Parents seeking to reduce their children's risk of developing an allergic condition may find themselves trying to sort through a mass of contradictory advice. For years, experts have urged parents to shield infants from frequent and intense exposures to potential allergens. It has been argued that doing so reduces the likelihood that a child will develop certain allergies.

While this is still the commonly held view, some new evidence contradicts the theory. For example, recent studies have found that young children who grow up around pets are actually less likely to develop allergies to animal dander. These findings conflict with the long-held conviction that kids exposed to pets are more likely to develop animal allergies.

Similar contradictions are evident elsewhere. For example, some studies indicate that breastfeeding lowers the likelihood of child allergies and asthma, while others suggest that breastfeeding increases the incidence of those conditions. Research has suggested that breast milk provides some protection, but that IgE antibodies may pass to the child, which may make a child more susceptible to allergies or asthma later in life.

However, the medical consensus is that the overall benefits of breastfeeding to the child's development outweigh the potential negatives. Parents with questions should consult their physician.

The advice is much clearer about how to prevent symptoms of an already existing condition. The best way to protect children already diagnosed with allergies or asthma is to limit their exposure to allergens and triggers to the greatest extent possible.

Parents should take the following steps based on their child’s allergy:

• Seasonal allergies. Airborne allergens are a major trigger for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma, so limiting exposure to pollens and molds will likely reduce symptoms in children. Parents are urged to:
  
  
• Avoid having carpet in dark, damp rooms that can be a breeding ground for mold
  
  
• Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent by using air conditioning or a dehumidifier
  
  
• Keep windows closed and children indoors when pollen counts are high
  
  
• Encourage participation in indoor sports where pollens and molds are less of an issue (e.g., swimming, basketball, hockey, indoor volleyball)
  
  
• Dust allergies. Although there is no way to completely eliminate exposure to either dust or dust mites, there are several steps parents can take to reduce their child’s exposure to the allergens, including:
  
  
• Contain or kill dust mites by using zippered, plastic covers on pillows, mattresses and box springs
  
  
• Wash bedding, curtains and rugs frequently in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit [54 degrees Celsius])
  
  
• Keep carpets, upholstered furniture and objects that collect dust (e.g., stuffed animals, drapes) out of a child’s bedroom
  
  
• Dust frequently with damp or oiled cloths to keep dust from spreading
  
  
• Food allergies. Most experts believe that a mother’s milk is the best source of nourishment for a child. If a baby has an allergic reaction during breastfeeding, a change in the mother’s diet may be warranted. Alternatives such as soy-based formulas can be given to babies who react to standard milk-based baby formula.
  
  Experts suggest the following for reducing a child’s risk of developing a food allergy:
  
  
• Introduce a child to solid foods slowly. Start with small amounts of apples, bananas, pears, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, rice and other foods that do not typically cause reactions.
  
  
• Initially, avoid wheat, eggs, corn products and nut butters. When you do try them, do so in small amounts and watch for any symptoms of an allergy (including hives, wheezing, or swelling of the lips, tongue or face).
  

Parents of children with food allergies can reduce the risk for allergic reactions by carefully checking food labels for problem ingredients and learning any alternate names a dangerous food may be listed under. When the child is old enough they should be taught how to do this as well. In addition, parents of allergic children should always inquire about cooking techniques and ingredients at restaurants. Parents should also alert their child's school to the allergies. 

• Animal allergies. Proteins in animal dander, urine and saliva are the chief source of allergic symptoms for those with animal allergies. Many of these allergens come to rest in carpets and furniture, where they can remain for four to six weeks. Allergens that become airborne can remain that way for months after an animal is removed from a home. Tips to prevent symptoms related to animal allergies in children include:
  
  
• Follow tips associated with Seasonal allergies, which are also caused by airborne allergens
  
  
• Consult with a landlord or a home’s previous occupant about pet history before moving in
  
  
• Find the family pet a new home
  

Families who decide to keep their pets can reduce symptoms by:


• Keeping the pet out of the child’s bedroom, and limiting the number of rooms to which the pet has access
  
  
• Using filters in heating and air conditioning units and high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters on vacuum cleaners
  
  
• Bathing pets regularly to reduce the amount of allergens on their coats
  
  
• Contact dermatitis. Any material that causes an allergic reaction should be avoided. One such possible allergen is latex (a milky sap derived from the rubber tree), which is used to produce many products, including rubber bands and bandages. Parents whose children have latex allergies should avoid having these products in their homes.

It also is important for parents to inform child–care and school staff of their child’s allergy, so proper precautions can be taken. For example, cafeteria workers can wear vinyl gloves instead of rubber gloves to prevent a reaction in a child with a latex allergy, and special meals can be prepared for children with food allergies.

In addition, it is important that parents limit their children’s exposure to tobacco smoke. Pregnant women who smoke and parents who expose children to secondhand tobacco smoke dramatically increase the likelihood of child respiratory ailments. Tobacco smoke also triggers symptoms related to already–existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma.