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Health

How Do I Choose the Best Mosquito Repellent for Babies?

By Kasey James
Updated May 17, 2024
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The best mosquito repellent for babies is one that will protect your baby from mosquito bites and has no harmful side effects. Some mosquito repellent contains chemicals and others contain natural oils. Insect spray is not the only mosquito repellent for babies—there are also safe actions parents can take to avoid a mosquito biting their baby.

Mosquito repellent spray contains several ingredients. Many repellent sprays contain N-Diethyl-meta-Toluamide (DEET), a chemical that works well to repel mosquitoes and other insects. Sprays that contain DEET are safe to use on babies that are two months or older.

There are many parents that worry about using DEET on their babies because it can be harmful if it's ingested. There are other sprays that do not contain DEET that may be more suitable. These sprays often contain other chemicals such a picaridin or oils such as citronella or eucalyptus.

Essential oil can be a natural mosquito repellent. Citronella is the most popular oil that is used as an insect repellent, but others include cedar, lavender, and clove. These oils can be made at home into a spray or lotion and can be an alternative to using chemicals.

Any kind of mosquito repellent for babies that is put directly onto the skin can cause a reaction. Some babies can use bug spray while other babies may have skin irritation from it. It is important to talk with your pediatrician before using any kind of insect repellent spray or lotion on your baby.

There are other items you can use as a mosquito repellent for babies. Some people light citronella-based candles when they go outside their home. These candles can help keep mosquitoes away. There are also mosquito repellent plants that can be planted around your house. Marigold flowers and rosemary are two plants that insects do not enjoy.

Other mosquito repellent for babies include using mosquito nets. The net can be placed over the baby's stroller or play yard. You can also dress your baby in light, long-sleeve clothing or wrap the baby in a blanket. Covering up the baby will help to keep mosquitoes from biting, but you do have to consider the outside temperatures.

The best protection from mosquitoes involves not taking your baby out from dusk until dawn, the time when most mosquitoes are out. Keeping your baby indoors during this time can prevent insect bites.

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