Are you concerned about your little one getting bitten by pesky mosquitoes? It’s no secret that mosquito-borne illnesses can be a real threat, so protecting your baby is a top priority.
However, as parents, we all know that applying bug spray to our baby’s delicate skin can be intimidating. We worry about potential allergic reactions and whether the ingredients in the sprays are safe enough for our little ones.
That’s why we’ve gone the extra mile to find the best mosquito repellents for babies and children that are both safe and effective. We’ve tried and tested a wide variety of products and scoured the internet for reviews to ensure they’re loved by other families too. We’ve compiled a list of our top seven favorite products and answered all your questions about mosquitoes and babies, so you can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about those pesky bug bites.
Our Top Picks
1.Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard
⭐Best Mosquito Repellent & Sunscreen Combo
This amazing sunscreen lotion with bug-repellent properties has an SPF rating of 30, perfect for protecting your child’s delicate skin from harmful UV rays.
It’s infused with aloe vera and Vitamin E, which helps to keep your child’s skin hydrated and moisturized without feeling greasy. And the best part? It’s completely free from DEET and PABA, so you can use it on your child without any worries.
This lotion offers protection against mosquitoes, black flies, and deer ticks, making it a must-have for any outdoor activity with your little one. It’s safe to use on children as young as 6 months old, and you can reapply it every two hours for maximum effectiveness, with a limit of nine times per day. However, it can be applied less frequently for your baby’s sensitive skin.
And if you’re not a fan of strongly scented essential oil products, you’ll be pleased to know that this lotion has a much more pleasant fragrance.
Pros
- Contains both sunscreen and bug repellent.
- You can use it on babies as young as 6 months.
Cons
- Mild scent, but not odorless.
2. SallyeAnder No Bite Me Cream
⭐Best Mosquito Repellent Cream
Here’s a handcrafted cream that you can use to keep mosquitoes away from your little one. You can apply it every four hours; it even doubles as an after-bite treatment if your baby gets bitten.
It’s made with a powerful blend of essential oils, including cedar, mint, lemongrass, geranium, clove, thyme, rosemary, and eugenol. Although it has a strong fragrance, this cream doesn’t feel greasy on the skin. You can also use it on your baby’s face, as long as you avoid the eye area. Plus, it doesn’t wear off easily, so it’s perfect for active kids during the summer months.
Moreover, this cream is cruelty-free, and the company behind it, SallyeAnder, handcrafts all its products in the USA.
Pros
- Doesn’t sweat off.
- All-natural.
- Lasts for up to four hours.
Cons
- Has a strong herbal smell.
3. Natrapel Tick & Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin
⭐Best Picaridin Mosquito Repellent
If you’re looking for an alternative to DEET, picaridin is an excellent option many families prefer. And if you decide to go with picaridin, the Natrapel Tick and Insect repellant is a top pick.
Compared to DEET, picaridin is considered safer and suitable for babies as young as two months old. Natrapel provides up to 12 hours of protection, so you and your little one can stay bug-free all day. It’s also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.
This bug spray is effective against many insects, including those that carry Lyme disease, Zika virus, malaria, chikungunya, dengue fever, yellow fever, and West Nile virus.
Applying it is a breeze; you only need to spread it in sweeping motions on exposed skin. When applying to the face, spray it on your hands first and gently dab it on your baby’s face.
Customers who say they are followed by mosquitoes everywhere rave about this product, for it keeps the nasty bugs at bay. So, if you’re worried that your baby might be an insect magnet, this is a great product to try out.
Pros
- Protects for up to 12 hours.
- Effective.
- Smells good.
Cons
- Has a greasy texture.
4. OFF FamilyCare Insect Repellent – Smooth & Dry
⭐Best DEET Mosquito Repellent for Baby
If you’re concerned about mosquitos and the diseases they may carry, Off FamilyCare Insect Repellent can help. It contains DEET, which is known to deter and repel mosquitos. This formula is smooth and dry, so it’s less oily or greasy than other options. You can apply it to skin and clothing using aerosol spray, making it very convenient.
This repellent also deters other bugs, such as biting flies, gnats, ticks, chiggers, and fleas, providing protection for your little ones while they enjoy their time outside during the summer months.
When applying it to your child, avoid the eye and mouth area. You can spray it onto your hands first and then dab it onto your baby’s face to avoid accidental contact with sensitive areas.
While this formula is great for babies, it can be used by everyone in the family!
Pros
- Smooth and dry formula.
- Effective.
- Safe for the whole family.
