Allergy Survival Tips for Kids: Natural Remedies That Work

Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before trying new remedies or making changes to their health regimen, especially if your child has a known allergy, medical condition, or is taking medication. Every child’s needs are different, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.
As a mom of three, I know how tough seasonal allergies can be for our little ones. From sneezing fits to itchy eyes and that constant feeling of discomfort, watching my kids struggle with the seasonal shifts in pollen and allergens has never been easy.
But over time, I’ve discovered that natural remedies can really make a difference. In this post, I’ll share the seasonal allergy survival tips that have worked for my family, all using natural solutions that are gentle on their bodies but effective in easing those pesky symptoms.
Understanding Seasonal Allergies in Kids
Before diving into the natural remedies, it’s important to understand what’s going on when your child suffers from seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies typically happen when there is an increase in pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds in the air, particularly during spring and fall.
When your child’s immune system detects these harmless substances as threats, it releases chemicals like histamines that cause symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Coughing
I’ve seen all these symptoms in my kids, and while over-the-counter medications are helpful, I wanted to explore ways to minimize the use of pharmaceuticals when possible. Here are the natural remedies that helped my kids breathe easier during allergy season.
Saline Nasal Spray for Congestion Relief
When my kids’ noses are stuffed up, saline nasal spray has been a lifesaver. It’s simple to use and effective at clearing mucus and allergens from their nasal passages. I find that saline solutions are gentle enough for little ones and help to keep the nasal passages moist, reducing irritation caused by allergens.
To use it, I’ll simply spray a few times into their nostrils and let them blow their noses. You can also use a bulb syringe for younger children who aren’t yet able to blow their noses.
Local Honey for Allergy Relief
Local honey has been one of the most effective natural remedies for seasonal allergies in our family.
The idea is that by consuming honey made from local plants and pollen, your child’s body becomes more accustomed to the allergens in your area, which can reduce symptoms over time. While it’s not a quick fix, this remedy can help build resistance to seasonal pollen.
I’ll add a teaspoon of local honey to my kids’ morning routine—whether in a smoothie, oatmeal, or just on its own.
Since honey is safe for children over the age of one (my 15-month-old loves it!), this has become a regular part of their allergy survival kit.

Herbal Teas and Warm Fluids
Drinking warm liquids has helped soothe my children’s throats and reduce congestion. I’ve experimented with several herbal teas that are safe for kids, like chamomile or peppermint, which can have calming effects and help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Herbal teas can provide hydration, which is crucial for helping the body cope with allergies.
Chamomile tea, in particular, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and mild antihistamine effects. When my kids are congested, I’ll brew a mild chamomile tea and add a little honey to sweeten it up.
This is great for calming them down before bed, too!
Essential Oils for Respiratory Relief
Essential oils are one of my go-to natural remedies for relieving allergy symptoms. I’ve found that oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint can clear the sinuses and ease breathing.
I’ve been cautious with using essential oils around my children, making sure to dilute them properly and using them sparingly.
A diffuser is a great tool for filling the air with soothing scents, and it helps to keep the airways open. I’ll place a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil into the diffuser and let it run throughout the day or night.
You can also create a homemade chest rub with coconut oil and a drop or two of essential oil to rub on their chest or back for extra relief.
Probiotics to Strengthen Immunity
Maintaining a healthy gut is vital for supporting your child’s immune system. Probiotics can help balance the gut microbiome, which in turn can reduce the severity of allergic reactions. I’ve seen improvements in my kids’ allergies since we’ve been regularly incorporating probiotics into their diet, whether in the form of supplements or naturally through foods like yogurt or kefir.
Probiotics can help reduce the body’s allergic response by improving the way the immune system interacts with allergens.
I like to offer my kids a probiotic supplement during allergy season to boost their immunity, but you can also introduce them to probiotic-rich foods that support gut health.
Frequent Handwashing and Bathing
One of the simplest ways to reduce your child’s exposure to allergens is to wash their hands and face regularly, especially after playing outside.
Pollen and other allergens can easily stick to their skin and hair, so I make sure to bathe my kids in the evening to remove any allergens they’ve picked up during the day. A quick rinse of their face and hands is also great before meals.
For kids with longer hair (like my daughter), I’ll even wash their hair to ensure no pollen or dust is lingering. This helps reduce the chances of allergens irritating their eyes or respiratory system.
Air Purifiers for Clean Indoor Air
When the pollen count is high, I turn to air purifiers to improve the quality of the air inside our home. An air purifier with a HEPA filter is effective at trapping dust, pollen, and other allergens, which can significantly reduce allergy symptoms for my kids.
I’ll run the air purifier in the living room or their bedrooms, especially at night when allergens tend to settle.
In addition to using an air purifier, I make sure to regularly clean the floors and surfaces in their rooms to minimize the buildup of allergens.
Vitamin C to Support the Immune System
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, and it helps support the immune system, making it easier for your child to handle allergens.
I’ve made sure to incorporate more vitamin C-rich foods into my kids’ diet, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers. I also keep a vitamin C supplement on hand for times when their allergies are particularly bad.
This nutrient can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms and support the body’s overall defense against allergens.

Avoidance of Allergens
While natural remedies can help manage symptoms, one of the most important strategies for surviving allergy season is limiting your child’s exposure to allergens. During peak allergy season, I try to keep my kids indoors during the early morning and evening hours when pollen levels are highest.
However, with spring baseball in full swing, it can be tough to keep them inside when they’re so excited to play! We also keep windows closed and use air conditioning to filter the air.
If my children have been playing outside, I make sure they change into clean clothes and take a shower to remove any pollen from their skin.
Wrapping It Up
As a mom, I want to make sure my kids stay as comfortable as possible when seasonal allergies hit. By combining natural remedies like local honey, herbal teas, and essential oils with practical strategies like regular hand washing and using air purifiers, I’ve been able to help my kids find relief without relying solely on medications.
Of course, every child is different, and what works for one might not work for another. But these natural remedies have been a game-changer for my family, and I hope they can help yours too.
If you’ve been looking for a way to tackle your child’s seasonal allergies without chemicals, give these tips a try. It’s all about finding what works best for your child’s unique needs, and with a little patience and experimentation, you’ll discover what helps them feel their best!