 Keeping the mozzies at bay is a challenge at the best of times, but what about when you have a baby? Show
Tiny Hearts Education, experts in child first aid and safety, say they’re often asked about insect repellents and kids. “I have had so many requests for this post, so I have researched to give you the facts on safely using bug repellent on your little one,” they recently wrote on Instagram. As they explained, insect repellents aren’t recommended for children under three months old. After that age, it should only be sprayed on their clothes. “After three months you can use the repellent, but it’s safest to rub or spray on their clothing. Avoid using directly on their skin until at least 12 months,” they write. “I am yet to find a chemical-based repellent that allows use under 12 months.” Which insect repellent is the most effective?Most repellents now use one of two main active ingredients: DEET or picaridin. DEET The Royal Children’s Hospital website says, “In most situations, an insect repellent with up to 10% DEET will prevent mosquito bites. In higher-risk areas (where malaria, Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and dengue fever occur), products with 15–30 percent DEET should be used.” Picaridin Although it hasn’t been around as long as DEET, picaridin is less sticky, odourless, and it can be used on skin and clothing. “Studies have found picaridin to be as effective as DEET; however, it is not as long-lasting and will need to be reapplied more often. Products containing 10% picaridin will prevent mosquito bites in most situations,” says the Royal Children’s Hospital. Natural insect repellentsWhile many parents are turning to natural products for their baby’s skin, this might not be as effective when it comes to preventing mosquito bites. “Insect repellents with plant-derived ingredients like melaleuca oil and citronella may provide some protection against mosquitoes, but they are not as effective as DEET or picaridin,” the Royal Children’s Hospital adds. Insect repellent and sunscreenCombing the two might sound like a good idea, but sunscreen needs to applied more frequently than insect repellent, meaning your little one could be exposed to more DEET or picaridin than necessary. So which is the best insect repellent for a baby?A mum has taken to Tell Me Baby’s Facebook group, Aussie Mum’s due 2022/21/22 to share her top for keeping mosquitos away: Mosquito patches! “For anyone who is worried about the outbreak of Japanese encephalitis and needs an alternative to mosquito repellent that is applied onto the skin, these are amazing! BuzzPatch Mosquito Repellent PatchesShe’s talking about BuzzPatch Mosquito Repellent Patches. “Bub only needs one on their jumpsuit or singlet. The bigger the child the more you need to use. I believe it’s 1 patch per limb for children and near any exposed skin for adults. Full instructions are on the website. I got the 60 pack and they work wonders for my family! They also have relief patches for bites! All affordable and fast postage.” Others parents chimed in saying these really do work! “We have these too. All our children and adults around us use 1 sticker and we’re itch-free for hours during summer Another added: “I used these camping for bub at 12 weeks old and 5 months old and both trips she didn’t get one bite!!” Some parents were worried about little hands ripping the patches off, so it’s best to stick them in the upper middle section of your child’s back where they can’t reach. Tell Me Baby insect repellent reviewsParents in the Tell Me Baby community have rated the insect repellents they have tried, and shared their opinions. Based on their insect repellent for babies reviews, here are the top picks. MooGoo Tail-SwatIt’s not an insect repellent as such, but MooGoo Tail-Swat contains ingredients that alter your scent to deter insect bites – and it’s gentle enough to use on babies. With a 4.8 star rating, it’s clear that parents are fans of this product. One parent wrote: “I started using it when I was pregnant as I didn’t want to use any toxic insect repellents and have continued using it with my children after they were born. It doesn’t repel every mosquito bite, but it does a good job, and it smells nice.” Another added: “This spray is super easy to apply, pleasant smelling, nice and light and non-greasy, and I love that it is all-natural and super safe for infants skin. My son is prone to eczema, and this product does not exacerbate his skin, which is amazing!” Read more MooGoo Tail-Swat reviews. Pigeon Anti-Mosquito WipesContaining a DEET-free insect repellent, Pigeon Anti-Mosquito Wipes currently has a 5-star rating. “I was looking high and low, and couldn’t find any repellent for babies,” wrote one parent in their review. “It was a hard summer as we used the camping supersonic, sound-emitting thingy, and it did not work at all. This one works like magic, and it’s so easy to use. I cannot recommend this more!” Another reviewer said, “Whoever thought to invent anti-mosquito wipes for babies should be commended. There’s nothing better than not having to spray chemicals on your little one that they breathe in. These are on hand in my nappy bag, so when we’re out for a walk, I can protect his skin for up to 6 hours at a time.” Read more Pigeon Anti Mosquito Wipes reviews. Read more:
What can I put on my 4 month old for mosquitoes?But don't worry: You can apply insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin to your baby to ward off the mosquitoes. Yes, a product with DEET is OK to use on babies over 2 months of age, but choose a version that doesn't contain more than 30 percent DEET.
How do I protect my 5 month old from mosquitoes?In this article. Choose clothes that minimise exposure to mosquito bites.. Use the right, age-appropriate mosquito repellent.. Install nets and screens to keep mosquitoes at bay.. Try mosquito-repelling fragrances.. Don't rely entirely on home remedies and natural mosquito repellents.. Clear mosquito breeding grounds.. Is mosquito repellent safe for newborn babies?Insect repellents are not recommended for children younger th an 2 months of age. DEET-containing repellents should not be harmful if parents follow directions on the label to use the product safely. DEET products can cause skin rashes especially when high concentrations are used, but these reactions are rare.
How do I protect my 6 month old from mosquitoes?Choose lightweight knits and cotton garments that allow the passage of air while covering your child's body. Especially during rainy season when mosquitoes breed the most, younger babies can be dressed in body suits that cover as much of the body as possible.
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Mosquito repellent for babies under 6 months
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