Mosquito Repellents for Babies

Mosquitoes are a nuisance to everyone. Getting rid of mosquitoes is actually a daunting task. Most of us depend on commercial mosquito repellents for getting rid of mosquitoes. But when it comes to repellents for babies, commercial repellents is not the answer. This is because these repellents contain certain chemicals that are very useful to get rid of mosquitoes, but can also harm the sensitive skin of the baby. And then babies tend to suck their hands and feet, which can cause serious health problems. So what can be used for babies? Well, there are certain insect repellents for babies that can protect them from insect bites. But that is for babies who are more than 2 months old. For babies below 2 months, it is better not to use any kind of repellent. Instead dress your baby in long-sleeved clothes and place a mosquito net over its crib. For babies above two months, the following mentioned mosquito repellents can be used for preventing the baby from mosquito bites.

Best Mosquito Repellents

DEET Repellents
DEET is one of the basic components used in almost all mosquito repellents. It is a chemical, which is medically known as N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide. It is said to be one of the best repellent as it can keep away mosquitoes for about three to eight hours, depending on the percent of DEET in the repellent. The sprays which contain DEET are safe for babies. However that does not mean you cover your baby in DEET spray! DEET is not water soluble, so do not spray the solution every time the baby gets wet. Secondly, DEET with only 10% concentration is safe for babies, so do not use products that contain more DEET than that. Also, spray DEET products only on the exposed body parts like the hands and legs, do not spray it near a cut or abrasion and avoid spraying the back of the palms and mouth as babies tend to suck these parts.

Permethrin Repellents
Electronic mosquito repellents for babies which contain permethrin are safe. Permethrin is a common synthetic chemical which is found in almost every insect repellent. Repellents with permethrin will not only get rid of mosquitoes, but will also protect the baby form fleas and ticks. So it is one of the best repellents if you have pets at your place. Permethrin should protect your baby from insect bites. However one important thing to remember about repellents with permethrin is that, it is never directly applied on the skin and has to be applied only on clothes or mosquito nets.

Essential Oils
As you must have observed, there are many restrictions on the use of DEET spray. So instead you can make use of natural baby mosquito repellent, like essential oils. Essential oils are not only safe but they also have a pleasant smell which does not irritate the baby. Some essential oils can also help to cure cold and cough. There are many essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, cedar, lavender and clove that can get rid of mosquitoes. You can also make one of the best homemade mosquito repellents for babies with the help of these oils. Simply pour a little amount of any of the above mentioned oils in a clean spray-bottle, mix equal amount of water and you are done! Essential oils are safe but are less effective than DEET repellents, so you will need to spray them again after a couple of hours. You can also spray them on the baby's blanket and clothes to keep away mosquitoes and other insects.

Organic Mosquito Repellents
You will find many organic repellents in the market that can be used for babies. Organic insect repellents do not contain any chemicals, not even DEET, so make sure the organic insect spray you are buying is truly organic. The ingredients commonly found in organic mosquito repellents are lemongrass oil, lemon and peppermint oil. These repellents are available in the form of lotions also but avoid lotions as lotions can prove dangerous if ingested. While using a spray, do not spray on the fists and near the eyes. If you are using homemade organic repellent, dilute it and only then use.

Now that you know, only a few specific mosquito repellents can be used for babies. Make it a point to use only those. As stated earlier, do not use any kind of mosquito repellents for babies under two months. You can make use of these natural mosquito repellents, or you can also keep mosquito repellent plants in your house. Search for these plants, as they are said to be successful in keeping mosquitoes away.