Hayfever and Breastfeeding

Hayfever symptoms can make the warmer months uncomfortable, particularly when sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy, watery eyes interfere with sleep and everyday activities. If you are breastfeeding, you may also be wondering which treatments are suitable and whether taking medication could affect your baby or your milk supply.

In most cases, hayfever can be managed without stopping breastfeeding. There are several non-medicinal measures and treatments that can help, including nasal sprays, antihistamines and eye drops. The choice of treatment matters, but breastfeeding does not automatically mean that you have to put up with symptoms or avoid medication.

The Breastfeeding Network provides UK-specific information about managing hayfever while breastfeeding. Its guidance, alongside advice from the NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS), can help families understand the available options and make informed treatment choices.

Reducing pollen exposure

Reducing contact with pollen may help ease symptoms, although it is not always possible to avoid it completely.

Practical measures include:

• Checking local pollen forecasts and, where possible, limiting time outdoors when pollen levels are high.

• Keeping windows and doors closed when pollen levels are high, particularly in the bedroom.

• Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors to reduce pollen reaching the eyes.

• Changing clothes and washing your face and hands after spending time outside.

• Showering or washing your hair before going to bed if you have been outdoors for a prolonged period.

• Avoiding drying clothes and bedding outside when pollen levels are high, as pollen can collect on fabrics.

• Dusting with a damp cloth to remove pollen that has entered the home.

These measures may reduce exposure, but they are not always enough to control symptoms. Treatment may still be needed (NHS, 2026a).

Nasal sprays and drops

Nasal sprays can be useful for hayfever symptoms, particularly when the nose is affected by inflammation, itching, sneezing or congestion.

Intranasal corticosteroid sprays, such as beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone and mometasone, act locally in the nasal passages to reduce inflammation. They are commonly used to manage allergic rhinitis and can be used while breastfeeding.

The NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service advises that topical corticosteroids, including those used intranasally, are compatible with breastfeeding. Because absorption into the mother's bloodstream is generally very low, the amount expected to pass into breast milk is negligible (SPS, 2023).

The Breastfeeding Network also explains that nasal sprays act locally and are unlikely to pass into breast milk in significant quantities (The Breastfeeding Network, 2019, amended 2026).

Saline nasal sprays or rinses may also help clear pollen and mucus from the nasal passages without using medication.

It is important to distinguish corticosteroid sprays from decongestant sprays. Decongestant sprays containing ingredients such as xylometazoline or oxymetazoline are intended to relieve nasal congestion rather than treat the underlying allergic inflammation. The Breastfeeding Network considers these compatible with breastfeeding because they act locally, but they should not be used for more than five consecutive days because prolonged use can cause rebound congestion (The Breastfeeding Network, 2022, amended 2026).

Antihistamines

Antihistamines help reduce the effects of histamine, a substance released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. They can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching and a runny nose.

Non-sedating antihistamines are generally preferred when breastfeeding. Cetirizine and loratadine are the preferred options in the NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service guidance for breastfeeding a healthy, full-term infant (SPS, 2026).

Although these medicines are considered suitable, small amounts can pass into breast milk. As a precaution, observe your baby for any unexpected drowsiness, irritability, dry mouth, changes in feeding or inadequate weight gain. Younger, exclusively breastfed babies may be more susceptible to side effects than older infants (SPS, 2026).

Sedating antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine, may sometimes be appropriate. However, they are more likely to cause drowsiness in both the person taking them and the baby. If a sedating antihistamine is needed, the SPS identifies chlorphenamine as the preferred option, with occasional doses or short-term use preferable where possible.

If you take a medicine that causes drowsiness, consider how this may affect your ability to care for your baby safely. Avoid sharing a bed with your baby after taking sedating medication, as this increases the risk associated with bed-sharing (SPS, 2026).

The effect of antihistamines on milk production is not fully established. Available evidence is limited and sometimes conflicting. At normal therapeutic doses, antihistamines are unlikely to affect milk production, particularly once breastfeeding is established. However, occasional reports of reduced supply have been described with some medicines, including cetirizine and loratadine (SPS, 2026).

Eye drops

Hayfever can cause itchy, red and watery eyes. Eye drops may help relieve these symptoms and can be used alongside other treatments where appropriate.

The Breastfeeding Network identifies sodium cromoglicate eye drops as an option during breastfeeding. As eye drops act locally, systemic absorption and transfer into breast milk are expected to be very low (The Breastfeeding Network, 2019, amended 2026).

A pharmacist can help identify a suitable product if you are unsure which eye drops to choose.

Decongestants and milk supply

Some combination cold and hayfever remedies contain oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine. These are different from the locally acting nasal sprays discussed above.

Oral pseudoephedrine is generally best avoided while breastfeeding because it can reduce milk production. This is particularly relevant if you are establishing breastfeeding or already have concerns about supply.

A small study involving eight breastfeeding women found that a single 60 mg dose of pseudoephedrine reduced milk production by an average of 24% over the following 24 hours compared with placebo (Aljazaf et al., 2003).

The study was small, so its findings should not be interpreted as meaning that every person taking pseudoephedrine will experience the same reduction. However, the measured effect is clinically relevant, and The Breastfeeding Network advises avoiding oral decongestant tablets, powders and drinks because of their potential impact on milk supply (The Breastfeeding Network, 2022, amended 2026).

