Once you’ve navigated the initial challenges with your newborn, you may be eager to introduce them to the outdoors. Perhaps you’re anticipating a picnic in the park, a family hike, or a day by the lake. While the outdoors offers fantastic benefits, it’s important to remember that nature can sometimes be overly wild, and an encounter with mosquitoes or a swarm of insects can spoil your outing or pose a risk.
You may believe that dousing your baby in bug spray is the safest choice, but not all bug sprays are created equal, and some may not be safe. So, what’s the best alternative?
Experts below outline which bug sprays are safe for babies, how to apply them, the potential risks, and additional details.
Overview
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) state that EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, 2-undecanone, or IR3535 is safe to use on children as young as 2 months. For children aged 3 years and older, products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) are also recommended.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against the use of products containing more than 30 percent DEET on children and recommends not using any repellent on children under the age of two months.
Consider using a natural insect repellent, like an EPA-registered citronella product. However, always read the label to confirm it’s safe for use on babies, as repellent products should indicate any age restrictions.
Natural repellents typically have a shorter duration of effectiveness compared to chemical repellents, necessitating more frequent reapplication.
Insect repellents play a crucial role in safeguarding your child against tick- and mosquito-borne viruses, particularly in regions where such diseases are prevalent. (Refer to our articles on Lyme disease, dengue, and West Nile virus for additional details.)
When applying insect repellent to your child, adhere to these safety measures.
Using bug sprays around babies? Here are some chill safety tips to keep in mind.
When selecting an insect repellent for your baby, it’s crucial to read the product label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Make sure the bug spray is suitable for your child’s age and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“EPA-registered products like DEET and Picaridin are extensively researched and deemed highly effective in preventing insect bites while also being safe when used properly,” states April Graham, DO, a pediatrician with Atlantic Health System.
DEET is a type of insect repellent widely used to deter mosquitoes and ticks. The EPA has reported that approximately one-third of the US population uses DEET annually to guard against mosquito-transmitted diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika virus, and malaria, as well as tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Can You Use Bug Spray on a Baby?
Repellents containing DEET and Picaridin are approved for use on babies over two months old. No insect repellent is considered safe for infants under two months. For those older than two months, adhere to the safety guidelines mentioned previously when selecting a safe insect repellent.
After choosing an appropriate insect repellent for your infant, conduct a patch test on a small area of their skin to check for any adverse reactions. If no reaction occurs, cautiously apply the repellent to the baby’s exposed skin, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and hands.
Dr. Graham notes, “Applying more repellent than necessary does not enhance effectiveness and could raise the risk of skin irritation for your baby. If you think your baby is reacting to a repellent, discontinue its use, cleanse their skin with soap and water, and contact your child’s pediatrician or poison control center.”
Understanding the Risks of Using Bug Spray on Babies
Like many things, there are certain risks associated with using bug spray on babies that one should be mindful of.
- Skin Irritation: The skin of a baby is far more sensitive than that of an older child or an adult, which makes it more prone to irritation, including redness, itching, and rashes.
- Lung Irritation: Spraying insect repellent too close to a baby’s face or in an area with poor ventilation can lead to lung irritation.
- Bug Spray Neurotoxicity: Although it is extremely rare, neurotoxicity from bug spray can occur if ingested accidentally. This is most likely to happen when a baby puts their hands in their mouth after having insect repellent applied to them.
“DEET and Picaridin are known for their excellent safety profiles,” states Neha Pathak, MD, FACP. “However, it’s important to remember not to use these on infants younger than two months and to always adhere to the guidelines to avoid overexposure.” She advises dressing young children in loose-fitting long sleeves and pants, which allows for minimal application of bug spray.
Types of Bug Sprays That Are Safe for Babies
The top insect repellents safe for use on infants and toddlers include:
DEET-based repellents
When purchasing bug spray, it’s likely that the product contains DEET. Developed by the US Army in 1946, DEET is a chemical repellent that disorients bugs, making it hard for them to detect humans.
“Choose a bug repellent that contains DEET (no more than 30%), IR3535 (20%), or Picaridin,” advises Dr. Pathak. “Ensure it’s EPA-registered and use it according to the instructions. These steps are crucial to safeguard your child.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends selecting the lowest effective concentration of bug spray for infants, tailored to the duration of protection required. For instance, DEET concentrations vary from 5% to almost 100%, offering 1.5 to 12 hours of protection. However, for infants and children, the AAP suggests using bug repellents with no more than 10-30% DEET.
Although DEET is regarded as the benchmark for repellents, it has caused concern among some parents due to rare reports of seizures in children exposed to the substance. Experts believe these incidents are likely due to excessive exposure to the product.
