We're An Allergic Family Who Loves the Outdoors

It's kind of sad that my kids have so many allergies when they love to be outdoors so much.  We thrive hiking, collecting wildflowers, and hunting for mushrooms in the spring.  However, it was around this time last year that Cort, not even two, had such a severe allergic reaction that we were referred to a pediatric allergist.  The past year has been rough for him, with constant flareups of eczema and asthma, not to mention all the ear infections (I've lost track now - I think we've had 6 since November).  But Reid and Pierce have also had their allergy flareups - I had to take Pierce in recently for a rather strange rash on his face.  Even the doctor didn't know what to think.  And Reid has had the more typical stuffy nose and sneezing. 

So I think this year we're going to try to relieve these seasonal allergies with Claritin.  I like that it provides 24 hour non-drowsy allergy relief with just one pill a day.  The less often I have to give my boys medications, the better I feel.  And Children's Claritin is the #1 pediatrician recommended non-drowsy allergy brand. 

I was fortunate enough to be chosen as part of the Claritin's Mom Crew, and they sent me some products for the boys.

I let Reid try Claritin first, as he has had a itchy, runny nose for several days and has been complaining about it.  He had one of the grape chewable pills.  He loved the grape flavor.  When I checked in with him later during the day, he seemed to be doing much better - his nose had dried up.  I was pleased that there were no side effects for him - he wasn't drowsy, nor was he bouncing off the walls. 

I think that this will be a good option for the boys until the pollen count drops off in mid summer.  I hope that taking Claritin daily during peak pollen counts can also help keep Cort from having the sort of scary bad reaction that he had last spring.  It's tough watching him struggle with so many allergy issues at such a young age.

So here's hoping that the only doctor visits going on in our house this spring are of this variety:

As part of the Claritin Mom Crew, I was sent several samples of both adult and children's Claritin to share with friends.  Of course my blogging buddies are my friends too, so if you're interested in receiving a sample, let me know in a comment.  I'll randomly pick 3 of you to send samples. 

Disclaimer: As a member of the Children's Claritin Mom Crew, I receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit.  No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.