosis at this age. It is generally considered normal when clear runny nose and sneezing during spring or fall that does not include fever. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if wheezing or difficulty breathing during allergy season (allergies can trigger asthma).

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Clear runny nose and sneezing during spring or fall that does not include fever
Wheezing or difficulty breathing during allergy season (allergies can trigger asthma)
Symptoms that improve indoors and worsen outdoors
Persistent thick green nasal discharge with facial pain (possible sinus infection complicating allergies)
Itchy, watery eyes during high-pollen days
Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or throat

When to Seek Immediate Care

  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing during allergy season (allergies can trigger asthma)
  • Persistent thick green nasal discharge with facial pain (possible sinus infection complicating allergies)
  • Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or throat

By Age

What to expect by age

0-12 months

True seasonal allergies in babies under 1 year are very rare because the immune system needs multiple seasons of exposure to develop sensitization. If your baby has congestion and sneezing in spring or fall, it is much more likely a viral cold than allergies. Babies can have up to 8-10 colds per year, which can easily be mistaken for allergies. If your baby has persistent congestion that does not resolve and seems worse outdoors or in certain environments, mention it to your pediatrician, but allergies are an unlikely diagnosis at this age.

1-3 years

Seasonal allergies can develop as early as 18 months to 2 years, though they are more common after age 3. Clues that symptoms are allergies rather than a cold include: clear (not colored) nasal discharge, symptoms that last weeks and recur at the same time each year, itchy nose and eyes (a child may rub their nose frequently), no fever, and worsening of symptoms on high-pollen days. Treatment for toddlers includes: limiting outdoor time on high-pollen days, bathing after outdoor play, keeping windows closed, non-drowsy antihistamines (cetirizine is approved for children 2+), and nasal saline rinses. Consult your pediatrician before starting any allergy medication.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you suspect your toddler has seasonal allergies and want to discuss treatment options.
  • Mention if your child's allergy symptoms are affecting sleep or daily activities.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Clear runny nose and sneezing during spring or fall that does not include fever
  • Symptoms that improve indoors and worsen outdoors
  • Itchy, watery eyes during high-pollen days
Mention at your next visit when...
  • You suspect your toddler has seasonal allergies and want to discuss treatment options
  • Your child's allergy symptoms are affecting sleep or daily activities
  • Over-the-counter antihistamines are not providing adequate relief
  • You want to discuss allergy testing for your child
Act now when...
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing during allergy season (allergies can trigger asthma)
  • Persistent thick green nasal discharge with facial pain (possible sinus infection complicating allergies)
  • Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or throat

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that clear runny nose and sneezing during spring or fall that does not include fever — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if wheezing or difficulty breathing during allergy season (allergies can trigger asthma).

Baby Always Congested (Stuffy Nose)

Babies are naturally noisy breathers because their nasal passages are very small. Many parents worry their baby is "always congested" when the sounds they hear are actually normal newborn breathing. True chronic congestion can be caused by frequent colds, dry air, or irritants. Saline drops and gentle suctioning are the safest and most effective treatments for infant congestion.

Baby Allergic to Pets (Cat and Dog Allergies)

Pet allergies in babies and toddlers are caused by proteins found in animal dander (skin flakes), saliva, and urine - not the fur itself. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, coughing, and sometimes hives or eczema flares after contact with animals. Interestingly, early exposure to pets (especially dogs) in the first year of life may actually reduce the risk of developing allergies and asthma. If your child has confirmed pet allergies, reducing exposure (keeping pets out of the bedroom, using HEPA filters, frequent vacuuming) can help manage symptoms.

Baby Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Baby eczema is extremely common, affecting up to 20% of infants, and is not caused by anything you did wrong. It shows up as dry, red, itchy patches and is very manageable with consistent moisturizing and gentle skin care. Most children outgrow it by school age.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) - Viral vs. Bacterial

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is very common in babies and toddlers. The three main types are: viral (most common - watery discharge, often accompanies a cold, resolves on its own), bacterial (thick yellow/green discharge, may mat the eye shut overnight, usually needs antibiotic eye drops), and allergic (itchy, watery, both eyes, seasonal). The key difference: viral conjunctivitis has watery, clear discharge while bacterial has thick, colored discharge. Both viral and bacterial are highly contagious and spread easily in daycare settings. Good hand washing is the best prevention.

