Allergy-Proofing Your Bedroom

Sniffles, sneezes, and itchy throat worse at night? It may be your child's bedroom. Try these allergy-proofing steps to give her a better night's sleep.

Begin with the Bed

Dr. Chiu recommends the following to help ease your child's allergy symptoms:

Launder bed linens weekly, and always wash in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. "That's the only temperature that kills dust mites"
Use allergen-proof covers for pillows and mattresses. These special covers are made with a tight weave that keeps dust mites from getting in, or out
Avoid down-filled bedding. Choose hypoallergenic pillows and comforters. Synthetic or natural latex foam mattresses do not attract mold or dust mites and may be a better option for an allergy-prone child
Do not let the family pet sleep with your child or on her bed. Pet dander is a very common allergen
Steam clean your child's mattress and comforter. Steam cleaning kills dust mites and it's a good way to deodorize a mattress

Eliminate the Clutter

Remove stuffed animals and extra pillows from your child's bed; they attract dust mites and dander. "If your child does have a favorite stuffed animal she likes to sleep with, wash it regularly to get rid of dander and put it in the freezer overnight once a week to kill dust mites," advises Dr. Chiu
Keep knickknacks or collections of figurines, dolls, or other toys in an enclosed case. These items are dust magnets when left sitting on shelves or book cases
If possible, keep books and toys in a separate room. Books and toys collect dust. Bookshelves should be dusted regularly, and hard toys should be sanitized in solution of diluted bleach and hot water regularly.

Be Vigilant

Vacuum carpeted rooms regularly with a HEPA filtered vacuum
Damp mop hardwood floors and dust hard surfaces where regularly
Vacuum or steam shades, curtains, or blinds
Consider removing wall-to-wall carpeting and replacing it with hardwood, linoleum, or laminate flooring
Replace curtains or drapes with natural fiber shades, or hardwood or plastic blinds that can be easily dusted or wiped down
Look into getting an air filter for your child's room to reduce airborne allergens

Jessica Brown

Important Disclaimer: This information is not meant as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a doctor with questions about your or your child's condition. NickJr.com does not recommend or endorse specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information provided by any sponsors or other third parties. Please also see Nickjr.com's Terms of Use.

kids videos