If you are concerned about your milk production, you may also find it helpful to read Increasing Breast Milk Production, which explores how milk production is regulated and the role of effective milk removal.

If you need relief from nasal congestion, a locally acting nasal decongestant spray may be an alternative. These should only be used for a short period and for no longer than five consecutive days.

Informed treatment choices

You do not need to stop breastfeeding simply because you need treatment for hayfever. The aim is to choose an effective treatment that is appropriate for your symptoms, your circumstances and your baby's age and health.

When choosing a medicine, consider:

• Whether a local treatment, such as a nasal spray or eye drops, could manage the symptoms.

• Whether a non-sedating antihistamine is appropriate.

• Whether the product contains additional ingredients, particularly an oral decongestant.

• Your baby's age, whether they were born prematurely and whether they have any health conditions.

• Whether breastfeeding is established or you are experiencing difficulties with milk production.

Medicines that are suitable for breastfeeding a healthy, full-term infant may need further consideration if your baby was born prematurely, is unwell or has other health needs. The SPS guidance is specifically written for healthy, full-term infants, so individual advice is important in these circumstances (SPS, 2026).

A pharmacist, GP or other appropriate healthcare professional can help you choose a suitable treatment. The NHS also advises checking before taking antihistamines or decongestants while breastfeeding. Do not stop prescribed medication without discussing it with the healthcare professional responsible for your care (NHS, 2020).

Breastfeeding can continue

For most breastfeeding families, hayfever can be managed with appropriate treatment and practical measures to reduce pollen exposure. Nasal corticosteroid sprays, suitable antihistamines and eye drops can all have a place in symptom management.

The important point is that breastfeeding does not need to be stopped simply because you have hayfever or need medication. If you are unsure about a particular product, seek advice from a pharmacist, GP or an appropriate medicines-in-breastfeeding service before using it.

Can babies get hayfever?

Hayfever is less common in babies and very young children than in older children, but it is not impossible. Hayfever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, develops when the immune system becomes sensitised to pollen. This generally involves exposure to pollen over time, which helps explain why it is less commonly seen during infancy.

Hayfever usually develops during childhood or adolescence, although it can occur at any age (GOV.UK, 2025). It is more commonly recognised in older children, but younger children can also experience allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms may include repeated sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and red, itchy or watery eyes. However, these symptoms can also occur with viral infections and other forms of nasal irritation. A runny or blocked nose on its own is not enough to identify hayfever.

If symptoms are persistent or recurring, or you are concerned that your baby may have an allergy, speak to your GP. They can consider other possible causes and advise whether further assessment is needed (NHS, 2026a; NHS, 2026b).

Supporting a baby with hayfever symptoms

If pollen exposure appears to make symptoms worse, some practical measures may help reduce the amount of pollen your baby comes into contact with:

• Keep windows and doors closed when pollen levels are high, where practical.

• Wash your baby's face and hands after spending time outdoors.

• Change clothing after being outside and avoid bringing outdoor clothing into the baby's sleeping area.

• Avoid drying washing outdoors during periods of high pollen.

• Keep indoor spaces clean, using a damp cloth to remove dust.

These measures may help reduce exposure, although they cannot remove pollen completely.

Do not give your baby hayfever medication intended for adults or older children. The suitability of antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops depends on the child's age, the medicine and the specific product. Some medicines used for older children are not suitable for babies. A GP or pharmacist can advise whether any treatment is appropriate.

If symptoms are persistent, troublesome or affecting feeding or sleep, seek advice from a healthcare professional rather than assuming they are caused by hayfever. If your baby has difficulty breathing, significant swelling of the lips, mouth or tongue, or becomes unusually floppy or unresponsive, seek emergency medical help.

References

Aljazaf, K., Hale, T.W., Ilett, K.F., Hartmann, P.E., Mitoulas, L.R., Kristensen, J.H., Hackett, L.P. and Begg, E.J. (2003) ‘Pseudoephedrine: effects on milk production in women and estimation of infant exposure via breastmilk’, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 56(1), pp. 18–24. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.01822.x.

GOV.UK (2025) Hay fever and airborne allergens. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hay-fever-and-airborne-allergens.

NHS (2020) Breastfeeding and medicines. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-and-lifestyle/medicines/.

NHS (2026a) Allergic rhinitis. Last reviewed 8 January 2026. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/.

NHS (2026b) Allergies. Last reviewed 5 March 2026. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/.

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) (2023) Using inhaled or topical corticosteroids during breastfeeding. Published 17 July 2023. Available at: https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-inhaled-or-topical-corticosteroids-during-breastfeeding/.

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) (2026) Using antihistamines during breastfeeding. Last updated 5 February 2026. Available at: https://sps.nhs.uk/articles/using-antihistamines-during-breastfeeding/.

The Breastfeeding Network (2019, amended 2026) Hayfever and breastfeeding. Available at: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/hayfever/.

The Breastfeeding Network (2019, amended 2026) Antihistamines and breastfeeding. Available at: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/antihistamines/.

The Breastfeeding Network (2022, amended 2026) Decongestants and breastfeeding. Available at: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/decongestants/.