My bf seems to have this theory that being around animals more will make it more likely for babies to have allergies as they get older. I don't think I agree because I have been around animals all my life and only have a mild sniffle occasionally. He is severely allergic to basically all indoor things, including pets. Anyone have any ideas?
That theory is completely wrong. There's been quite a bit of research showing that children raised around animals are less likely to have allergies or develop asthma. The immune system becomes overactive if it is not exposed to normal stresses during childhood.
Research has proven that children who are exposed to animals in the first years of life are LESS likely to have allergies, especially to animals. I was raised with cats and my brother was too. Other than some environmental allergies like mold and cedar, I've never had any problems.
We have had my cats since before my son was born. He's now 18 months. He gets sneezy and sniffly when the mold count is high, just like me, but has never shown any tendency for other allergies.
I'm a firm believer that keeping the environment too "sterile" is bad for children and one of the reasons that childhood asthma and allergy sufferers have increased so much in the last few years.
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--Kellie
Married 09/28/2002
DS born 07/05/2003
DD born 3/24/2005
sounds like your bf is just trying to keep things that he doesn't like away from your baby. Your body can build up a tolerance at any age. My husband was very allergic to cats when we met 10 years ago. Well, I had a cat. It was bad at first. Then after a few years it started to let up a bit. Then 6 years ago we got another cat. My hubby can pet them, sit on the couch with them, he just can't touch them and then touch his face. It's pretty amazing how much his body has adapted
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"Go slowly, breathe and smile" Thich Nhat Hanh
It's true. Kids raised on farms have fewer allergies. We had no pets as very young kids and my brother and I both have allergies. And both of us were formula fed. Also, breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months reduces the risk of food allergies by about 30%. Some things are genetic, but you can do the best you can to reduce the risk by breastfeeding. La Leche League has some great tips and helpful information. Good luck.
Animal Dander Theories 
