Mosquitoes and your baby

Summer is here and so are the mosquitoes. Protecting your baby from mosquitoes seems like an
impossible task. You don‘t want to sit inside all summer, but how do you choose the best
protection for your baby?

• Ask your pediatrician for advice about chemical repellents.
• Seattle Children’s Hospital provides tips on choosing and using insect repellents.
• Check out physical barriers like nets.
• Try a mosquito zapper for your patio or picnic.

Mosquito nets for strollers.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends mosquito nets on strollers as the best solution for newborn babies up to 2 months.
• There are inexpensive stroller covers from Amazon which are terrific at protecting your baby from the mosquitoes.
• They will fit over the stroller, or if your baby is still an infant, it will fit over the car seat for nap time at a picnic.
• If you shop around, you can get some more expensive covers that will also function as sun shades.

Are there DEET-free or natural ways to repel mosquitoes?

• Yes, there are several DEET-free choices and such as bracelets or Buzz Patch stickers for children.
• Stickers can be applied to clothing. This is helpful for children with sensitive skin or eczema. Bracelets can be slipped over socks or sleeves to prevent skin contact.
• Children older than 3 can use lemon-eucalyptus products applied to the skin.
• VeryWellFamily.com recommends Repel Lemon-Eucalyptus insect repellent. It won’t ship to Alaska, so you will have to shop locally. Walmart and Cabelas usually have it.

Protecting baby from mosquitoes at your picnic or backyard BBQ

• Backyard parties or picnics at the park seem to invite bugs. If you are going to be in the same spot for 20 minutes or more, try one of the batter- operated repellents that will provide mosquito protection for everyone at your party.
• If you spend a lot of time in your back yard, you might want to try a mosquito trap.

Ask a pediatrician about using DEET on your child:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends DEET based repellents in concentrations of less than 30% for children older than 2 months. ⁷⁰  Here are some of their other recommendations: ⁷¹

• The AAP recommends that products containing DEET not be used on children younger than 2 months old. Instead, use mosquito netting with an elastic edge to ensure a tight fit around a stroller.
• Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3 years old.
• Avoid products that contain both repellent and sunscreen because sunscreen generally should
  be reapplied more often than insect repellent.
• Do not use repellents under clothes.
• Never use repellents over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• Do not spray directly on the face; apply with your hands.
• Do not allow young children to apply repellents themselves.
• Do not use sprays in enclosed areas or near food.
• Reapply if washed off by sweating or getting wet.
• Avoid reapplying repellents on young children unless necessary.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or have the child bathe.
• If your child develops a rash or other reaction from an insect repellent, wash the repellent off with soap and water and contact the child’s pediatrician or call the U.S. poison control center at
  800-222-1222 for guidance.

Despite your best efforts, your child still may get a mosquito bite. If this happens, tell your child to try not to scratch the area, and dab it with alcohol or calamine. In addition, keep the area clean to prevent skin infections.

We hope this information helps you to get outside and enjoy your summer. For summer equipment tips, read our blog on getting outside with your baby and your mental health. Our free Life Lessons program offers other videos on childhood safety and parenting topics. Sign up now!

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