Spring Allergy Season — Managing Hay Fever in Young Children

Reading time: 6 minutes

September in Perth is glorious — wildflowers blooming, jacarandas starting to purple, and the temperature finally climbing after Makuru's rains. But for many young children (and their exhausted parents), spring also means the return of hay fever. Runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and restless sleep can make the season miserable for little ones who cannot tell you what is wrong, let alone blow their own nose.

If your child seems to get "a cold that never ends" every spring, hay fever in young children might be the culprit. Here is what Perth parents need to know about identifying, treating, and managing spring allergies in toddlers and preschoolers.

What Is Hay Fever?

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic response to airborne allergens, most commonly pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds. When a child with hay fever breathes in pollen, their immune system overreacts, releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause the familiar symptoms.

In Perth, the main hay fever triggers are:

• Grass pollen — particularly ryegrass and couch grass, which peak in October and November
• Weed pollen — including plantain and pellitory, common in Perth's sandy soils
• Tree pollen — paperbarks, she-oaks, and olive trees can trigger symptoms from August onward

Perth's windy spring days make pollen particularly problematic, as wind carries it further and in higher concentrations.

Hay Fever Symptoms in Young Children

In adults, hay fever is easy to identify. In toddlers and preschoolers, it can be trickier. Symptoms to watch for:

• Persistent runny nose with clear, watery discharge (a cold usually produces thicker, coloured mucus after a few days)
• Sneezing fits, especially in the morning or after going outside
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes — your child may rub their eyes frequently
• Itchy nose, throat, or ears — watch for nose rubbing, throat clearing, or ear pulling
• Mouth breathing and snoring — nasal congestion can cause restless sleep
• The "allergic salute" — a distinctive upward rubbing of the nose with the palm of the hand
• Dark circles under the eyes — sometimes called "allergic shiners," caused by nasal congestion

The key difference between hay fever and a cold: hay fever symptoms persist for weeks (as long as the pollen is around), while a cold typically resolves in 7-10 days. Hay fever also does not cause a fever — despite the misleading name.

When Can Hay Fever Start?

Most allergists agree that hay fever typically begins after age two, though some children may show signs earlier. It is uncommon in babies, as the immune system needs repeated exposure to an allergen before developing a sensitivity. If your under-two is showing hay fever-like symptoms, it is worth seeing your GP to rule out other causes.

Hay fever tends to run in families. If one or both parents have hay fever, asthma, or eczema, your child is more likely to develop allergic rhinitis.

Treatment Options for Young Children

Always consult your GP or pharmacist before giving any medication to young children. Here are the main treatment options:

Antihistamines

Non-drowsy antihistamines (such as cetirizine or loratadine) are available in child-friendly liquid formulations and are suitable for children aged one year and over. These work best when given daily throughout the allergy season rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Your pharmacist can recommend the right product and dose for your child's age.

Nasal Saline Spray

A simple saline spray helps clear pollen from the nasal passages and can be used as often as needed. This is safe for all ages and can make a noticeable difference to congestion, especially before bed.

Nasal Corticosteroid Spray

For children with moderate to severe symptoms, your GP may recommend a nasal corticosteroid spray (such as mometasone). These are very effective but should be used under medical guidance, particularly in young children.

Eye Drops

Antihistamine eye drops can relieve itchy, watery eyes. Ask your pharmacist for age-appropriate options.

Avoid the "Pharmacy Trap"

Be cautious with combination cold-and-flu products, decongestant sprays, and sedating antihistamines (like promethazine) in young children. These are generally not recommended for under-sixes. Stick to simple, single-ingredient products and always check the age suitability on the label.

Practical Tips for Managing Hay Fever at Home

Monitor Pollen Counts

Check the daily pollen count on the Melbourne Pollen Count website (which covers Australian capital cities) or download a pollen tracking app. On high-pollen days, plan indoor activities during peak pollen times (usually early morning and late afternoon).

Morning Routine Adjustments

On high-pollen days:

• Give antihistamines first thing in the morning (if prescribed)
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your child's nostrils to trap pollen
• Put sunglasses on your child when outside — they help block pollen from reaching the eyes

After Outdoor Play

• Change your child's clothes after playing outside
• Wash their hands and face, or give them a quick bath or shower
• Avoid drying clothes and bedding on the washing line on windy, high-pollen days

Bedroom Strategies

• Keep windows closed during high-pollen periods
• Shower and wash hair before bed to remove pollen
• Use hypoallergenic pillow and mattress covers
• Consider running a HEPA air purifier in your child's bedroom during spring

At Childcare

If your child has hay fever, let your childcare centre know. At Sonas Woodbridge, we work with families to manage allergies — ensuring medications are stored and administered correctly, monitoring symptoms during outdoor play, and adjusting activities on high-pollen days when needed.

Hay Fever vs Asthma: What to Watch For

In Australia, hay fever and asthma frequently occur together. According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), up to 80% of people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis. If your child has hay fever and you notice any of the following, see your GP:

• Persistent cough, especially at night or during exercise
• Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Frequent chest infections

Managing hay fever effectively can actually help reduce asthma symptoms, so it is worth staying on top of both.

How Sonas Woodbridge Supports Children with Allergies

At Sonas Woodbridge, we take allergies seriously. Our educators are trained in allergy management and medication administration. We maintain individual health plans for children with allergies and work closely with families to ensure their child is comfortable and well-cared-for throughout allergy season.

Our Garden studio gives children plenty of outdoor time in a well-maintained environment, and our educators adjust outdoor play schedules on particularly high-pollen days. We also keep tissues, saline spray, and prescribed medications accessible for children who need them throughout the day.

Key Takeaways

• Hay fever in young children typically begins after age two and can mimic a persistent cold
• Key symptoms: clear runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and the "allergic salute"
• Non-drowsy antihistamines and saline nasal spray are the first-line treatments for young children
• Practical measures like changing clothes after outdoor play and showering before bed make a real difference
• Monitor for asthma symptoms, especially if hay fever runs in your family
• Let your childcare centre know about your child's allergies so they can support management

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