Do Newborns Get Allergies?

Newborns can have allergy-like issues, but true seasonal allergies are uncommon in the first few months of life.¹ It can be worrisome when your baby starts sniffling or being fussy. But when your baby is this young and still growing into their senses, those issues are likely just normal newborn adjustments. Below, we’ll go over when allergies start to develop, signs of allergies in infants, and when to seek care.

Can Newborns Get Seasonal Allergies?

No, infants typically don’t get seasonal allergies. This is because they haven’t had enough exposure to triggers like pollen.

Here are some more facts about infants and seasonal allergies:

• Infant seasonal allergies develop when the immune system starts recognizing allergens as a problem after repeated exposure.²
• Experiences that mimic allergies in the first months usually stem from colds or irritants.
• Occasional sneezes don’t mean allergies; newborns clear their nasal passages this way often.

Indicators of Seasonal Allergies in Infants

Here is how to tell if an infant has allergies:

• Clear nasal discharge: Think constant clear drip from the nose—no thick, gross yellow/green stuff like a cold.³
• Frequent sneezing: Non-stop achoos that fire off around pollen, pets, or dust bunnies point to allergies.³
• Persistent issues: You’ll notice if their sneezing or watery eyes crank up during high-pollen seasons and improve when indoors.³

Still not sure if it’s infant seasonal allergies or a cold? Here’s a hot tip: If your baby’s running a fever, that’s usually a clear sign of infection, not infant seasonal allergies.

When Do Allergies Develop in Infants?

Allergies typically develop later in infancy or toddlerhood after repeated exposure to environmental triggers, usually around age 3 or 4 years.¹  During newborn development, the immune system is still learning, so it hasn’t grown to recognize pollen as something to react to yet.

When it does start flagging pollen as an attacker in the body, your baby will start showing indicators. Often, these issues show up seasonally, such as in early spring when flowers start blooming.

Family history is also a risk factor. And when both parents have allergies? The chances are even greater of the baby developing them eventually, too.¹  Whether your baby is at risk for allergies or you’re just being cautious, partnering with your pediatrician can help you minimize their discomfort.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Always err on the side of caution if your baby has out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Call your pediatrician for:⁴

• Breathing difficulty or wheezing
• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) in newborns
• Signs of a cold lasting >10 days or worsening⁴
• Poor feeding, lethargy, or rash with congestion

Clearing Up the Confusion on Infant Allergies

Newborn sniffles rarely signal allergies, but knowing what to look for eases worry while you support their growing immune system and gut microbiome. Know what the gut microbiome depends on? Quality nutrition, which you can provide when you choose to breastfeed your baby, or if it’s not possible, a formula like Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula, which has complete nutrition with DHA for immune and brain development. Enfamil Family Beginnings^® has even more tips for choosing the right formula for your baby, so join today to take advantage of free samples.

1. https://nyulangone.org/news/six-surprising-truths-about-kids-allergies↗

2. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/seasonal-allergies↗

3. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergies-101/who-gets-allergies/children/↗

4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20047793↗