Stuffed Animals And Allergies In Children
- Date: 2008-10-29 - Word Count: 434
Share This!
While children can be born with various allergies, some develop later in life. One such example is a dust mite allergy, which may appear during childhood or the teenage years. Living with a child who has this type of allergy is very challenging, and parents often think that dust-gathering toys, particularly stuffed animals, have to be eliminated.
For infants and young toddlers, this might not be much of an ordeal, but how do parents manage to keep stuffed animals in an older child's room, especially when they are attached to a particular one? A lot of kids become fond of a favorite bear or animal, making it a difficult transition from regular play to dust-free play.
To keep a child's bedroom as free from dust as possible, bed linens and other items known for collecting dust, like stuffed animals, need to be washed regularly. They should always be washed in hot water; if this is not possible, a dryer can be used to eliminate any stubborn dust mites that remain.
There are specifically-designed solutions that can be added to washing water to kill dust mites. Some experts are hesitant to prescribe such mixtures, since the effects of some additives are questionable. However, there are organic solutions on the market, which help to eliminate even more dust mites than washing alone. Despite the washing method used, stuffed animals should be washed weekly, or bi-weekly at most.
Another way to kill dust mites is by placing stuffed animals in the freezer. Wrapped in a bag, about forty-eight hours in an extremely cold environment will prevent dust mites from being able to survive. In order to flourish and multiply, mites require an ideal temperature, explaining why strong heat or coldness produces an inhabitable environment. In fact, even a few hours' worth of hot sun exposure will kill dust mites.
When purchasing stuffed animals for a child with a dust mite allergy, select small items that are washable and, preferably, dryer-friendly. If your child is drawn to a larger stuffed animal, be sure it will fit in the washer, dryer, or freezer (when using the freezer, remember that larger animals will need more time to reach a frigid temperature than smaller ones).
Taking control of a dust mite allergy requires some awareness, creativity, and additional housework, but being able to keep your child's treasured toys is well worth the struggle. The good news is, a dust mite allergy doesn't have to control your family's lives. With all the changes going on within the house to alleviate the dust mite count, your child will appreciate sharing the journey with his or her favorite stuffed friend.
For infants and young toddlers, this might not be much of an ordeal, but how do parents manage to keep stuffed animals in an older child's room, especially when they are attached to a particular one? A lot of kids become fond of a favorite bear or animal, making it a difficult transition from regular play to dust-free play.
To keep a child's bedroom as free from dust as possible, bed linens and other items known for collecting dust, like stuffed animals, need to be washed regularly. They should always be washed in hot water; if this is not possible, a dryer can be used to eliminate any stubborn dust mites that remain.
There are specifically-designed solutions that can be added to washing water to kill dust mites. Some experts are hesitant to prescribe such mixtures, since the effects of some additives are questionable. However, there are organic solutions on the market, which help to eliminate even more dust mites than washing alone. Despite the washing method used, stuffed animals should be washed weekly, or bi-weekly at most.
Another way to kill dust mites is by placing stuffed animals in the freezer. Wrapped in a bag, about forty-eight hours in an extremely cold environment will prevent dust mites from being able to survive. In order to flourish and multiply, mites require an ideal temperature, explaining why strong heat or coldness produces an inhabitable environment. In fact, even a few hours' worth of hot sun exposure will kill dust mites.
When purchasing stuffed animals for a child with a dust mite allergy, select small items that are washable and, preferably, dryer-friendly. If your child is drawn to a larger stuffed animal, be sure it will fit in the washer, dryer, or freezer (when using the freezer, remember that larger animals will need more time to reach a frigid temperature than smaller ones).
Taking control of a dust mite allergy requires some awareness, creativity, and additional housework, but being able to keep your child's treasured toys is well worth the struggle. The good news is, a dust mite allergy doesn't have to control your family's lives. With all the changes going on within the house to alleviate the dust mite count, your child will appreciate sharing the journey with his or her favorite stuffed friend.
Related Tags: allergies, toys, stuffed animals, childrens allergies
Victor Epand is an expert consultant about kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls. You will find the best marketplace for kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls at these sites for kids toys, new stuffed animals, and dolls. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Important Things to Know About an Assisted Living Residence in Texas
n assisted living residence is a facility designed for senior citizens or persons with disabilities - Understanding How the Probate Process Works
The probate process is required within the U.S. to settle estates of deceased persons. The time requ - Fun Ideas for the Family During the Christmas Holiday
The Yuletide season is one of the most awaited holidays of the year because it is the time for joy a - How To Find The Right Composite Decking Deck Builders
Another rising home improvement project homeowners are starting to do a lot more of is the composite - Every Home Should Have A Radiant Barrier
The most easy and successful home improvement project you can do to your House, would be to install - The Different Types Of Rain Gutters
When purchasing a house or planning to do improvements to a home, there is always one project that s - How To Get The Best Replacement Windows For Your Home
Installing replacement windows can be the single most important home improvement project you can do - Holiday Accommodation Gold Coast: Pointers For Selecting The Best
With a multitude of holiday accommodations in Gold Coast, choosing the one for yourself can be quite - Want Holiday Accommodation In Gold Coast Queensland? Get Online To Find The Best Deal In A Quick, Co
There are several ways to find holiday accommodation in Gold Coast. You may refer to travel guides t - Celebrate The Ten-days Festival Of Navratri.
Dasara known as Dussehra, Navaratri, Vijaya Dashami is a festival of triumph of GOOD over Evil. The
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Adoptees Need Support When Voicing Feelings about Birth Parents
"I feel like a mistake.""I'm not like them.""Where's my family?""Why can't I find a suitable career? - Progressive Cooking: All About 'cuisine'
The French are known for their interest in art and all that is fine. It therefore comes as no surpri - Moroccan Decor - Oh My! Make Your Home Shine With Moroccan Rugs and Tapestries.
It is said in Morocco that he who enters Fez with a rug will leave with a moneybag. This saying o - Online Criminal Background Checks-Importance & Ease
Have you ever thought your new neighbor looks like one of the pictures on the post office bulletin b - Installing A Burglar Alarm
Want to protect your home? Ready to install a burglar alarm? The popularity of the home burglar ala - Lowe's Backyard Playground Sets
Lowe's is an excellent first place to look for anyone who is looking for the best swing sets on the - How Could Short Term Health Insurance Help Me?
Short-term health insurance plans allow people to have health insurance for a limited amount of time - Watch Out For Those Stinky Skunks!
There are various species of skunks found throughout the United States including the striped, spotte - Asthma In Kids: An Increasing Epidemic
Many believe that the majority of asthma cases are confined to adults, but this is definitely an inc - Stairlifts For Riders Of Above Average Weight
A stairlift is an affordable device that is used to give people with limited mobility access to the