We arrange room for child with allergies - how does it look in practice?

In May, we wrote you about what paints for painting furniture and interiors are safe for children with allergies. This applies to all its types since the weakened organism of the allergy sufferer reacts much more rapidly to any irritating substances. We encourage you to look at the entry devoted to paints for allergy sufferers, certificates that should have a wall painting techniques, you can find it HERE

Today we will focus on practical tips on how to decorate a child's room with allergies. Many parents, when they hear a diagnosis in an allergist's office, panic because they think that suddenly life will turn 180 degrees and they will have to rearrange not only their surroundings, but also their whole lives. With space for allergy sufferers there is a bit of a west, but it is not as complicated as it may seem.

First, it is worth knowing that allergy is a problem known as a civilization disease of the 21st century. Even a hundred years ago in Poland, this problem affected only 1% of the population. Meanwhile, it is estimated that up to 40% of Poles may struggle with various forms of allergies! This number is shocking, because an untreated allergy can result in many consequences, such as asthma or atopic dermatitis. Moreover, an allergy to e.g., cow's milk protein may evolve over time because of the body's frequent contact with other allergens, and it may become inhaled. This is the so-called allergy march, i.e., the transition from one form of allergy to another.

One of the most common causes of allergy are airborne allergens, i.e., house dust mites or mold, which can be a problem to avoid at home. Many parents, finding out that a child is allergic, get scared that they will have to completely change the home decor, habits and reorganize their lifestyle. The concerns also largely concern the space in which the child is most present, i.e., his room and bed. Today we will suggest how to arrange a small allergy room to be safe for him.

Floor and walls

Here, the old rule that less is more applies. In an allergy room, bare floors, and bare walls, literally, are the best solution. Ideally, the floor should be made of natural wood protected with a water-borne varnish. Natural preparations for impregnation, such as waxes or oils, are not recommended. Floor panels are also a good idea, because they are easy to clean, but it is worth paying attention to whether they were produced without harmful additives. One of the biggest concerns of allergy sufferers is the fact that the room should not have any carpets or rugs. This issue can also be circumvented relatively easily. There are special floor coverings for allergy sufferers that not only prevent mites from growing but are also mold resistant and have the ability to absorb airborne dust. An alternative to the rug is also cotton rugs, which warm the interior and create a place to play on the floor, and can be washed quickly and easily.

The walls in the allergy sufferer's room should be free of wallpapers and too many pictures or decorations on which dust likes to accumulate. On a smooth surface, impurities settle to a much lesser extent than on a rough one, with many depressions. In DIY stores there are also paints certified by the Polish Society of Allergology, which do not contain harmful substances that may aggravate the course of the disease. You can learn more about the paints recommended for allergy sufferers in our May post.

Bed and furniture

The best choice for a small allergy sufferer is a bed and furniture made of natural, good quality wood. This raw material not only has no allergenic properties, but also has antistatic properties, thanks to which dust does not settle on wooden beds and furniture. It is also important to choose a manufacturer who guarantees painting the bed with paints marked with appropriate standards and certificates, regulating the substances contained in them and their safe level. It is worth paying attention to the beds without a drawer, preferably on a slightly raised platform, thanks to which the space under it can be easily cleaned. From the point of view of allergy sufferers, bunk beds and mezzanines are also a good solution. Dust particles are heavier than air, so they tend to fall downwards. Sleeping on the platform provided by the mezzanine, the air is much cleaner compared to the one below, especially at night, when nothing sets it in motion.

Just as important as the bed itself is choosing the right mattress. Allergy sufferers are advised not to sleep on mattresses with coconut or buckwheat, especially synthetic materials with a compact structure are recommended in such situations. Foam, latex and sponge are perfect if your child is allergic to dust mites and mold.

Textiles, stuffed animals, and toys

It is difficult to imagine a window that is not decorated with curtains or curtains. They not only play an aesthetic role, but above all provide privacy and ensure that no outsider will look at our windows. It is true that in an allergy sufferer's room it is inadvisable to hang heavy and massive blackout curtains, but airy curtains are an acceptable option. The blackout blinds also have green light. The condition that will make roller blinds and curtains safe for allergy sufferers is their frequent washing and dusting.

A teddy bear is certainly a child's best friend, but soft, furry mascots are also a great place for mites to live and develop. In an allergy sufferer's room, it is worth reducing the number of soft toys to a minimum and replacing them with easy-to-clean wooden or plastic toys. In the case of wood, it is worth paying attention to the paints and impregnates used in production, as with other paint products. They should have all the necessary approvals and certificates confirming their safety in contact with allergy sufferers.

WNM Group