sneezing, rubbing eyes and nose??

[Jenn+Ethan+Emily]

I am not sure where to put this because I do not think it is a food allergy. Anyways, DS always wakes himself up sneezing and rubbing his eyes and nose. He just started on solids (6 months next week). He has been waking up rubbing his nose and eyes for some time now but now he has added sneezing into the mixture. Does anyone know how to tell if this is an allergy and how to tell what the allergy is too if it is one? DS does not sleep well and I just started thinking maybe this has something to do with it? He is eating chicken, carrots, rice cereal, barley cereal and oatmeal. He has no other allergy symptoms and always seems comfy during the day. I am wondering about being allergic to down??? It the only thing I can think of that is just at night time. We have tried humidifiers and such but no luck. Any Ideas?

[Spectra]

I was thinking the same thing as you actually.  Have you tried different detergent for the sheets and clothes?  Perhaps you need a mild no scent, for sensitive skin, detergent, like Tide Free and then also use the extra rinse cycle in the washer.  Also do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets, they can cause irritation in sensitive skin.  I'd also make sure he's just sleeping in cotton, and having cotton sheets.

Do you bathe him nightly?  If you do perhaps you need to switch to a really mild soap and/or change, or don't use, moisturizers.

Really sounds like an environmental thing.  I'd definitely try something new to see if it helps.    Please update if you see some changes, hope you do!

[Jenn+Ethan+Emily]

Thank you so much for the ideas! I switched laundry soap and it seems to have helped a little bit with the sneezing, etc. DS seems to be less stuffed up at night time although he still does not sleep at all!!! Driving me crazy but maybe this change will help him. Thank you so much for thinking for this. It never even crossed my mind!

[Spectra]

Oh I'm glad it helped some!  I know when my son had eczema all over him he'd wake up so often as he was itchy.   Once I got rid of it he slept wonderfully!  If your son is having sleep issues, perhaps asking for some help in the Sleep board may help?  Hopefully he's comfortable now and it's just a matter of sleep!