Naturopathic care for children's allergies and recurrent infections
Common reasons parents book
One cold after another, especially in daycare or school
Recurrent ear infections or repeated rounds of antibiotics
A runny or stuffy nose that never seems to clear
Seasonal allergies: sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion
Reactions to common foods
Eczema, allergies, and asthma showing up together
Picky eating or a limited diet
Low energy or slow recovery after every illness
Dr. Sonya Arrigo, ND is a registered naturopathic doctor in Ontario who supports children with seasonal and environmental allergies, food allergies, frequent colds, and recurrent ear infections, in person in Leaside, Toronto, and by video anywhere in Ontario. Care focuses on the foundations of a child's immune health: nutrition, key nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and zinc, sleep, gut health, and the home environment, always alongside your child's pediatrician or allergist. Most families work with me through a full cold-and-flu or allergy season. A free 15-minute discovery call for parents is the first step.
What's normal, and what isn't?
Young children's immune systems are still learning, so frequent illness is often normal: many toddlers and preschoolers catch six to eight colds a year, and more in their first year of daycare. What matters is how sick they get, how quickly they recover, and whether the pattern is getting better over time. Allergies are a different side of the same system: an immune response that's overreacting to harmless things like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or foods.
What care might include
Depending on your child, care may include: nutrition support built around what your child will actually eat, checking and correcting vitamin D, iron, and zinc, age-appropriate probiotics where the evidence fits, sleep routines, practical steps to reduce allergens at home, a plan for the early days of a cold, and guidance on introducing common allergens safely in babies. Treatment is always personalised and adjusted for age.
When to consider working with a naturopath
Consider booking if your child seems to be sick more often than their peers, has had several rounds of antibiotics in a year, struggles with seasonal allergies every year, or has a cluster of eczema, allergies, and asthma. If your child has frequent serious infections, ask their doctor whether immune testing is needed. Signs include four or more ear infections in a year, two or more pneumonias, infections that need IV antibiotics, or poor growth.
What might be driving it
For children who seem to catch everything or struggle with allergies, common contributors include low vitamin D, iron, or zinc, picky eating or a limited diet, poor or short sleep, frequent exposure in daycare or school, gut health and early antibiotic use, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, second-hand smoke, and allergens in the home. Children with eczema are also more likely to develop food allergies, hay fever, and asthma, which is why I look at all of these together.
Frequently asked questions
-
Often, yes, especially in the first years of daycare or school. What we look at is how severe the illnesses are, how quickly your child recovers, and whether the pattern improves. If something seems unusual, I'll suggest talking with your pediatrician about further testing.
-
Yes. Acute care visits are available in person or by video for colds, sore throats, and other recent illnesses. I'll always tell you if your child needs to be seen by their doctor or urgent care.
-
Call 911 for any sign of a severe allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, repeated vomiting, or sudden drowsiness, and use epinephrine if it's been prescribed. Go to the emergency department for laboured breathing, a fever in a baby under 3 months, signs of dehydration, or a child who is unusually hard to wake.
-
Yes. I see children, adults and families virtually throughout Ontario and also see patients in person in Toronto.
-
Most extended health insurance plans in Ontario cover naturopathic visits. I'll provide receipts you can submit directly.
Ready to figure out what's actually going on?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to talk through your hormonal concerns and see if working together is the right fit.
This page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your mental or physical health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.