Infant Breathing - How to Protect

You want to do everything you can to keep your baby happy and healthy once you get him home from the hospital, and a large part of that is protecting his breathing. That isn’t always easy, but there are some simple things you can do to prevent allergens and other irritants from harming your baby’s growing lungs and to keep his oxygen intake at the optimum level.

Controlling exposure to allergens is a big job; keeping a clean house, especially when you have a child or children, is easier said than done.

Start by keeping your home’s air clean, using air conditioning instead of fans (they can stir up dust), having your air ducts cleaned once a year, and keeping air filters changed frequently. Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels less than 50%, and don’t allow tobacco smoke in your home. Second-hand smoke is just as dangerous to infants as is smoking, so avoid public places where smoking is allowed, and remember that, even if you smoke outside, you’ll carry harmful chemicals inside on your hair and clothes.

Dust mites can interfere with breathing, and live in bed linens and plush toys and pillows. Washing linens in water at least 130 degrees will kill dust mites, so wash bed linens and towels frequently. If you can, get rid of heavy fabric curtains in favor of blinds. Hardwood floors or tiles are better than carpet when it comes to ease of cleaning and reducing dust mites.

Firewood stored inside can cause allergy flare-ups, too, and books can clutter can attract dust. If you can, keep your pets outdoors, and be sure to brush them outside and bathe them often. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend shampoos that will help keep dander to a minimum.

Crib mattresses can harbor bacteria and mold. If you encase the mattress with a cover that will keep out fluids and liquids, it will be a healthier place for your baby to sleep.

Breastfeeding strengthens your baby’s immune system and is full of antibodies that will help fight off diseases and respiratory infections. Tailor-made for your baby, breast milk is unmatched by any other milk for superior nutrition.

Mold is just about everywhere, even in the cleanest house. It may be lurking behind drywall or visible in the bathroom. Wherever there is water, there is the potential for mold.

You can minimize mold growth by keeping counter-top surfaces dry, drying wet clothes as soon as you can, allowing towels and dishrags to be exposed to air so they can dry, and using exhaust fans for showering and cooking.

If you have any water leaks, fixing them as soon as possible will discourage mold growth. Most mold can be cleaned with soap and water, but you may need to clean it with bleach or even have professionals evaluate and fix the problem.

It isn’t easy to keep up with housework when you have an infant, but if you can establish some simple routines like keeping mold at bay and keeping allergens to a minimum before your baby is born, then you can get in the habit of keeping you home a place that will protect your infant’s breathing and allow him to have a healthy breathing space.