- DEET deters and repels all kinds of insects.
Cons
- Strong smell.
5. Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent
⭐Best Smelling Mosquito Repellent for Baby
Are you tired of using insect repellents with a strong scent that may irritate your baby’s nose? Look no further than this sweet-smelling blend made from natural ingredients. This repellent is not only more pleasant, but it’s also free from chemical residue and is gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin.
This formula is non-toxic and doesn’t contain DEET. Instead, it uses 100% natural essential oils such as citronella, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass, and geranium. These oils smell terrible for insects and mosquitos, but many people love the scent.
It’s a spray repellent, so it’s recommended to spray it onto your hands first before applying it directly to your baby’s skin. The lightweight formula dries quickly and won’t leave your child feeling sticky. For best results, reapply every two hours if you’ll be outside for an extended period.
Pros
- All-natural formula smells great to humans but terrible to mosquitos.
- Gentle on baby’s skin.
Cons
- The formula is oily and may stain clothing.
Can mosquito repellents be used safely on babies?
As with any product, mosquito repellents come with risks, although these are extremely rare. While there have been reports of significant side effects, such as seizures, encephalopathy, and coma, your child is unlikely to experience any of these.
However, it’s important to remember that the diseases carried by mosquitoes can cause severe symptoms in children. West Nile virus, for example, can cause fever, fatigue, muscle pains, encephalitis, meningitis, and even paralysis in children with weakened immune systems or serious health conditions.
If you’re concerned about using lotions, creams, or sprays on your baby, consider using electronic mosquito repellents that use high-pitched noises to scare off mosquitoes. However, their effectiveness could be better. Alternatively, you could try clip-ons, bracelets, or sticker repellents.
When Do I Start Using Mosquito Repellents?
The safety of mosquito repellents on babies depends on the ingredients used in the formula. Some active ingredients, such as DEET, Picaridin, and IR3535, can be used on babies at least two months old. However, mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil should be avoided until your child is at least three years old.
The use of DEET is somewhat controversial, with some sources recommending waiting until the child is six months old. For children between 2 and 12 years old, it’s best to use repellents with no more than 10% DEET, applied up to three times a day. Once a child is over 12 years old, products containing up to 30% DEET can be used.
Applying Mosquito Repellent to Your Baby
When applying mosquito repellent to your baby, you should take some precautions. Here are some guidelines to follow:
1.Avoid spraying the repellent on your baby’s face. Instead, apply it to your hands and gently dab it on their face while avoiding the eyes and mouth. You should skip applying it to very young babies’ faces.
2. Only apply the repellent on exposed skin and not on skin covered with clothing. You can also spray it on clothing instead.
3. Do not apply the repellent on any open wounds or scratches.
4. Avoid over-applying the repellent. Putting too much on will only provide a little benefit.
5. Once you’re back inside, wash your baby to remove any remaining repellent.
6. If your baby develops a rash, stop using the product right away. Wash it off and consult your health practitioner.
7. Try to limit the application to once a day.
Using Natural Repellents
If you’re looking for a more natural alternative to chemical mosquito repellents for your baby, you should keep a few things in mind. First, check the label to make sure the product is safe for your baby’s age. While natural repellents are generally considered safe, following the recommended age guidelines is always best.
Second, be aware that natural repellents may not last as long as chemical ones, so you may need to reapply them more frequently. But if you’re looking for a chemical-free way to protect your baby from mosquitoes, natural repellents can be a good option.
Mosquito Repellents FAQS
Can I use mosquito repellent on my newborn baby?
Using mosquito repellent on babies younger than 2 months old is not recommended. Consult with a pediatrician before using any repellent on your baby.
Can mosquito repellent cause skin irritation on my baby?
Some babies may experience skin irritation from mosquito repellents. If your baby develops a rash, wash off the repellent and contact your pediatrician.
Can I use citronella oil as a mosquito repellent for my baby?
Citronella oil can be used as a natural mosquito repellent for babies, but read the label and follow the recommended age guidelines before using it.
Can I use mosquito repellent on my baby while they sleep?
Using mosquito repellent on your baby while they sleep is not recommended. Instead, use mosquito netting or keep your baby inside during peak mosquito hours.
Protecting your baby from mosquito bites is important to prevent the spread of diseases and discomfort from bites. When choosing a repellent, it’s important to consider the active ingredients, age recommendations, and potential side effects.
Following the recommended application guidelines and exercising caution can help keep your baby safe and comfortable during outdoor activities. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so finding what works best for you and your baby’s needs is important.