Most grandparents will agree that there’s nothing better than having your grandbaby over for a visit—that is, until the sniffles start. Babies and toddlers have very sensitive little systems, and allergens in your home could be making them uncomfortable. The good news? A few simple changes can make your home a cozy, sneeze-free haven for them and you.
By talking through the different types of allergens that might be in your home, the ways to prepare your home for little visitors and equipment you can use to make the air better—you can be better prepared, and have a more enjoyable time. So, let’s talk more about all of this.
The Sneaky Allergens Lurking in Your Home
You might not see them, but allergens are hiding all over your home—especially in places your grandbaby loves to snuggle. Dust mites lurk in bedding and carpets, pet dander clings to furniture and pollen drifts in from open windows. Even those scented candles that make your home smell amazing can irritate tiny airways. While these things may not bother you, they can trigger sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes in little ones with sensitive immune systems.
Since babies are still building up their defenses, they react more strongly to allergens in their environment. If your grandchild has frequent sniffles, watery eyes or trouble sleeping when they visit, baby allergies could be to blame. So, how to help an infant with allergies? A few small changes can make a big difference.
Easy Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home for Visits
So, how can you allergy-proof your home? While there’s no way to totally rid your home of allergens, there are definitely a few measures you can take to prepare.
A great place to start is by thinking through what you can clean. So, think about things like bedding, surfaces in your home, etc.
- Washing guest bedding: Wash your guest bedding (don’t forget crib sheets) before your grandbaby arrives. This might not seem like a big deal, but it can really help eliminate some of the dust mites lurking around your home. Dust mites can trigger sneezing and stuffy noses in children and adults alike.
- Check your detergent: Speaking of washing bedding, you’ll want to think about your detergent. Consider getting baby safe detergent or at least sensitive skin detergent. Some detergents can cause babies to have itchy skin and develop hives. So, just be mindful.
- Vacuum and dust your home: Regular vacuuming and dusting are also important, especially in areas where your little grandbaby plays or sleeps. Pet dander and dust love to settle in carpets, furniture and curtains, so a quick clean-up before their visit can make a big difference.
- Keep pets out of certain rooms: If you have pets, consider keeping them out of the nursery or designated sleep space to prevent allergens from collecting on blankets and pillows.
- Ditch the air fresheners and scented candles: And while we all love a fresh-smelling home, air fresheners and scented candles can be harsh on tiny lungs. Instead, opt for fragrance-free cleaning products to keep your home clean without irritating your grandchild’s airways.
While this might seem like a lot to do, it can go a long way in creating a cozy, allergy-friendly space—so you can focus on making sweet memories, not wiping runny noses!
The Power of a Humidifier and Air Purifier for Baby Allergies
So, what are some other things that you can do to keep your grandbaby comfortable during their visit? We’d suggest getting a humidifier and an air purifier. These devices can be game-changers. A humidifier adds moisture to the air with water vapor. This can help with things like dry skin, congestion and even better sleep—especially during cold and allergy season. Babies can’t always take medicine. So, having a humidifier in their sleep space can make a big difference in how they feel. Plus, many of our nursery humidifiers come with bonus features like night lights and sound machines, making bedtime even more soothing.
What about an air purifier, though? An air purifier is another great way to keep your home allergy-friendly. Our True HEPA nursery air purifiers can help remove allergens like pet dander, dust and other airborne allergens before they reach your grandchild’s lungs. Several models or purifiers even have a germicidal UV light that helps eliminate viruses, mold and bacteria—giving you peace of mind that the air your grandbaby is breathing is as clean as possible.
The best part? Crane Baby humidifiers and air purifiers are designed with little ones in mind—quiet, effective and easy to use. With a few simple changes, you can make a healthier, cozier space where your grandbaby can breathe easy, sleep soundly and enjoy every moment of their visit.
The Best Part? More Snuggles, Less Sneezing!
The best part about making your home allergy-friendly? More snuggles with your grandchildren and fewer sniffles! A few small changes—like washing bedding, using an air purifier and skipping scented candles—can make a big difference in your grandbaby’s comfort. When they can breathe easy, they sleep better, play longer and enjoy their time with you even more.
No one wants a stuffy nose or itchy eyes getting in the way of bedtime stories, giggles and sweet baby cuddles. With some prep for your grandbaby’s visit, you can create a space where your grandchild feels cozy, safe and at home. Because at the end of the day, grandparenting is about making warm, loving memories—not worrying about allergies.
If you need any of the nursery essentials we’ve talked about like crib sheets, humidifiers or even a nursery air purifier, don’t forget to take a look at our collections at Crane Baby. All of our items are great quality and are also super cute.
So, here’s to carefree visits, big hugs and all the sweet moments that make being a grandparent so special.