Children's hay fever toolkit

Hay fever can hit children hard, especially during summer-term exams. Here's a practical parent's toolkit.

Safe treatment

Child-suitable non-drowsy antihistamines and, if needed, a child steroid nasal spray — check ages and doses with a pharmacist. Avoid older drowsy antihistamines during school and exams.

Home setup

Run an air purifier in your child's bedroom, keep windows shut at peak times, and wash bedding and hair to remove pollen. See purifiers for children's rooms.

School & exams

Tell the school, send in non-drowsy medication where allowed, and time doses so relief covers exam times. See school allergies and hay fever in children.

Practical next step: see our guide to the best air purifier for pollen allergy — model picks, room-size guidance and where to place a unit for the biggest overnight reduction.