Natural repellents come in the form of citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint. Apply DEET and other repellents only to clothing and to exposed skin, but never under clothing. Why the Mayo Clinic Diet Is One of 2021's Best, 7 Major Reasons You Should Try Dry January, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. “Picaridin is a newer repellant and doesn’t have as many long-term studies with human use.”. It is also very gentle and non-irritating, making it a perfect insect repellent for babies. Deet is the most widely used insect repellent in the U.S. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 2. 1. But take care when you use them: Choose a repellent with no more than 10% to 30% concentration of DEET (look for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the label). “Picaridin is effective, safe and has fewer unpleasant qualities when compared to DEET. This odor-free lotion is as kid-friendly as can be. This continuous spray formulation is a rare repellent in that it contains IR3535 without SPF. Alternatives to DEET bug spray While reviewers say it isn't as odorless as it claims, it really does keep mosquitoes away. That might include bribing them to eat more veggies, negotiating an acceptable amount of screen time, and yes, making them wear bug repellent when they’re outside. In fact this long safety track record is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends DEET for infants over 2 months of age. This fresh-scented spray lasts up to six hours and won't damage clothing. It’s … Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is an extract made from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree and processed to up the concentration of PMD, a natural substance that’s highly effective at repelling insects. Which is why parents consider bug spray a medicine cabinet must-have. When you're not sure where the day will take you, stash these individually wrapped wipes in your bag for on-the-go no-mess protection for 12 hours. Cutter. “Our evaluation includes ensuring that the registered product does not harm vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.”. Reviewers swear by this lotion and say it's totally worth the price. Moreover, picaridin doesn’t have the same neurotoxicity as DEET; it isn’t known to irritate the skin and is considered to be practically non-toxic if inhaled and only slightly toxic if swallowed. No parent wants to see their kids covered in itchy bug bites, but if you happen to be in an area where insect-related diseases are an issue, keeping bugs at bay becomes an important health concern. “EPA registration of skin-applied repellent products, including DEET, indicates that they have been evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label,” says Robert Daguillard, a spokesperson for the EPA. To protect the rest of your baby's face, spray the products onto your hands and then rub on your child's skin. 6. But for older kids, Repel’s plant-based bug spray with 30 percent Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus can be a great option. The authors of this study estimate that each year around 200 million people use insect repellents containing DEET. We do not recommend sunscreen-bug spray combinations, as sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly. While botanicals may seem safer (the EPA classifies them as minimum risk), “plant oils have mainly been found to repel mosquitos only,” Slaughter-Atiemo says, and for shorter amounts of time at that. 4. Your first instinct may be to avoid certain chemicals and reach for a “natural” insect repellent, but the truth is, many ingredients in “natural” products aren’t very effective at repelling ticks and mosquitoes. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends not using products with a DEET concentration greater than 30 percent on children (and no repellent on children younger than 2 … For children younger than 12 years old, do not use a DEET product on a daily basis for more than a month. $5.99. Below, you'll find some options for bug sprays for kids and babies. DEET is the common name for N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide. According to reviewers, it's super effective at repelling mosquitoes, but has a strong perfume-like odor. Natural bug sprays, such as citronella and lemon eucalyptus oil, might be helpful for light mosquito duty. Do Not use DEET on the face area or allow children to handle a … Plus, everything you need to know about DEET, picaridin, and what's best for safeguarding against ticks and mosquitoes. Do not apply to areas around the eyes or mouth. The effectiveness is about the same among different concentrations at that range but how long that protection lasts differs based on concentration. Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved as safe for kids older than 2 months. Plus, the small size makes it easy to travel with. Here, top tips from the CDC on what you should and shouldn’t do when applying bug spray for kids. Read all instructions about any product usage carefully. We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. For infants younger than 6 months old, do not use an insect repellent containing DEET. The amount of DEET in insect repellents varies from product to product, so it’s important to read the label of any product you use. Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus 10% Picaridin Towelettes, 30% Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray, 10% Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Lotion, 20% IR3535 SkinSmart Insect Repellent Spray, 15% DEET Family Care Insect Repellent Spray. Reviewers say this spray has a strong, refreshing scent that actually does its job. According to the EPA, picaridin at 20 percent concentration effectively repels mosquitoes and ticks for up to 14 hours and flies, chiggers and gnats for up to eight hours, and a 10 percent concentration lasts for five to 12 hours. With nearly 5,000 reviews on Amazon, this all-star has an average of 4.4 stars. Instead, use a mosquito net when babies are outdoors in a crib or stroller. It has been around longer than any other active ingredient, and many scientists say it’s the gold standard for all repellents. With nearly 900 reviews on Amazon, the product averages 4.5 stars. But is DEET safe? It’s also non-greasy and sweat-resistant, which is great for active kiddos who are constantly on the move. Lotions and wipes may be easier to apply on younger kids than sprays, but lotions can take 20 minutes to start being effective while sprays work immediately. 