Can Babies Get Hayfever? Understanding Seasonal Allergies in Infants

Written by Dr. Simon Khela MBChB MRCGP, GMC Registered Doctor 

Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) affects millions of people every year, but many parents wonder whether babies can develop it too. If your little one starts sneezing, rubbing their eyes or develops a runny nose during spring or summer, it's natural to question whether pollen could be the cause.

Although hay fever is uncommon in babies under the age of two, it is possible for older babies and toddlers to develop seasonal allergies. Because the symptoms often resemble a common cold, it can be difficult to tell the difference without considering when the symptoms occur and what may be triggering them.

In this guide, we'll explain:

•       Whether babies can get hay fever

•       Why newborns rarely develop seasonal allergies

•       The most common symptoms of hay fever in babies

•       How to tell the difference between hay fever and a cold

•       Safe ways to manage symptoms

•       When to seek advice from a GP

Quick Answer

Yes, babies can get hay fever, but it is uncommon in infants under two years old. Seasonal allergies usually develop after repeated exposure to pollen over several allergy seasons, which is why hay fever is more commonly diagnosed in toddlers and young children.

If your baby develops persistent sneezing, a clear runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and symptoms that appear during spring or summer, hay fever may be a possible cause. However, similar symptoms can also be caused by viral infections, dust mite allergies, pet allergies or environmental irritants.

If symptoms continue for several weeks, return at the same time each year or become worse after spending time outdoors, it's worth speaking to private GP for an assessment.

Can Babies Get Hay Fever?

Although hay fever is one of the UK's most common allergies, it rarely affects very young babies. This is because seasonal allergies generally develop after the immune system has been exposed to pollen over multiple seasons.

That said, every child is different. Some babies and toddlers may begin showing signs of hay fever earlier than others, particularly if there is a strong family history of allergies, asthma or eczema.

Common symptoms include:

•       Frequent sneezing

•       A clear runny or blocked nose

•       Red, itchy or watery eyes

•       Rubbing the eyes or nose

•       Mild coughing caused by postnasal drip

•       Symptoms that worsen outdoors during pollen season

If your baby's symptoms appear every spring or summer and improve when pollen levels are lower, hay fever becomes a more likely explanation than a common cold.

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Can Newborn Babies Get Hay Fever?

In most cases, no. Hay fever is extremely rare in newborn babies because their immune system has not yet had enough exposure to seasonal pollen to develop an allergic response.

If a newborn develops sneezing, nasal congestion or watery eyes, these symptoms are far more likely to be caused by:

•       A viral infection

•       Normal newborn nasal congestion

•       Dry air

•       Environmental irritants

•       Exposure to cigarette smoke or strong fragrances

Parents should seek medical advice if a newborn has persistent symptoms, difficulty feeding, breathing problems or develops a fever.

Can Babies Under One Get Hay Fever?

Hay fever in babies under one year old is uncommon, but not impossible.

Most infants need repeated exposure to pollen before their immune system recognises it as an allergen. As a result, many babies who appear to have hay fever are actually experiencing:

•       A common cold

•       Dust mite allergy

•       Pet allergy

•       Irritation from pollution or smoke

•       Another respiratory infection

If symptoms continue for several weeks, return during the same season each year or consistently worsen after outdoor activities, your GP can help determine whether hay fever or another allergy is responsible.

Can a One-Year-Old Get Hay Fever?

Yes. Although still relatively uncommon, some children may begin developing hay fever symptoms around one year of age.

You may notice that symptoms:

•       Start during spring or summer

•       Improve indoors

•       Become worse after playing outside

•       Return during the same pollen season each year

If this pattern continues, your GP may consider seasonal allergic rhinitis as a possible diagnosis.

Can Toddlers Get Hay Fever?

Yes. Hay fever becomes much more common during the toddler years because children have had more opportunities to be exposed to pollen over several seasons.

Toddlers often develop symptoms including:

•       Sneezing fits

•       Itchy or watery eyes

•       A blocked or runny nose

•       Rubbing their eyes and face

•       Mouth breathing caused by congestion

•       Poor sleep due to nasal blockage

Because toddlers spend more time outdoors, parents often notice that symptoms become worse after visits to parks, gardens or grassy areas during high pollen days.

