Best Mosquito Repellent for Babies
Outdoor play is important for the healthy development of children, but it comes with some downsides such as having kids covered in itchy mosquito bites. These bites, aside from the itching, come with deadly risks in some rare cases. It’s best if parents can avoid these bites in the first place by investing in the best mosquito repellent for babies they can find.
You can do your best to stop mosquitoes from getting into your house, but there’s very little you can do them when you are outdoors with your child. The best you can do is apply any of the mosquito repellant products recommended in this post, or one recommended by your doctor.
Parents worry all the time; it comes with the job. It is understandable why parents stress so much about getting the best baby nail clippers, shampoos, lotions, clothing, and other baby essentials to ensure the comfort of their little one. When their babies are hurt, even if it is only a little mosquito bite, it is definitely something mums and dads worry about. It may not be such a big deal at first, even though the itching may get crazy but exposing children to mosquito bites over a long time can cause ugly dark spots on their bodies and may even make them sick.
There are a number of remedies you can apply to prevent mosquitos from biting your little ones, but not all of them are recommended. So, we did some research and we were able to find some good mosquito repellent for babies. These products were specially made with ingredients that are safe and effective without causing any harm.
How Did We Pick the Best Mosquito Repellent for Babies?
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Best Overall
Babyganics Travel Size Bug Spray
Key Features
- DEET-free
- Free of sulfate and phthalate
- Plant-derived ingredients
Why It is Better?
- Non-greasy
- Not tested on animals
- Easy to use
- Why Do You Need Mosquito Repellent for Babies?
- How to Pick Right Mosquito Repellent for Baby
- Top 5 Best Mosquito Repellents for Babies
- 1.Babyganics Travel Size Bug Spray
- 2. SALLYEANDER No-Bite-Me Natural Bug Repellent & Anti Itch Cream
- 3. Avon SKIN-SO-SOFT Bug Guard PLUS IR3535 Insect Repellent Moisturizing Lotion
- 4. California Baby Plant-based Natural Bug Repellant Spra
- 5. Babyganics Natural Bug Spray 6oz Spray Bottle
- Are Mosquito Repellents Safe for Babies?
- Tips for Using Mosquito Repellents for Babies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why Do You Need Mosquito Repellent for Babies?
When you are out shopping for baby things like shampoo, wipes, baby lotion, and so on, it is very important to get a mosquito repellant to protect them from these insects. A mosquito repellant is basically anything that keeps mosquitoes away. They can come in the form of coils, lotions, wipes, or sprays, etc. These repellants are very important for a number of reasons.
- They keep the mosquitoes away: The most important reason why you need a mosquito repellent for babies is that it keeps the bugs away. Usually, the product is applied to the skin of the baby, leaving an effect that is repulsive to mosquitoes thereby protecting your baby from being bitten even if mosquitoes are buzzing around. The substances contained in the product are so unpleasant to these insects and makes it highly unlikely that they will come close.
- Children react differently to mosquito bites: The younger a child is, the weaker their immune system is. Because of this, kids suffer more when bitten than adults do. The bites can cause more pain to little ones, and they tend to swell more and there might even be bruising around the bite. Children may start showing signs of fever, enlargement of the lymph nodes, and hives as a result of any bites. Using a suitable repellant is one of the ways to prevent this.
- Serious irritation from itching: Itching is another common reaction to mosquito bites, and as we mentioned earlier, it is usually more intense in children than in adults. When it itches so bad, babies have no option but to scratch, which makes them uncomfortable and fussy. When they scratch, it may result in bruises and skin infections. Getting the best bug spray for babies is your best bet to stop it ever happening.
- Mosquitoes are disease carriers: Another reason why you need this product is to prevent your children from being infected with one of the many diseases carried by these insects. There are about 3,500 species of mosquitoes, and a lot of them carry deadly diseases including malaria, elephantiasis, yellow fever, West Nile fever, chikungunya, dengue fever, Zika fever, Ross River fever, and so on.
Sometimes, what you really need to do is to cover exposed skin properly with clothing that can prevent the insects from biting. You can also use a baby mosquito net to cover the area where they sleep and protect them from being bitten. However, this may not seem like a good option for your little one if the weather is too hot for them to cover up, or when you are outdoors for a picnic or something like that.
How to Pick Right Mosquito Repellent for Baby
For the safety of your little one, it is important to properly research any product you intend to buy to make sure it is safe. This applies to any other baby products you may want to purchase, like baby laundry hampers, and so on. Here is a reliable checklist to help you make the right choice of repellant for your little one.