Picaridin-based repellents
Similar to DEET, picaridin acts as a repellent by forming a vapor barrier on the skin to deter insects. Although it is relatively new to the market, it has undergone research and is deemed safe for use on infants older than 2 months.
According to the EPA, a 20% picaridin concentration can repel gnats, mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and chiggers for 8 to 14 hours, while a 10% concentration may be effective for 5 to 12 hours.
Parents prefer picaridin as it is not greasy and odorless, unlike DEET-based products. However, due to its relatively recent introduction, there is limited research on the long-term effects of picaridin use. Consequently, healthcare professionals and medical experts often recommend DEET-based bug sprays for babies.
Natural repellents
There are alternatives to DEET-based products, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), which offer certain advantages.
“Oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is distinct from lemon eucalyptus essential oil, is a plant-based insect repellent that has been registered with the EPA and proven to be effective against insects,” Dr. Graham elucidates.
Some individuals choose the Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) for its protection of up to six hours, yet it is not recommended for children under three years old.
Alternatively, natural options such as essential oils of peppermint, lemongrass, citronella, geraniol, and soybean can provide some degree of protection. However, they are mainly effective in preventing mosquito bites rather than insect-borne diseases. Moreover, there is a risk of allergic reactions in infants, particularly if these oils are not properly diluted or applied.
“It is crucial to remember that ‘natural’ does not necessarily equate to safe or effective,” Dr. Graham notes. “While natural alternatives are generally deemed safe, they lack regulation.”
Alternative Bug Sprays for Babies
To protect your children from bug bites without using chemicals or oils, ensure their skin is covered as much as possible outdoors. This can be done by tucking their pants into their socks, donning a long-sleeved breathable shirt, and wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat.
Dr. Pathak advises avoiding heavily scented soaps or detergents, as they often attract bugs. Additionally, try not to remain stationary for extended periods near bodies of water or large floral areas, since bugs are commonly found in these locations.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Bug Spray for Your Baby
When selecting a bug spray, it is advisable to consider the duration your baby will need protection against insects while outdoors, as Dr. Graham suggests.
“The greater the concentration of the active ingredient in the product, such as DEET, the longer the duration of protection it offers. However, higher concentrations are frequently associated with increased risks, including skin irritation, rashes, and even vomiting,” she explains.
To protect your baby’s eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs from aerosol insect repellents, consider using stick applicators, lotions, or non-aerosol sprays. Remember to carefully read product labels and familiarize yourself with any safety precautions.
If you’re uncertain about the appropriate choice for your child, consulting your pediatrician is always a good step. Additionally, the EPA provides an online repellent search tool that can assist you in selecting the most suitable products.
“Additionally, products that are marketed as a combination of repellent and sun protection may not always be the best choice,” notes Dr. Pathak. It’s advisable to purchase sunscreen that is safe for babies and a separate bug spray, using them together for the best protection.
After selecting the appropriate bug spray for your baby, follow these steps to apply it safely:
Dress your baby in light, breathable clothing to cover as much skin as possible.
For babies 6 months or older, Dr. Graham recommends applying sunscreen to any exposed skin first for sun protection.
Next, dispense the repellent onto your hands and gently rub a thin layer onto your baby’s exposed skin, being careful to avoid the eyes, mouth, hands, and any areas of irritated skin.
Always use spray repellents in open, well-ventilated spaces to safeguard your baby’s respiratory health.
Finally, once indoors, remove the repellent from your baby’s skin using soap and water.
Alternative Ways To Saving Your Baby From Bugs and Insects
Dr. Pathak states that no bug spray is 100% effective at preventing all bug bites, which is why it’s important to implement additional preventive measures.
“In addition to using repellent, it’s advisable to use mosquito nets when necessary and to avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, which is when certain mosquitoes are most active,” she advises.
Dressing your baby in floral prints or bright colors may attract insects. It’s better to choose light-colored, long pants and long-sleeved shirts for outdoor wear.
For those seeking protection beyond mosquitoes, permethrin, an EPA-registered pesticide, is effective against ticks. Clothing treated with permethrin is suitable for older children and adults; however, its use is not recommended for infants who may chew on the fabric and inadvertently consume the chemical, according to Dr. Graham.
Moreover, it’s advisable to avoid sophisticated bug repellent gadgets. “Chemical repellent wristbands and ultrasonic sound wave devices have not been demonstrated to be effective against mosquitoes,” she notes.
Finally, remember to consult the CDC’s travel website for updates on bug-borne diseases in your area or your destination. This information can assist you in selecting the most effective repellents for preventing mosquito and tick bites.