Triage

Fever Decision Tree

Step-by-step guidance for evaluating your baby's fever by age and temperature.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler normal?
Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are uncommon before age 2 because children need at least 1-2 seasons of pollen exposure to become sensitized. Most seasonal allergies develop between ages 2-5. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose with clear discharge, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and the "allergic salute" (pushing the nose upward with the palm). Unlike a cold, seasonal allergies do not cause fever, and symptoms last as long as pollen exposure continues (weeks to months) rather than resolving in 7-10 days.
When should I call the doctor about seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler?
Wheezing or difficulty breathing during allergy season (allergies can trigger asthma) Persistent thick green nasal discharge with facial pain (possible sinus infection complicating allergies) Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or throat
When is seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler normal?
Clear runny nose and sneezing during spring or fall that does not include fever Symptoms that improve indoors and worsen outdoors Itchy, watery eyes during high-pollen days
What causes seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler?
Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are uncommon before age 2 because children need at least 1-2 seasons of pollen exposure to become sensitized. Most seasonal allergies develop between ages 2-5. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose with clear discharge, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and the "allergic salute" (pushing the nose upward with the palm). Unlike a cold, seasonal allergies do not cause fever, and symptoms last as long as pollen exposure continues (weeks to months) rather than resolving in 7-10 days. Common explanations include: Clear runny nose and sneezing during spring or fall that does not include fever. Symptoms that improve indoors and worsen outdoors.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler?
You should mention seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler at your next visit if: You suspect your toddler has seasonal allergies and want to discuss treatment options. Your child's allergy symptoms are affecting sleep or daily activities. Over-the-counter antihistamines are not providing adequate relief.
Is seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler normal at 0-12 months?
True seasonal allergies in babies under 1 year are very rare because the immune system needs multiple seasons of exposure to develop sensitization. If your baby has congestion and sneezing in spring or fall, it is much more likely a viral cold than allergies. Babies can have up to 8-10 colds per year, which can easily be mistaken for allergies. If your baby has persistent congestion that does not resolve and seems worse outdoors or in certain environments, mention it to your pediatrician, but allergies are an unlikely diagnosis at this age.
Is seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler normal at 1-3 years?
Seasonal allergies can develop as early as 18 months to 2 years, though they are more common after age 3. Clues that symptoms are allergies rather than a cold include: clear (not colored) nasal discharge, symptoms that last weeks and recur at the same time each year, itchy nose and eyes (a child may rub their nose frequently), no fever, and worsening of symptoms on high-pollen days. Treatment for toddlers includes: limiting outdoor time on high-pollen days, bathing after outdoor play, keeping windows closed, non-drowsy antihistamines (cetirizine is approved for children 2+), and nasal saline rinses. Consult your pediatrician before starting any allergy medication.
Should I go to the ER for seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler?
Seek emergency care if wheezing or difficulty breathing during allergy season (allergies can trigger asthma), or if persistent thick green nasal discharge with facial pain (possible sinus infection complicating allergies). When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler go away on its own?
In many cases, seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler resolves on its own, especially when clear runny nose and sneezing during spring or fall that does not include fever.
AAPAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Seasonal Allergies in Children. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Allergies and Asthma. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Allergic Rhinitis. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever) in Baby or Toddler.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you suspect your toddler has seasonal allergies and want to discuss treatment options.
  • Mention if your child's allergy symptoms are affecting sleep or daily activities.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • You suspect your toddler has seasonal allergies and want to discuss treatment options
  • Your child's allergy symptoms are affecting sleep or daily activities
  • Over-the-counter antihistamines are not providing adequate relief

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing during allergy season (allergies can trigger asthma)
  • Persistent thick green nasal discharge with facial pain (possible sinus infection complicating allergies)
  • Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or throat

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Fever TriageEye Discharge TriageWell-Baby Visit PrepMedicine Dosage CalculatorEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of seasonal allergies (hay fever) in baby or toddler are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if wheezing or difficulty breathing during allergy season (allergies can trigger asthma).

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Baby Always Congested (Stuffy Nose)

Babies are naturally noisy breathers because their nasal passages are very small. Many parents worry their baby is "always congested" when the sounds they hear are actually normal newborn breathing. True chronic congestion can be caused by frequent colds, dry air, or irritants. Saline drops and gentle suctioning are the safest and most effective treatments for infant congestion.

Baby Allergic to Pets (Cat and Dog Allergies)

Pet allergies in babies and toddlers are caused by proteins found in animal dander (skin flakes), saliva, and urine - not the fur itself. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, coughing, and sometimes hives or eczema flares after contact with animals. Interestingly, early exposure to pets (especially dogs) in the first year of life may actually reduce the risk of developing allergies and asthma. If your child has confirmed pet allergies, reducing exposure (keeping pets out of the bedroom, using HEPA filters, frequent vacuuming) can help manage symptoms.

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Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) - Viral vs. Bacterial

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is very common in babies and toddlers. The three main types are: viral (most common - watery discharge, often accompanies a cold, resolves on its own), bacterial (thick yellow/green discharge, may mat the eye shut overnight, usually needs antibiotic eye drops), and allergic (itchy, watery, both eyes, seasonal). The key difference: viral conjunctivitis has watery, clear discharge while bacterial has thick, colored discharge. Both viral and bacterial are highly contagious and spread easily in daycare settings. Good hand washing is the best prevention.

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