- Brands: There are different brands out there and you may not have the time to go through each and every one of them before making your decision. To save yourself that stress, we recommend you start looking at the popular brands that have managed to retain the attention of their consumers and earned some popularity. Also, you can start by checking out the established brands that have managed to retain relevance to their customer base despite many changes and challenges. We can recommend Babyganics, Avon, and Sallyeander.
- Ingredients: The best mosquito repellents for babies have the best ingredients in them. Best, in this context, implies safe, gentle, effective, and healthy. Some of the active ingredients are DEET, Picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Although all these three ingredients are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as effective, not all of them are safe for babies. The safest of all three is oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is referred to as a biopesticide because it is made organic plants and animals.
- DEET: This is a very effective insect repellant used in varying quantities in different products. The more DEET in a repellent, the longer its effectiveness. The highest percentage of this ingredient in a repellant is thirty percent, any level greater than that does not appear to make any difference. DEET levels range from ten to thirty percent. If a product containing DEET must be used on children, then it has to be applied with extreme caution. In general, it is best to avoid any product containing it. Make sure you have some baby wipes with you just in case you need to remove any excess.
- Picaridin: This is a synthetic chemical that mimics the effects of a natural substance known as piperidine. It is also an effective repellant with little to no serious side effects when used on humans. It is odorless, non-greasy, and does not cause damage to plastic and other synthetic materials like DEET does. Experts still suggest using any product containing picaridin with extreme caution. Note that such products should not be used on children that are under two months old.
- Chemicals: Aside from DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus, it is important to go through the list of ingredients to see what other ingredients they contain. You may have to do some research if any ingredient is not familiar to you to ensure they are safe for babies. You should also do this for other products such as baby shampoo products.
- Safety: If you are not sure about the safety of anything that may be contained in a particular repellant, you can ask your doctor or any other expert for advice. Sometimes, a supposedly non-toxic substance still may not be safe for your baby, especially if your child has special health issues. Experts recommend the use of baby laundry detergent when washing your baby’s clothes to remove any excess repellent on their clothes.
Top 5 Best Mosquito Repellents for Babies
In the course of our research, we selected the following top five products as the best mosquito repellents for babies. There are many others in the market, but these five stand out from the rest as we would explain in detail below.
1.Babyganics Travel Size Bug Spray Review
Key Features
- DEET-free
- Free of sulfate and phthalate
- Plant-derived ingredients
- Spray nozzle
- Protective cover
- 59 ml volume
We Like
- Non-greasy
- Not tested on animals
- Easy to use
- Safe for babies
- Keeps mosquitoes away
We Don’t Like
- Stains clothes
- Packaging issues
Babyganics is known for producing baby products such as baby security blankets, lotions, shampoos, and so on. Their mosquito repellant is quite effective in repelling mosquitoes as well as other bugs. The most impressive thing about this product is that it is one hundred percent organic. It contains natural essential oils including citronella, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass, and geranium, all of which are known to have healthy effects on the skin in addition to their ability to repel bugs.
It comes in a 59 ml spray bottle and it comes with a cover to protect the nozzle as well. It is free of harmful substances like sulfates, phthalates, and DEET. It is not greasy when applied to the skin, which makes it quite convenient. On the downside, you may have to deal with stains on your baby’s clothes if you should spray it on them, but you can always get any stains out with a good baby laundry detergent.
2. SALLYEANDER No-Bite-Me Natural Bug Repellent & Anti Itch Cream Review
Key Features
- Made from natural ingredients
- Available in 56 g and 227 g containers
- Comes in a jar
- Repels mosquitoes, black flies, fleas, and ticks
- Includes sixteen blends of natural oils
- Handmade product
We Like
- Serves multiple purposes
- Penetrates easily into the skin
- 4-hour long bug relief
- Free of artificial dyes and sulfate
- Suitable for babies and adults
We Don’t Like
- Does not smell nice at all
- May cause skin reaction in some cases
This is the second-best mosquito repellent for babies on our list and a very good option for anyone that may want to go for a cream instead of a spray. It comes in a plastic jar container with a screw lid cover. To use it, all you have to do is apply it like you would your normal body cream.
Interestingly, not only does this product drive away mosquitoes and other bugs, but it is also great for the skin as it is made of organic ingredients; a blend of sixteen essential oils, mixed by hand, including geranium, lemongrass, mint, cedar, clove, thyme, rosemary, and so on. These essential oil extracts are known to improve skin health and resolve certain underlying issues. This product is available in two different sizes – 56 g and 227 g. This product is made of natural ingredients, which makes it safe to be used on children that are over two months of age.
