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Make your baby’s world as allergy-free as can be.1

Furniture/Room Design

  • Wood or plastic chairs are best for the baby's room.
  • Do not use open book shelves.
  • Be aware that overhead mobiles collect dust.
  • Display washable stuffed animals. Most should be placed in a closed chest or closed closet.
  • Avoid too many wall hangings which collect dust. Washable “soft structures” or frames that are cleaned with a damp cloth are acceptable.
  • Use vertical blinds as ruffled curtains and Venetian blinds collect a lot of dust.
  • Place the crib away from air vents.
  • Remove carpets and cover the floor with linoleum or vinyl.

Bedding

  • Remove feather pillows and comforters-replace with ones having a synthetic filling (dacrom or foam); the washable type is best in dust proof casing.
  • Baby bumpers should be simple; no ruffles or pleats.
  • Enclose the mattress top surfaces and sides in a plastic cover to prevent dust collection. (see resources)
  • Replace woolen blankets by nylon or Dacron quilts, or by cotton cellular ones and wash
    frequently.

Cleaning

  • Vacuum carpets daily or every other day. Avoid liquid spills if carpet pad is to stay free of mold. A hardwood floor with washable throw rug is preferable.
  • Thoroughly vacuum the mattress, the pillows, and around the base of the bed or divan.
  • Each day-“damp dust” the plastic mattress cover.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner with disposable paper bags. NOTE: If your child shares a bedroom-all other beds in the room must be treated similarly.
  • Change and wash pillow cases, sheets, and under-blankets each week.
  • Use light washable curtains and wash frequently.
  • Clean levelers or shutters each week with a damp cloth.
  • Discuss humidifier use with your doctor, if your baby is mold allergic.
  • A hepa filter (which can be placed under the crib) may help decrease airborne allergens.
  • Keep pets out of the baby's room as animal fur is a potential allergen.

Other Rooms

Particular attention should be directed toward removal of dust from upholstered furniture (which harbors the type of dust to which your child is sensitive.) Vacuum this furniture at least twice a week, especially the head rest, arms, and edges of the seats.

1“House Dust Mite Control Measures” by Catherine G. Fuller, M.D., Board Certified Asthma and Allergy.