Signs and Symptoms of Hay Fever in Babies

Recognising hay fever in babies can be difficult because the symptoms often overlap with those of a common cold or other childhood illnesses. Unlike adults, babies cannot tell you when their eyes are itchy or their nose feels blocked, so it's important to look for patterns in their behaviour and when the symptoms occur, see our guide to the earliest signs of hay fever for what to watch for.

Hay fever symptoms are usually triggered by tree pollen (spring), grass pollen (late spring and summer), or weed pollen (late summer and autumn). Symptoms may become more noticeable after spending time outdoors or on days with a high pollen count, check our UK hay fever season pollen calendar to see what's typically in the air near you.

Common signs of hay fever in babies include:

•       Frequent sneezing

•       A clear, runny or blocked nose

•       Red, itchy or watery eyes

•       Rubbing the eyes, nose or ears

•       Mild coughing caused by mucus dripping down the back of the throat (postnasal drip)

•       Mouth breathing due to nasal congestion

•       Irritability or fussiness

•       Poor sleep caused by a blocked nose

•       Symptoms that improve indoors or worsen after outdoor activities

•       Symptoms that return during the same season each year

Although hay fever does not usually cause a fever, prolonged nasal congestion can leave babies feeling tired or unsettled.

Hay Fever vs a Cold in Babies

One of the biggest challenges for parents is telling the difference between hay fever and a common cold. While both conditions can cause sneezing and a runny nose, there are some important differences.

If your baby's symptoms last for several weeks, appear every spring or summer, or improve when pollen levels are low, hay fever becomes a more likely explanation.

What Causes Hay Fever in Babies?

Hay fever develops when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless pollen as a threat. In response, the body releases histamine and other chemicals, causing inflammation in the nose, eyes and airways.

Common pollen triggers include:

•       Tree pollen (typically March to May)

•       Grass pollen (usually May to July and the most common cause in the UK)

•       Weed pollen (late summer to early autumn)

Not every baby exposed to pollen will develop hay fever. Children are more likely to develop seasonal allergies if they have a family history of:

•       Hay fever

•       Asthma

•       Eczema

•       Other allergic conditions

How Is Hay Fever Diagnosed in Babies?

There is no single test required to diagnose hay fever in most children, and most cases are diagnosed as seasonal allergic rhinitis rather than needing a specialist workup. Your GP will usually make a diagnosis by discussing:

•       Your baby's symptoms

•       When the symptoms started

•       Whether they occur during pollen season

•       Whether symptoms improve indoors or worsen outside

•       Any family history of allergies, asthma or eczema

Because symptoms can mimic other conditions, your GP may also consider viral infections, enlarged adenoids, dust mite allergies or pet allergies before confirming hay fever.

If the diagnosis is unclear or another allergy is suspected, your GP may recommend allergy testing or refer your child to an allergy specialist, read our comprehensive guide to allergy testing to see what's involved.

How to Treat Hay Fever in Babies

Although there is no cure for hay fever, symptoms can usually be managed with a combination of avoiding pollen and, where appropriate, medical treatment.

For very young babies, treatment focuses mainly on reducing pollen exposure and relieving symptoms safely.

1. Reduce Pollen Exposure

Reducing your baby's contact with pollen can make a significant difference during allergy season.

You can help by:

•       Keeping windows and doors closed on days with high pollen counts

•       Avoiding parks and grassy areas when pollen levels are highest

•       Washing your baby's face and hands after being outdoors

•       Bathing your baby before bedtime to remove pollen from their skin and hair

•       Changing clothes after outdoor activities

•       Keeping car windows closed and using pollen filters where available

2. Make Your Home More Allergy-Friendly

Pollen can easily enter your home through open windows, clothing and pets.

To reduce indoor pollen levels:

•       Vacuum regularly using a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner

•       Damp dust surfaces instead of dry dusting

•       Wash bedding regularly

•       Dry washing indoors during high pollen days

•       Keep pets clean if they spend time outside

3. Relieve Symptoms Naturally

For babies who are too young for allergy medicines, gentle supportive care may help relieve symptoms.

Options include:

•       Saline nasal drops or sprays to clear blocked noses

•       A warm bath before bedtime

•       Keeping your baby well hydrated

•       Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the nostrils to help trap pollen (taking care not to apply it inside the nose)

These measures won't cure hay fever but may help improve comfort during peak pollen season.

4. Can Babies Take Antihistamines?

Most over-the-counter antihistamines are not suitable for babies under two years old unless advised by a doctor.