3. Avon SKIN-SO-SOFT Bug Guard PLUS IR3535 Insect Repellent Moisturizing Lotion Review
Key Features
- SPF 30 to prevent sun damage
- Water-resistant
- Free of PABA
- Fast-absorbing solution
- No harsh chemicals
- Repels mosquitoes, bugs, ticks, and biting flies
We Like
- It is not greasy
- Suitable for babies and adults
- Keeps the skin moisturized for long
- Doubles as a sunscreen cream
- Easy-to-use package
We Don’t Like
- May not be good for babies under six months of age
- Not eligible for return
This is a great product recommendable for babies that are over the age of six months. If your baby is less than six months old, please seek the advice of a doctor before use. The interesting thing about this product that makes it stand out from the rest is that is can be used both as a repellant and a sunscreen; which is great.
It is rated as SPF 30, which is good enough to prevent sun damage in children and even adults. It is free of PABA and any other chemical that has been proven to be harmful to children. It has a creamy consistency and it fast absorbing.
It is reasonably water-resistant, so, you do not have to reapply it after swimming if the last application was made less than two hours before. You can count on this product to moisturize the skin for a long period of time. It comes in a simply-designed plastic container that is easy to use, and it is cost-effective as well.
4. California Baby Plant-based Natural Bug Repellant Spray Review
Key Features
- SPF 30 to prevent sunburn
- Water-resistant
- Moisturizing and fast-absorbing
- No DEET
- Includes natural ingredients
- Repels mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, and bugs
We Like
- Premium quality repellant
- No harsh chemicals
- Easy to use
- Non-greasy
We Don’t Like
- Not very affordable
- May cause skin reaction
This is another spray product that we recommend for little babies. Aside from the fact that it is effective, it is also safe to be used on the skin of little ones. It does not contain DEET or other harsh chemicals. Instead, it is based on healthy natural products. Another great feature of this product is that it is fast-absorbing, which makes it more convenient than the greasy and not-so-fast-absorbing ones.
Some repellants cause stains on clothing, but not this one. you can use it all over your skin, including on your clothes, to repel any mosquitoes. You can also use this product to repel other insects like flies, ticks, and fleas. The spray nozzle makes it easy to use, and the bottle is quite handy as well.
On the downside, this product is not so budget-friendly, which can be a deal-breaker for some people. There are also a few reviews that mention it causing some skin reactions like rashes
5. Babyganics Natural Bug Spray 6oz Spray Bottle Review
Key Features
- Plant-based ingredients
- Includes citronella, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass & geranium
- Free of DEET
- Never tested on animals
- Premium quality
- Fast absorbing
We Like
- Non-greasy
- Gentle to the skin
- Works on mosquitoes, flies, and gnats
- Free of harsh chemicals
We Don’t Like
- Feels a little oily
- Does not smell nice
The most important thing we considered in the course of researching for this piece is how safe the products are. This is a plant-based product made from natural plants like citronella, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass & geranium. They do not contain any harsh chemicals and they were never tested on animals.
To use it, all you have to do is remove the nozzle cover and spray it on the skin. You can also spray it on your clothes without any fear of stains. This repellant is fast-absorbing, does not contain DEET so it is non-greasy. It is effective in repelling not just mosquitoes, but flies, gnats, and other bugs as well. On the downside, this product does not smell so great, which may be a turn-off for some people. Also, it feels a little oily and this oiliness may result in a little inconvenience when used.
Are Mosquito Repellents Safe for Babies?
It is important to point out at this point that repellants are not edibles and must not be ingested by adults or babies. This is irrespective of how safe they are, which means you have to use them with caution at all times, especially around kids. In some cases, they may cause the following side effects on children.
- Insomnia: If your baby is struggling to fall asleep or to stay asleep for after being exposed to repellants, then they may be suffering from the side effects of repellants.
- Irritability: Children can be easily irritated, but when it is out of the ordinary, they may have developed an increased proneness to anger, moodiness, temper outburst, and so on.
- Encephalopathy: In some rare cases, a child may develop encephalopathy, which is a brain disease that alters the function and structure of the brain. It can be caused by infections, and children can get infections from being exposed to repellants.
