Mosquito Repellents For Babies: A Buying Guide
Mosquitoes
Whether you are out camping, hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying a barbecue in the backyard with friends, you just can’t seem to enjoy the warmer weather without being pestered by mosquitoes. Human skin (and blood) attracts these blood-sucking pests like moths to a flame. They are hyper-sensitive to the warmth emitted by our bodies as well as the odor of the carbon dioxide we breathe out.
Not only are their bites itchy and irritating, but mosquitoes are also the carriers of many dangerous diseases. These include malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever, the Ross River virus, and the Zika virus. Infected mosquitoes can pass these diseases on to us as they feed on our blood.
Even though most don’t live very long (a few days to weeks, typically), females can live for over 5 months and they breed rapidly. The female of the species is capable of laying at least 100 eggs per clutch, resulting in an equal amount of offspring. After resting for a few days, she can lay more eggs. All mosquitoes require to reproduce is water (such as that found in ponds, streams, creeks, swimming pools, birdbaths, fish ponds, etc.), and a source of food (us!).
Mosquito Repellents For Babies
When under attack by hordes of swarming mosquitoes, the solution for most of us goes without saying. You simply lather yourself up with mosquito repellent to form a chemical barrier between yourself and the bugs. Nowadays, insect repellents come in sprays, lotions, gels, roll-ons, and even shampoos. So, there is something out there for just about everyone.
But what about babies? They need protection from mosquitoes, too. But applying a mosquito repellent on your little one requires a great deal of care and caution. Some repellents contain insecticide ingredients that are toxic to children and even potentially toxic to adults as well. Other products are certified as safe for babies and young children. Let’s take a look at which repellent ingredients are safe for babies.
Mosquito Repellent Formulas: Which Ingredients Are Baby-Safe?
With the right formula and the right precautions, mosquito repellents can be baby-safe. Generally speaking, the exception is for babies younger than two months of age. Do not use insect repellents on very young babies. For this age group, be sure to take steps to reduce the chances of their exposure to dangerous insects, including keeping them inside during the times that mosquitoes are active, removing standing water from around your home, and dressing them in long pants and long sleeves when you take them outside.
However, for babies 2 months and older, most repellents are safe. This is great news for those who like to take their little ones out to enjoy nature during the warmer months.
Generally speaking, insect repellent formulas fall into four separate categories, based on their active ingredient.
DEET-Based Repellents
In the past, most repellents used a synthetic chemical known as DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) to act as the best line of defense against insects. While it is effective at repelling bugs, the problem with DEET is that many people think it could be toxic to humans – not only children but adults as well. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend using products containing DEET on children below two months of age. Products with only 10-30% DEET are considered safe to use on older children. Products containing more than 30% DEET should not be used on children of ANY age. They are no more effective than lower concentrations and could be toxic at those concentrations.
Plant-Based Repellents
Some repellents use essential oils from plants like cedar, citronella, eucalyptus, and soybean to ward off mosquitoes. Plant-based repellents are not very long-lasting, though. Protection generally does not last for more than two hours. The exception is oil of lemon eucalyptus, which can be effective for up to 12 hours. It is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency along with catnip oil and citronella oil. These plant-based repellents have not been thoroughly tested on children, however. They are known to cause eye damage if used improperly. The Centers for Disease Control do not recommend using plant oil products on children younger than 3 years of age.
Permethrin-Based Repellents
Permethrin is another potent insecticide. This substance is a synthetic chemical whose structure resembles a natural insecticide from the chrysanthemum flower. Permethrin is registered for use on clothing only. It should NOT be applied to the skin. Treat clothing before putting the clothing on (don’t apply permethrin to clothes you or your child are currently wearing). Make sure the clothing dries fully before you put it on. There is no evidence that children are more sensitive to permethrin than adults. Always follow label instructions when applying permethrin to your or your child’s clothing.
Picaridin-Based Repellents
Picaridin is one of the newer insect repellent ingredients in town, in use since 1998. Instead of chrysanthemum flowers, its inspiration comes from black pepper plants. It claims to be as powerful and as long-lasting as products with 10% DEET and some experts claim that it is a better repellent than DEET. It is also odorless, colorless, and feels light when applied to the skin. Reported side effects include eye and skin irritation. The EPA considers it safe to use on children and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it. However, it has not been tested as thoroughly as DEET and the National Capital Poison Center does not recommend using it on children younger than 2 years of age.
Tips for Using Mosquito Repellents on Babies
Never apply repellent on or around your child’s mouth, eyes, or hands. The same goes for areas with cuts and irritated or infected skin. Do not spray repellent directly onto their face. Spray repellent in your hands first and rub the product into your child’s skin.
Summary
If you are looking for the best mosquito repellent for babies, infants, and toddlers, then you have come to the right place. This list of those mosquito repellents in different forms will be very useful for you.
So, check out our recommendations and choose the mosquito repellent that is perfect for your needs. You will not have to be afraid to go outside with your child during mosquito season ever again!
8 Comments
Pooja
Wonderful information. I’ll try to keeps mosquitoes away from the above tips. I love natural products as well to keep mosquitoes away. I love Ayurvedic mosquito coils and other natural mosquito repellents because they are safe for health and children. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful information.
Putu
Thank you for sharing this useful information
Nirmal Shrivastava
Can we eat food after applying cream?
Karen
Nirmal,
I would recommend washing your hands after applying the cream and only then eating. Even though the cream doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals and won’t do any real harm if accidentally consumed in small quantities, it does contain ingredients like citronella oil, basil oil, and lavender oil, that aren’t advisable to eat.
Best,
Karen
Mark
I see that there is a 100% natural repellent that has been tested and approved by the EPA called Mozzipel.
Apparently it will be on the market quite soon!
Karen
Thanks for the heads up, Mark!
Jessica
I thought I placed the refill pod for the Not In My Backyard Children’s wristband in a stroller pocket, but it was directly touching my 11 month old infants skin. It’s made with what are listed above as safe, non-toxic essential oils, but I did not see Geraniol listed specifically. It’s supposed to be an oil derived from geraniums. Do you know if this is also non-toxic? I bought the rubber bracelet for my toddler from Target for reference to other parents trying to get more info. Thanks!
Karen
Geraniol is derived from the essential oils of various plats, for example, roses, citronella, palmarosa, lemongrass and, yes, also geraniums. It’s also the main component of geranium oil. Which is why Geraniol is considered to be non-toxic and safe for humans and pets alike.