For older children, your GP or pharmacist may recommend an age-appropriate antihistamine if symptoms are affecting daily life. Never give your baby allergy medication without first checking that it is suitable for their age and medical history.

If you're breastfeeding and need to manage your own hay fever symptoms at the same time, see our guide to hay fever and safe antihistamine use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If your baby's symptoms are severe or persistent, our GMC-registered GPs can recommend the safest treatment options.

How to Prevent Hay Fever in Babies

While you can't completely prevent hay fever, you can reduce your baby's exposure to pollen and help minimise symptoms during allergy season.

Check the Daily Pollen Forecast

During spring and summer, check the Met Office pollen forecast before planning outdoor activities. On days when pollen counts are very high, it may be helpful to spend more time indoors, particularly during the morning and early evening when pollen levels are often at their highest.

Keep Pollen Out of Your Home

Simple changes around the home can significantly reduce pollen exposure:

•       Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen days.

•       Use fans or air conditioning where available instead of opening windows.

•       Vacuum regularly using a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner.

•       Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to remove pollen rather than dry dusting.

•       Wash bedding regularly to remove pollen and dust.

Wash Away Pollen After Outdoor Activities

Pollen can collect on skin, hair and clothing. After spending time outside:

•       Wash your baby's hands and face.

•       Bathe your baby before bedtime if they've been outdoors for long periods.

•       Change into clean clothes after returning home.

•       Remove shoes at the door to reduce pollen entering the house.

Avoid Peak Pollen Exposure

If possible:

•       Avoid freshly cut grass.

•       Limit outdoor play during very windy days.

•       Keep car windows closed while travelling.

•       Use pollen filters in your car if fitted.

Although these measures won't completely prevent hay fever, they can often reduce symptom severity and improve your baby's comfort.

When Should You See a GP?

Most cases of suspected hay fever can be managed with simple measures at home. However, it's important to seek Private GP Home Visits medical advice if:

•       Your baby's symptoms last for several weeks.

•       Symptoms return during the same season every year.

•       Your baby struggles to sleep because of nasal congestion.

•       Symptoms interfere with feeding or normal daily activities.

•       Home treatments are not improving symptoms.

•       You are unsure whether your baby has hay fever, a viral infection or another allergy.

Seek Urgent Medical Attention If:

Although hay fever itself is not usually dangerous, you should seek urgent medical care if your baby:

•       Has difficulty breathing or wheezing.

•       Develops swelling of the lips, tongue or face.

•       Has a widespread rash alongside breathing difficulties.

•       Appears unusually drowsy or difficult to wake.

•       Has a high fever or symptoms that suggest a serious infection rather than hay fever.

These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis or another serious medical condition requiring urgent assessment.

Can Babies Outgrow Hay Fever?

Many parents wonder whether hay fever is something their child will eventually outgrow.

The answer varies from child to child.

Some children experience milder symptoms as they get older, while others continue to have seasonal allergies into adulthood. The severity of hay fever can also change from year to year depending on pollen levels, weather conditions and individual sensitivity.

Children with eczema, asthma or a strong family history of allergies may be more likely to continue experiencing hay fever as they grow older.

Even if hay fever doesn't completely disappear, most children can manage their symptoms successfully with appropriate treatment and practical measures to reduce pollen exposure.

Think Your Baby Could Have Hay Fever?

If your baby or toddler has persistent sneezing, a clear runny nose, watery eyes, or symptoms that return every spring or summer, it may be more than just a common cold. An early assessment can help identify whether hay fever or another allergy is causing their symptoms.

Same-day private GP appointments available. Our GMC-registered doctors can assess your child's symptoms, help distinguish hay fever from other common childhood illnesses, recommend age-appropriate treatment, and advise whether allergy testing or further assessment is needed. No referral needed.

Select a Private GP Clinic near your location now:

Final Thoughts

Although hay fever is uncommon in babies under two years old, it can occur, particularly in older babies and toddlers who have had repeated exposure to seasonal pollen. Because the symptoms often resemble a common cold, recognising the pattern of symptoms, especially if they occur during spring or summer, is an important first step.

Reducing pollen exposure, using age-appropriate treatments where recommended, and seeking medical advice if symptoms persist can help keep your child comfortable throughout allergy season.

If you're concerned that your baby may have hay fever or another allergy, get in touch with our team for reassurance, an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment advice.

FAQs About Can Babies Get Hayfever?