- Seizure: This is another rare side effect a child may experience when exposed to these products inappropriately. A seizure is anything that interrupts the normal function and connections of nerve cells in the brain.
- Behavioral changes: According to research, some of the chemicals used in these products can cause some level of behavioral change in a child. When a child is easily irritated, appearing defiant, bullying, or aggressive, and so on, they might be going through some chemical imbalance caused by repellants.
- Coma: A child may suffer a period of unconsciousness as a result of inhaling or ingesting repellants in large amounts. The substances used in making these products tamper with their nervous system, brain, and consciousness.
All of these side effects of repellants sound somewhat scary, which they are, but they are not as common as you may think. These side effects may materialize in rare cases where a child inhales or ingests the product. This is why it must be kept out of the reach of children, and should always be used with caution. If you use too much product on your baby at a time, you should clean it off with wipes. If the wipes are too cold, you can heat them with a baby wipe warmer before using them.
Tips for Using Mosquito Repellents for Babies
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to use this product carefully around children to make sure it is not ingested through their noses or mouths. Here are some of the things you should have at the back of your mind when using this product.
- Try to limit how often you use the product on them. Some believe that you have to apply it on their body once every three hours for maximum effect, but experts suggest limiting it to once a day to reduce any risks to the minimum level possible.
- You should put the product on their skin if it is exposed. Do not put it on any part of their skin that would be covered up. You can spray it on their clothes, but not on the skin underneath the clothes.
- When applying the product, take it little at a time. Do not drench your baby in it.
- Be careful not to put repellant on any bruise, cut, or scratch your baby may have. This is to prevent it from entering the wound and getting into their bloodstream.
- Always wash the product off your baby’s body when you are no longer outdoors.
- Make sure it does not get onto the face of your child. You can spray the product on your hands and dab it on your baby’s face, but make sure it does not get close to their eyes, mouth, or nose so that they cannot breathe it in, or lick it off their lips right after you apply it. you may want to skip applying it to the face of your baby if they are really young.
- If you notice any side effects, stop using it immediately and wash it off. If you are using it for the first time, be on the lookout for any reactions such as rashes, discoloration, or any other abnormal skin issues they may develop as a result of the product. Call your doctor right after washing the products off their body to alleviate any possible risks.
Even if you are using the safest and the best mosquito repellents for babies, you still need to be cautious and apply these tips as stated above for the sake of your baby’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is still so much you may want to know about this topic, which is understandable. The best we can do at this time is to pick some of the most frequently asked questions and answer then in the best way possible. If you have more questions and concerns, please feel free to reach out to us and we would answer then promptly.
Mosquito repellants contain substances that are repulsive to mosquitoes. This is what makes them stay away when they perceive that substance. It does not necessarily kill them if it is a mosquito repellant for babies. However, those of them meant for adult use may kill the mosquito on contact.
It really boils down to your choice. You can choose to if you like, but you have to be extremely careful when doing so. Authorities have confirmed that any product that contains ten to thirty percent of DEET is safe to be used on children. That notwithstanding, you still need to apply extreme caution when using it.
There are different forms of repellants – wipes, creams, balms, bands, sprays, and so on. Whichever one you choose to go with depends on you. A lot of people prefer to use the spray form because it is easier to apply, and a lot of them are fast-absorbing, unlike creams.
These products can last as long as four hours in some cases, or even more. If you are not going to be outside for that long, then applying it once should be enough for you. Experts suggest that it should be limited to once per day to limit exposing your kids to risk.
Yes! When you are outdoors, you can go on and enjoy the benefits of the repellant, but when you are done, make it a point of duty to bathe your little ones before doing anything else once they get into the house. Be sure to use a suitable baby body wash to wash the repellant off and a good baby detergent to wash it off their clothes as well. If your baby’s nails are too long, they may be hiding some of the repellants underneath their nails. Invest in a pair of baby nail clippers to keep their nails neatly trimmed all the time.
Conclusion
If you have to use repellants on your babies, make sure they do not contain harmful substances and that you apply them with caution. All the products mentioned on this list have been well researched and are considered safe to be used on babies, as long as they are more than two months old except otherwise stated. So, feel free to purchase any of them.
You do not have to use them when you are indoors with your child, you can opt for mosquito nets in that case. You can also go for mosquito bats; which are great for both indoor and outdoor occasions. From our research, we noticed that there were quite a number of negative reviews about some of these products. But on a closer look, we also discovered that a lot of users do not follow the manufacturers’ instructions. Following these instructions is the only way you can get the best out of any of these repellents.