Allergies Archives

Allergy Management.

 

Managing allergies is not always a staright forward task, but it can be helped along, by reducing the likelyhood of mites, and other allergens coming into our contact at home.

 

Again, I would like to stress it is not something that can be guaranteed to be totally eliminated, but we need to see if we can at least reduce the chances of having problems in this area.

 

For this entry, I wanted to specifically focus on Organic Bedding for Babies, as they can be very sensitive, and it is beneficial to reduce the likelyhood of problems here.

The information below explains the benefits of using organic bedding for your children, and babies, as well as explains some of the details surrounding fleece, and other contents in bedding.

 

For more detailed information on Organic Bedding, for allergy free bedding, click on the highlight areas.

 

 

 

 

Why Organic Bedding?

 

Organic bedding provides relief for people with sensitive skin, especially newborn baby skin. The residue of toxic chemicals found in many baby bedding products – crib mattresses, blankets, sheets, etc – can harm and irritate the skin — our largest organ – as well as the respiratory system.

 

Scientific research and documentation, has long since proven that organic cotton and wool help to alleviate many persistent symptoms and discomforts, without chemical intervention. Problems anywhere from allergies, MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities), eczema; and may reduce the risk of SIDS.

 

 

 

 

 


 

What is in Organic Bedding?

 

Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers or any other chemicals, and that makes it hugely different. The certified organic cotton used in our products contains no pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers and has no added chemicals or preservatives (such as formaldehyde) used in the processing. It’s pure and clean – soft and comfortable.

Organic wools natural fiber provides maximum air-flow around the body. Wool fibers trap air and have a natural elasticity, so that when you lie down your body will be cradled and supported without pressure to acupressure points. Wool naturally wicks moisture away from skin and helps your baby maintain a dry comfortable body temperature in hot and cold weather.

Wool fleece is a natural renewable resource that is hypoallergenic and is dust mite, mildew and flame resistant. Wool fleece also resists the growth of odor causing bacteria making for a fresher resting place for your child.

 

Natural latex rubber dynamically conforms to your every movement throughout the night providing for a comfortable nights rest. Naturally resistant to mold, dust mites, mildew and is hypoallergenic. We use natural latex rubber which completely conforms to a persons body to distribute weight evenly without becoming indented or packed down for a sound uninterrupted sleep. Unlike memory foam which is derived from plastics, it doesn’t off-gas toxic chemicals and will not will not create “craters” in the material as you move.


 

More and more people are relying on the benefits and safety factors of using environmentally safe products, for their families, and their your children in particular.

 

This has been a growing trend, as the use of harsh chemicals in washing powders and detergents has been increasing over the years.

 

The Down Side of Chemical Use

 

Unfortunately, as more companies have been using chemicals in their laundry, and other cleaning products, the affect on the environment has been increasing, in a negative way, as wel as the affect on our own bodies.  The chemicals can be quite harsh in some products, adn can cause skin irritations in sensitive people, as well as cause allergic reactions.

 

Some product chemicals have also been found to be potentially cancer causing.

 

It could be argued that moderate use will not be an issue, but how confident are you to try this method?

 

The environment

 

Further more, some people have tried to do the right thing, and send used, or grey water from washing machines back into their gardens to water the plants and so on.

 

However, the chemicals contained in the grey water have been known to again, cause havoc in the garden as well, and if you are watering fruit trees, etc, you are potentially reingesting the chemicals.

 

The Solution

 

Numerous companies have popped up recently, to aid in resolving this issue, and one of them is the Enviro Care Miracle Wash Laundery Ball.

 

The Miracle Wash Laundry ball is designed to be reused in youre washing machine for a period of around 6 months, and will wash your clothing much more safely.

Naturally, this will not produce the same degree of brightness in your whites, as the harsh cleaning chemicals are not present, but your clothes will still be clean, and you will be healthier in terms of reduced exposure to harsh chemicals.

 

For more information, head over to Miracle Wash  T oday.


Allergies can occur in all shapes and forms, and come and go at various times, with little notice.

 

However, there are several actions you may take, to reduce the likelyhood of allergies in your baby in the first place.

 

Breast Feeding, To Reduce Allergies

 

If you are able to, breast feeding is an excellant way to reduce the risk or incidence of allergies.

The reason for this is that breast milk is nutritionally balanced, with all the exact nutrients your baby needs for optimum health, and resistance to external infection.

 

Even if you are unable to breastfeed directly, being able to express and store your breast milk is a great alternative, if at all possible.

 

I realise that breast feeding is not able to be done in all cases, for a variety of reasons, and in this case, there are other things you can do, or work to reduce.

Clean Environment

It is impertaive that the areas where your baby is are as clean as possible, as they are not as resistant to external irritations as an adult is.

 

Further, their skin is very sensitive at a very young age.

 

If any dryness occurs, it should be treated with a baby – sensitive skin cream.

 

Food and Food Introduction

 

Foods are one of the primamry areas where allergies can occur, and it is best to ensure that healthy eating habits are established, as soon as possible, after your child starts to eat solid foods.

 

This has a two fold benefit-

Namely that your child will be healthier, and happier, and secondly, this will reduce tension as your child grows older, and you will more likely avoid the arguments during meal times to eat junk food, and reduce the tension, in exchange for better, quality time.

The best place to start fostering good eating habits is when introducing solids as babies are generally receptive to trying new healthy foods. As your child gets older, they will  already  be accustomed to a broader range of foods and tastes.

 

General Eating and Habits

 

Once you feel you are able to start yur child eating a solid diet, it can be beneficial to start with fruits, like pears, which are able to be tolerated by most babies, and also can be very soft, when ripe, and easy to mash.
When introducing solid foods, it is a good idea to introduce only one food at a time to ensure that your child isn’t allergic. Get them started on fresh wholesome foods right from the start.

 

The most common food allergens are egg, peanut, other nuts, sesame and seafood.

 

As always, if you have any concerns, or note any reactions, it is always best to obtain professional advice.

I have also included a link to the Allergy Store, who specialise in products for the homw, to assist in ‘cleaning or clearing’ thwe home environment, to reduce allergens, such as in areas like the bedding, as well as air purifiers, and so on.

 

Their site is well worth a look.

 

I have provided a more detailed resource at the New Mums Allergy Page, which lists a number of common allergies as well.

 

Other Warning signs

 

If the child is suffering from a constant dry cough, runny nose, or has itchy eyes, itchy ears, or a tickly throat, they may be showing signs of an allergy When a child first shows signs of allergies, try over-the-counter medicines. If that doesn’t alleviate the problem, or if those make the child sleepy, take him or her to the doctor. Get them medical attention, because it is treatable! Untreated allergies can lead to more serious problems, like asthma, which can be life-threatening if not controlled.

 

 

Allergy resources for parents

Kids Food Allergies Allergy Support The Allergy Store

Online Childbirth Classes
Fit Yummy Mummy