Can I Use Bug Spray on My Infant?

(Last Updated On: September 15, 2023)

Are you unsure if you should spray your baby with bug repellent? I had had similar concerns regarding my baby girl, particularly when I spent much time outside with her.

I’ve compiled all of my research and the responses I’ve gotten from reliable US sources in this piece.

Suppose a swarm of mosquitoes and other hordes of bite-inducing insects are on the hunt (and did you have an uninvolved summer?).

Putting your infant in a massive, breathable, bug-proof bubble would be nice.

There are insect repellents, such as bug spray and repellents, for your protection.

That can provide some peace of mind from the tiny creatures that bite If used in a controlled manner. However, it’s not feasible.

Can I Use Bug Spray for Babies?

Yes. According to the US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), most traditional bug sprays or repellents containing DEET and Picardin are safe for babies older than two months old. F

or infants and newborns under two months old, avoid using all repellents or insect sprays and use baby carriers draped with mosquito nets instead.

Be aware that OLE (Oil from lemon Eucalyptus) products are unsuitable for children younger than three.

Don’t let children handle repellents or apply them directly to their hands. Apply it to your hand, and then use it over your child’s exposed skin.

Related: 10 Best Baby Bottles for Gas and Colic Prevention

What Is The Most Effective Insect Repellent For Infants?

Common Repellents that contain DEET, which can apply to infants older than three months old

  • Cutter Insect Repellent Off! Repellent
  • Sawyer
  • Ultrathon
  • Repellents with Picardin that can be used for babies that are older than three months old
  • Cutter Advanced
  • Skin Soft Bug Guard Plus (a typical Bug Spray for Babies)

It’s best to use mosquito nets for baby carriers such as these for babies under two months old.

Use repellents that are only enough to cover the skin. Applying too much doesn’t increase effectiveness.

After children have returned home from playing outdoors, wash their skin with repellents with water and soap, or let them take a bath.

In general, washing treated clothes before wearing them again is recommended. However, it can differ with different brands, so check the label before doing so.

Related: Is Ready-to-Feed Formula Easier to Digest?

What Is The Most Effective Mosquito Repellent For Babies?

Repellents are a way to stop biting insects such as ticks, mosquitoes, or fleas, but they do not protect against insects that bite. Insect repellents are available in various types, including aerosols Bug Spray For Babies creams, liquids, and sticks.

Certain types contain chemicals, while others are made from natural ingredients. Therefore, you must understand which repellents you should select and their effectiveness, particularly for children.

Chemical-based repellents with DEET (N N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are the best defense against insect bites.

They are safe for babies over two months old. Its consequences last for two to five hours based on the level of DEET present in the item.

The products containing Picardan have been proven to work just in the same way as DEET, according to the CDC in 2005. They are effective for 3-8 hours, depending on concentration.

There have not been any adverse effects observed when used on children. However, generally speaking, use it for youngsters over three months.

Repellents derived from essential oils like citronella cedar, Eucalyptus, and soybean typically have a duration of fewer than two hours.

While it’s rare, allergic reactions can occur when using repellents made from essential oils. Therefore, use it with caution, especially with children.

Chemical repellents containing permethrin kill ticks on contact. It is best applied to clothes without direct contact. It will generally last even after several washes after applying to clothing.

Related: What Kind of Water Should Babies Drink?

Is DEET Suitable for Babies?

Repellants that contain DEET have been proven safe for infants by the CDC. However, certain precautions must be observed; for instance, they should not apply to infants younger than two months.

Don’t put on DEET more than once one day. Therefore, avoid products containing a combination of DEET and sunscreen, as you may require sunscreen more often during the day.

If your infant is scheduled to be outside for less than 2 hours, you might consider using DEET with a lower concentration.

If the outdoor stay is extended, utilize DEET with a higher concentration level since its effectiveness increases.

Don’t let children handle DEET. Don’t spray DEET onto a child’s hand since they could place the needle into their mouths or eyes, irritating them.

Related: Does Foam in Formula Cause Gas?

Is Thermacell Safe for Babies?

The lamp works by vaporizing allethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that is safe for mammals because of the lower sensitivity of their sodium channel.

However, it is highly toxic to fish and insects.

However, later studies revealed that exposure to allethrin for extended periods causes a significant increase in amounts of plasma glucose, phospholipids, nitrite, and nitrate, along with increased cholesterol levels in humans.

Therefore, while Thermacell, which uses allethrin, might not be harmful to adult humans for brief exposures, it’s safe to use around pets and babies.

Suppose you will be outside with your kid for a prolonged duration.

In that case, it’s best to limit your child’s exposure to skeeters by using nets or, if there’s a breeze, ensure that she stays away from your Thermacell lantern.

Related: How to Dress Baby For the Winter Months?

Which Baby Soap Is Best For Keeping Mosquitoes At Bay?

Skin soft bug protection lotion for pregnant women includes Picardin. This potent cream keeps mosquitoes out and prevents insect bites.

Additionally, lotions with lower than 10 percent DEET concentrations are suitable for children over two months old.

Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent containing 20 per cent Picaridin is also efficient in keeping mosquitoes away and suitable for baby skin lotion to protect yourself from insects and mosquito bites.

Do You Believe It Is Secure To Use DEET During Pregnancy?

A double-blind research study was conducted for women who used DEET frequently throughout their third and second months of gestation.

This study found that DEET is safe for women during pregnancy since no neurologic, gastrointestinal, or dermatologic adverse reaction was discovered in the women who used DEET.

The study found that the risk of DEET accumulation in the fetus is minimal, making it suitable for use by pregnant women.

Does Lavender Baby Lotion Repel Mosquitoes?

The study proves that linalool in lavender helps keep mosquitoes away and impacts DEET similarly. Still, its efficacy can be enhanced with essential oils, such as citronella, cinnamon, and Tea tree oils.

A lavender-based lotion effectively keeps mosquitoes away in combination with all these oils.

While lavender baby lotion similar to Johnson’s is great for sleep.

It may repel mosquitoes for a few hours since it doesn’t contain the mixture of the other oils listed above, which enhances the effectiveness of lavender in repelling mosquitoes.

FAQs

What kind of bug spray is safe for babies?

Bug spray safe for babies: Look for bug sprays that contain natural ingredients like lemon eucalyptus, citronella, or soybean oil. Always check the label to ensure it’s safe for your baby’s age.

How do I keep bugs off my baby?

Keeping bugs off your baby: Dress in light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing. Use baby-safe bug repellent, and consider using a stroller or carrier with a bug net.

Can babies use off for mosquito repellent?

Using ‘Off’ for mosquito repellent on babies: DEET-based products like ‘Off’ can be used on babies older than 2 months but should be under 30% DEET. Avoid applying it to their hands, around their eyes, or on any cut or irritated skin.

Is bug spray safe for 2 month old?

Bug spray for 2-month-old: DEET-based bug spray can be used but should be under 30% DEET. Avoid the face and hands; never apply to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

How do I protect my newborn from bug bites?

Protecting newborns from bug bites: Use a bug net over your baby’s stroller or carrier, dress them in long-sleeved clothes, and use a baby-safe bug spray. Keep the baby’s environment clean to discourage bugs.

How do I protect my newborn from bed bugs?

Protecting newborns from bed bugs: Regularly check and clean bedding and surrounding areas. If you suspect an infestation, professional pest control is usually necessary. Keep your baby’s crib or bed away from walls and furniture, making it harder for bed bugs to reach them.