3. While rumors about potential DEET dangers have been circulating for years, after much research, the conclusion is that DEET is indeed safe for babies 2 months and older (and everyone else, for that matter), as long as you use it as directed. Dina DiMaggio, MD, and Anthony F. Porto, MD, MPH. DEET has been used safely for many, many years and it works well to prevent insect-borne diseases. DEET bug spray comes in different concentrations, ranging from 4 to 100 percent. If you're worried about spraying DEET around your kids, but want the protection DEET provides, these wipes are the perfect middle ground. It uses citronella, lemongrass and cedar essential oils to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects at bay. Choose a repellent with a low concentration of DEET. Not only does it smell great and contain aloe vera, it also repels mosquitoes. Find the Top Deet For Babies with the MSN Buying Guides >> Compare Products and Brands by Quality, ... incognito Insect Repellent Spray 100ml - Natural, DEET free formula 9.8 9.3 Water-resistant and fragrance-free, this spray is said to provide 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. Download The Appto explore more tools like Planner+ and Food Safety. Here's another great option for DEET wipes — and they're odor-free! All of this potential for sickness calls for a heavy-duty bug spray. It’s recommended as safe for babies as young as two months by both theAmerican Academy of Paediatrics and theNHS Fit for Travel website. I would always recommend using a baby bug spray that contains effective chemicals like DEET & picaridin, and so would experts like the EWG. The advantage of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is that it’s a plant-based bug spray that actually works in fending off mosquitoes. “More research needs to be done to see how well they repel ticks and other biting insects.” For a quick fix when hanging out in the backyard, some parents prefer using a natural bug spray for babies—but they’re not the best bet if you’re in an area with insect-borne diseases. Not all products have the same concentration (amount) of DEET. There are 6.5 fl. 4.9 out of 5 stars with 23 reviews. one that’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends products that contain between 10% and 30% DEET, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 8 Best Mosquito Repellents for a Bug-Free Yard, Watch Out for "Kissing Bugs" in Your Home, AllerEase Bed Bug Protection Bedding Review. So what’s the catch? When used according to the instructions, DEET is the most effective option for preventing bug-borne diseases. OFF! WIth 30 percent Oil of Eucalyptus (which is a CDC-recommended ingredient), it also repels mosquitoes for up to six hours and has a nice, refreshing scent. 4.4 out of 5 stars with 41 reviews. It relies on rosemary, lemongrass, citronella and other essential oils to keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay. Note that it’s only okay to use DEET bug spray for babies 2 months and older. If you’re looking for baby-safe bug spray, remember that Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus isn’t recommended for children under 3. The baby bug repellents I recommend. In rare cases, people using high concentrations or excessive amounts of DEET developed skin rashes, blisters and other irritations. The bottom line: No matter what repellent you choose, the most important thing is to carefully follow the instructions on the label. The spray nozzle ensures that the repellent is very easy to apply. In this article: If you’d prefer an all-natural bug spray with pure essential oils, California Baby offers a bug repellent for babies and kids that’s highly rated (in fact, it’s on Slaughter-Atiemo’s list of recommended bug spray for kids). However, DEET is considered to be the gold standard in terms of its effectiveness because it has been thoroughly studied and researched on humans,” Slaughter-Atiemo says. Read the entire label before use – look carefully at the level of DEET or picaridin in the product (see tables below), and use the repellent only as directed by the manufacturer. This DEET bug spray contains 30 percent DEET for longer-lasting protection and boasts a water base instead of alcohol. However, the protection it offers usually only lasts about two hours, which is far shorter than DEET and Picaridin. Babies two months or younger should not be exposed to DEET at all. This top-reviewed repellent keeps mosquitoes away for up to six hours and boasts a non-greasy formula. It’s also non-greasy and sweat-resistant, which is great for active kiddos who are constantly on the move. This spray is designed to leave more of a powdery feeling on the skin instead of greasy. But what’s the best bug spray for babies and kids? 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray, 3 oz. 99 £12.99 £12.99 The "continuous spray" bottle means you can apply it easily, even when the bottle is tipped upside-down (like when reaching for ankles). In fact, picaridin-based formulas are the best-selling bug repellent for babies and children in Europe and Australia. 23. For example, 10 percent DEET bug spray offers protection for about two hours while the 30 percent concentration protects for about five hours. Apply products containing DEET to clothes and exposed skin but never under clothing. This option for Burt’s Bees is another pick Slaughter-Atiemo recommends for families wanting a natural bug spray for kids. Don't use near your child's eyes or mouth, or on cut, infected or irritated skin. What to know about DEET bug spray Below, you'll find some options for bug sprays for kids and babies. DEET, otherwise known as diethyl toluamide, is an insect repellent chemical used in a large proportion of repellent sprays. Fans say this DEET-free insect repellent is the best they've ever used and it's suitable for babies three months and up. People say they particularly love its non-sticky formula. Here’s another 12-hour 20 percent picaridin option that parents love. Note that the percentage … The best part about this bug repellent -- aside from the fact that it really does keep the bugs at bay -- is its sweet tropical scent. Here’s another 15 percent DEET bug spray liked by Slaughter-Atiemo and parents alike. Dos and don’ts of bug spray for kids Shop today & collect 4 Advantage Card Points for every pound you spend. It’s made with a powder-dry formula, meaning it’s not oily or greasy. 