Antidotes and remedies for mosquito-borne diseases are often unpleasant, difficult to apply, and sometimes expensive. Mosquito repellents for children can be a messy business. Repellents like Deet can cause skin irritations when handled with wet hands or applied poorly. Spray on products must be applied in short bursts to avoid accidental inhalation. Citronella products are widely available but can only be used on people over 12 years of age. In spite of their shortcomings, the use of pediatric mosquito repellents is essential to keeping children safe from mosquito-borne illnesses during the warmer months. Kids are the hardest to keep mosquito free. They love to play outside and spend hours at a time in the playground or at the pool. Their skin is delicate, their bodies are still growing and for many parents, finding a good mosquito repellent for kids can be a real challenge. Understanding how to choose mosquito repellent for your children will help them stay safe from dangerous allergens and prevent bites from mosquitoes that can carry serious diseases. Mosquito bites remain a problem in South Florida as well as around the country. It seems like they are also becoming more of a serious issue with every passing year. Without diligent application on a preventative basis, it is hard to defeat these pesky little critters which have evolved over time to survive no matter what we do to try and deter them.

Children’s Mosquito Repellent

Introduction

We’ve all seen what mosquitoes can do to an adult. Itchy bumps, swollen joints and even dangerous diseases are all common problems associated with mosquito bites. But what about children? Are they at risk too? And if so, how should they be protected? The answer is yes: children are just as susceptible to these nasty little pests as adults—if not more so, since their bodies are still developing. So the sooner you teach your child about insect repellent, the better! With that in mind, here’s a quick guide on everything a parent needs to know about keeping their kids safe from mosquitoes:

Once you understand the safety of insect repellants for your child, it’s time to pick one.

If your child spends time outside, it is important to have an insect repellant that offers both protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects. DEET is the most effective repellent for people over 2 months old. It has been used for decades and is considered safe when used as directed.

However, if you’re concerned about exposing your child to DEET or want another option, here are some other options:

• Picaridin – This chemical works similarly to DEET but lasts longer on the skin and clothes. It was developed by Bayer HealthCare in Germany and first approved for use in 1998. It’s also less likely than DEET or Permethrin to irritate the eyes or cause allergic reactions—but it won’t last as long on skin or clothes compared with those chemicals according to research published by Consumer Reports magazine in 2018.* Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) – This plant oil can be found in several products including Off!, Cutter Advanced Insect Repellent Plus 20% Picaridin Spray, Harris UltraShield Plus In-Room Insect Repellent – Pump Spray

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the best insect repellants contain DEET.

The CDC states that the best insect repellants contain DEET.

DEET is the most effective ingredient in insect repellents, and it has been shown to be safe for children. While you may have heard rumors about DEET’s potential toxicity, these rumors are unfounded and outdated. The CDC recommends a concentration of 30% for adults, 20% for children ages 2 to 12 years old, and 10% for babies younger than 2 months old (the amount of DEET found in an ounce of sunscreen).

The bottom line? You can trust that all products containing DEET are safe when used as directed.

The concentration of DEET should be between 10% and 30%.

The concentration of DEET should be between 10% and 30%.

DEET is the most effective insect repellent. It is also the most common active ingredient in insect repellents, making up more than 95% of the market. Studies have proven that DEET is safe for use on children over age two months old and adults who weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kg). In higher concentrations, it has been shown to cause neurotoxicity in some cases; however, when used as directed, it has a wide margin of safety for both children and adults.

Even though natural remedies are tempting, they are not proven to be as effective as commercial products with DEET.

While natural remedies are tempting, they are not proven to be as effective as commercial products with DEET.

DEET is the most effective mosquito repellent and can be safely used in children over 2 months old, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

To apply repellent effectively, do it on dry skin.

To apply repellent effectively, do it on dry skin. Don’t apply it to wet skin. And don’t apply it on skin that is already covered in lotion or sunscreen. The best way to ensure that you’re applying mosquito repellent properly is by doing so on dry, clean skin.

Rub it in gently and thoroughly.

• Rub it in gently and thoroughly.
• Do not rub it between your fingers, toes, knees, shoulders or ears.

Avoid applying repellent around their mouth, eyes and hands to avoid accidental ingestion or eye irritation.

• Avoid applying repellent around the mouth, eyes and hands to avoid accidental ingestion or eye irritation.
• Do not apply to children under 2 years of age.
• Reapply as needed according to label directions, usually every 3 hours while exposed to mosquito bites and for a maximum of 12 hours per day.

Don’t put repellent under clothes.

On the label of all repellents, it will clearly state if the product is safe to use on children. These products are safe to use on children over 2 months old and apply sparingly to dry skin. Don’t apply repellent around their mouth, eyes or hands and avoid applying under clothes as this could irritate your child’s skin.

Wash your child’s skin with soap and water after returning indoors.

Wash your child’s skin with soap and water after returning indoors.

• Use a mild, non-irritating soap such as baby shampoo or an unscented cleanser. If you are concerned about more sensitive areas on your child’s body, avoid using soap on these areas: eyes, mouth, ears and genitals.
• Avoid using soaps with perfumes and fragrances because they may cause irritation in children who are particularly sensitive to these chemicals.
• Avoid getting repellent in the eyes; if this happens rinse well with water immediately to prevent eye damage.
• Do not put repellent on a child younger than 2 months old unless instructed by their doctor since infants’ skin is too fragile for repellent use (refer to product instructions).

Before using mosquito repellent on your child, make sure it is safe for his age and has a concentration of DEET between 10% – 30%.

DEET is the most effective mosquito repellent, but it also has some downsides. DEET is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) only for use on children over 2 months old and in concentrations of 10% – 30%. The AAP recommends that you first apply a sunscreen if you are planning to put your child in a stroller or carrier outdoors for more than an hour. If you want to use DEET on your child, always wash it off after returning indoors so it does not get absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember is that while insect repellents are a great way of protecting your child, they should be used in moderation. Don’t rely on them alone, and use other methods like wearing long-sleeved clothing when possible. If you’re worried about safety issues or have any questions, don’t hesitate to talk with your health care provider for advice.