CNN Parenting

Sucking your baby's pacifier might protect them from allergies, study says

By Arman Azad, CNN

Updated 1443 GMT (2243 HKT) November 16, 2018

<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/allergies.html" target="_blank">More than 50 million people</a> in the United States suffer allergies each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <br /><br />Snacking on nuts during the first year of life may reduce the risk of a nut allergy in children, studies show. Previously, parents of high-risk children had been advised to delay their introduction of peanuts.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
More than 50 million people in the United States suffer allergies each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Snacking on nuts during the first year of life may reduce the risk of a nut allergy in children, studies show. Previously, parents of high-risk children had been advised to delay their introduction of peanuts.
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Some studies have linked certain objects or behaviors to the possible reduction of allergy risk. One new paper, for instance, suggests that children who <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/11/health/allergies-thumb-sucking-nail-biting-children/">suck their thumbs or bite their nails</a> may have reduced risk of developing allergies.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
Some studies have linked certain objects or behaviors to the possible reduction of allergy risk. One new paper, for instance, suggests that children who suck their thumbs or bite their nails may have reduced risk of developing allergies.
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Many medical authorities, such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, <a href="https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/prevention-of-allergies-and-asthma-in-children" target="_blank">recommend breast-feeding</a>, as breast milk provides important vitamins and nutrients to an infant. Some research shows that breastfeeding for at least four to six months may strengthen a baby's immune system and, as a result, be helpful in avoiding allergies.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
Many medical authorities, such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, recommend breast-feeding, as breast milk provides important vitamins and nutrients to an infant. Some research shows that breastfeeding for at least four to six months may strengthen a baby's immune system and, as a result, be helpful in avoiding allergies.
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Children's risk for developing allergies and asthma may be reduced when they are exposed to a pet, such as a dog or cat, in the household <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/13/pets.infants.allergies/">early in infancy</a>. Researchers suspect that early exposure to certain pet allergens or bacteria might strengthen the immune system.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
Children's risk for developing allergies and asthma may be reduced when they are exposed to a pet, such as a dog or cat, in the household early in infancy. Researchers suspect that early exposure to certain pet allergens or bacteria might strengthen the immune system.
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Research suggests that exposure to air pollution during the first year of a child's life increases the risk of developing allergies to food, mold, pets and pests. Therefore, fresh air might help in avoiding sensitivity to allergens.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
Research suggests that exposure to air pollution during the first year of a child's life increases the risk of developing allergies to food, mold, pets and pests. Therefore, fresh air might help in avoiding sensitivity to allergens.
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What a woman eats during pregnancy may reduce allergy risk in her child. Some studies show that a diet rich in vitamin D, such as milk, eggs or mushrooms, is associated with a reduced risk of the baby developing allergies.
Photos: Six ways to reduce allergy risk in kids
What a woman eats during pregnancy may reduce allergy risk in her child. Some studies show that a diet rich in vitamin D, such as milk, eggs or mushrooms, is associated with a reduced risk of the baby developing allergies.
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(CNN)Your baby's pacifier falls on the floor. Before giving it back to your child, do you wash it in a sink or, perhaps reluctantly, clean it with your own saliva?

Could kids' thumb-sucking, nail-biting offer benefits?
Could kids' thumb-sucking, nail-biting offer benefits?
Don't feel too guilty if you chose the latter, because a new study suggests that a mother's spit -- and the bacteria in it -- may help prevent allergies in young children.
    The research found lower levels of a troublesome, allergy-causing protein in babies whose mothers reported sucking on their infants' pacifiers, adding to a growing body of evidence that early exposure to microbes may prevent allergies in children.