41. This 15 percent DEET bug spray, one of Slaughter-Atiemo’s favored mosquito repellent for babies, fights off mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers and fleas (as all repellents made with DEET do). 5. Figuring out which are the best baby-safe bug sprays is only half the battle—the other half is learning how to properly and safely apply the insect repellent. Don't spray directly into the face. Now that we’ve gone over that, I hope you agree that getting an effective repellent is the most important thing. Another disadvantage is that it contains known allergens that can irritate the skin. This 15 percent DEET bug spray, one of Slaughter-Atiemo’s favored mosquito repellent for babies, fights off mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers and fleas (as all repellents made with DEET do). A simple bug bite may not seem like a big deal, but the health risks of exposure to those two pests are high as both mosquitoes and ticks can carry an array of diseases. Get all the deets here. You can use DEET-containing bug repellents on children ages 2 months and older, but there are some guidelines to follow: Products containing DEET should be used only once per day on children. 6oz FamilyCare Insect Repellent Unscented. Here’s what you need to know about the most popular active ingredients in EPA-registered repellents. You can always double check with your pediatrician before using, especially if your child has sensitive skin. This is a great choice for families looking for a DEET bug spray but prefer to use a lower-concentrated formula for baby, as this contains just 7 percent DEET. Do Not apply DEET over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. Picaridin was only approved for sale in the US in 2005, and we don’t know as much about its long-term health effects. Here’s another excellent plant-based bug spray for kids. Apply sparingly to exposed skin. When picking out an insect repellent for kids and babies, your priority should be to choose one that’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “As a result, they’re less effective and have to be reapplied more frequently,” Slaughter-Atiemo says. As with all products—even those that are specifically designed for children—it’s wise to discuss any new products with your pediatrician, who can advise you on the best mosquito repellent for babies and bigger kids. This bug spray is not only natural but also organic and toxin-free. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Maternity Jeans for Pregnant Moms, 12 Best Baby Carriers for Newborns and Toddlers, 7 Swings That Will Instantly Calm a Crying Baby, 7 Best Bottle Sterilizers to Kill Germs Fast, 7 Best Pack 'n Plays for Babies and Toddlers, 22 Best Toys and Gifts for 13-Year-Old Girls, 20 Best Toys and Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls, 30 Best Toys and Gifts for 4-Year-Old Boys, 21 Best Toys and Gifts for 11-Year-Old Boys, 20 Best Toys and Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys. Opt for the lowest concentration that’ll offer the length of protection you need. Ticks can spread Lyme disease, and mosquitoes can transmit West Nile and Zika, among other viruses. Also, consider the formulation of the repellent you’re using. Lastly, natural plant oils aren’t regulated by the FDA, and while allergic reactions are rare, Slaughter-Atiemo says, they can still happen when using natural bug sprays with essential oils. OFF! DEET will protect you from biting flies, ticks and mosquitoes. 7. , and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cover up - Give bugs a smaller target. Plus, it’s odorless and non-greasy—two points that make it preferable to many parents. Here are 3 great repellents that you can depend on! Mosquito Repellent Bracelet, PandyCare 15 Pack Mosquito Bands for Adults, Kids & Babies - Premium Quality, DEET-Free Natural Wristbands, Protection Insects up to 300 Hours 4.3 out of 5 stars 206 £10.99 £ 10 . Whether you’re looking for DEET bug spray, a picaridin option or a natural bug spray pick, we’ve rounded up a list of best bug sprays for babies and families. Deep Woods Insect Repellent. When returning indoors, wash repellent off skin with soap and water. Picaridin was created in the 1980s by Bayer and is a synthetic version of a repellent found in pepper plants. oz. Now, repellent-soaked wipes make application even easier. Research has found it to be just as effective as DEET and a safe bug spray for babies 2 months and older. Keep in mind, “parents should not allow children to apply mosquito repellents to themselves or others,” says Joseph Conlon, technical advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association. If you like the sound of picaridin, this is one of the best bug sprays for babies (and the whole family). $4.89. There are lots of other natural bug repellents out there containing oils like citronella, cedar, clove, lemongrass, peppermint and soybean, among others. It’s advertised as non-greasy or oily. The amount of DEET may range from less than 10% to more than 30%. Why trust us? Amazon reviewers say this 10 percent picaridin bug spray, enhanced with vitamin E and aloe, smells great, absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky mess, and, best of all, is super-effective. “DEET has been well researched for human use and is safe and effective for anyone over 2 months of age.” Especially when you need to prevent insect-related diseases, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says DEET is the best bug spray for babies. This 100 percent natural and certified organic bug spray for babies and kids uses citronella, rosemary and wintergreen essential oils to repel mosquitoes, and it’s been lab-tested for effectiveness. Even a mom whose daughter is allergic to mosquitoes raved about how well this stuff works. And because it comes with a pump instead of aerosol spray, it won’t get in your little ones’ eyes. Do not use on cuts, wounds or irritated skin. While DEET bug spray may be considered the best insect repellent for effectively blocking bugs, it isn’t your only option. 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