The ten Finest Bug Sprays for Children to Maintain the Pests at Bay

When faculty is out for the summer time, it normally means mosquitoes and different pesky bugs are, too. Mosquitoes and different biting bugs are most energetic when the climate warms up, and being ready with a protected and efficient repellent can assist shield your youngsters from itchy bug bites all summer time lengthy. 

When selecting a bug spray on your youngsters, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends selecting one that’s registered with the US Environmental Safety Company (EPA) as a result of its energetic components (like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus) have been evaluated and accredited for human security and effectiveness. When you desire a extra pure repellent, it’s possible you’ll need to think about one which incorporates citronella or soybean oil, that are exempt from EPA registration however can repel mosquitoes for brief durations of time. You also needs to take note how usually you’ll need to reapply the repellent, how efficient it’s, and if it has a definite scent or really feel. 

To pick out one of the best bug sprays for youths, we consulted with two board-certified dermatologists, an entomologist, and a school professor who makes a speciality of molecular biology and mosquito physiology. We then researched the highest bug repellents in the marketplace and had our editors check them at dwelling throughout their regular outside actions. 

Our Favourite Bug Sprays for Children

Apply Bug Spray to Children Safely

Relating to utilizing mosquito repellent in your baby, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says there are a number of precautions you need to comply with. First, mother and father ought to all the time learn the product label earlier than making use of it on their baby. If the product is protected on your baby’s age, you need to spray it in your fingers first, then rub it in your baby’s face, avoiding their eyes, mouth, and irritated pores and skin. Whereas making use of, be sure to’re in an open, well-ventilated space to keep away from respiration within the repellent.

As soon as completed, wash your baby’s fingers (and your individual) to forestall the repellent from getting of their eyes or mouth, and comply with the product’s directions on how usually to reapply. You also needs to retailer the repellent in a protected spot that may’t be accessed by your baby. 

Can You Put Bug Spray on a Child?

In line with Blair Murphy Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, infants youthful than 2 months of age ought to keep away from insect repellent altogether. “As an alternative, mother and father ought to use a mosquito web or costume their baby in comfy clothes that covers as a lot uncovered pores and skin as doable,” Dr. Rose says. 

In case your child is older than 2 months, Dr. Rose recommends utilizing a repellent that incorporates not more than 30% DEET—so long as it’s not in a pressurized can. In actual fact, mother and father ought to by no means use DEET in portions of greater than 30% on a toddler of any age. 

As soon as your child is older than 6 months, Dr. Rose states that they’re sufficiently old to make use of picaridin, however they should not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol till they’re at the least 3 years outdated. 

DEET Security

DEET acquired a nasty rap up to now due to its affiliation (1 per 1 million customers) with seizures. Nonetheless, these cases had been largely attributable to misuse of DEET, similar to making use of it in a fashion that was inconsistent with the label directions. 

“Bug repellents that include DEET are protected to make use of in kids,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology who’s double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. Nonetheless, you need to select the bottom focus of DEET doable (e.g. 10%) and keep away from making use of DEET to infants youthful than 2 months outdated. 

As a finest follow, mother and father ought to apply DEET sparingly to their kids, particularly if the kid is an toddler or born prematurely.

Allergic Reactions

When you suppose that your baby is having a response (like a rash) to an insect repellent, cease utilizing the repellent and wash their pores and skin with cleaning soap and water. Then, name your pediatrician or Poison Assist at 1-800-222-1222 for recommendation on what to do subsequent. When you go to the physician’s workplace, take the repellent container with you.

Finest Total: Off! Household Care Insect Repellent II with Picaridin

Why We Like It

This Environmental Safety Company (EPA)-registered mosquito repellent incorporates picaridin, an artificial model of an ingredient present in pepper crops that blocks mosquitos from sensing their prey. It’s simple to use, has no sturdy scent or sticky residue, and is without doubt one of the six components really helpful by the CDC to successfully and safely repel mosquitoes.

One in every of our editors who’s vulnerable to mosquito bites examined this spray on herself and her son whereas on the park. After two hours, neither of them had a single mosquito chew, which was a welcomed shock. She additionally preferred that this spray distributed as a effective, widespread mist and didn’t really feel like there was something on their pores and skin—even after sweating. 

However Take Notice

We’d find it irresistible if this spray got here in a bigger measurement. Nonetheless, it was so efficient and barely noticeable on our pores and skin that we predict it’s totally price it—even when we now have to buy it extra usually.

The Particulars:

• Lively ingredient: 5% Picaridin
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, fleas, and chiggers
• Really helpful age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: Each 3-4 hours

Finest With DEET: Sawyer Managed Launch Household Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

Sawyer Merchandise Premium Household Managed Launch Insect Repellent is an EPA-registered product. Whereas gardening in his yard, one in all our editors used this repellent and did not obtain a single chew throughout the complete eight hours he spent outdoors. In actual fact, this family-friendly repellent can repel mosquitos and different bugs for as much as 11 hours. We additionally love that it applies like lotion, is comparatively cheap, and is available in a tiny bottle, which makes it handy for folks to hold in a handbag, diaper bag, or backpack. 

However Take Notice

Though this repellent is marketed as odorless, we predict it has considerably of an oily odor. It additionally left a greasy feeling on our pores and skin, which pale (together with the scent) about an hour after making use of it. Fortunately, we did not discover the scent on our garments, and it did not seem to stain them, both. 

The Particulars:

• Lively ingredient: 20% DEET
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers
• Really helpful age: 2 months and up
• Reapplication: As much as 11 hours

Finest With Picaridin: EarthKind Keep Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

EarthKind Keep Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent is an EPA-registered product. We love that it incorporates simply 4 components, is protected to make use of throughout being pregnant, and works for as much as 14 hours. After making use of it to our personal pores and skin, we had been capable of go a complete day with out being bitten, even whereas spending a number of hours at a time outside amongst seen mosquitos. 

By way of software, we like that this repellent looks like a moisturizer and provides off a barely candy scent (despite the fact that it’s technically unscented). We additionally like that its nozzle casts a variety, which is able to assist make sure you apply it evenly in your wiggly kiddo.

However Take Notice

Though we like that this repellent is available in a twig, it did make it difficult to use to our youngsters’ faces. It didn’t look like waterproof throughout our testing course of, and we realized rapidly that slightly goes a good distance—so rubbing it in was essential to stopping a white forged on our pores and skin.

The Particulars:

• Lively ingredient: 20% Picaridin
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes, gnats, biting flies, and chiggers
• Really helpful age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: As much as 14 hours

Finest Lotion: Sawyer Merchandise Picaridin Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

Sawyer Merchandise 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent is an EPA-registered product. Its thick, white consistency makes it simple to see the place it’s been utilized and reminds us of sunscreen—besides that it lasts for as much as 14 hours and doesn’t go away a white forged behind. One in every of our editors who examined it whereas working in her backyard reported that it was proof against sweat and guarded her from getting bitten the a number of hours that she was outside. We predict youngsters will like its nice citrus scent and fogeys will recognize that it doesn’t stain garments.

However Take Notice

This lotion feels a bit greasy at first, so you’ll want to rub it in all the way in which. Additionally, it’s solely out there in a 4- or 6-ounce bottle, however its managed launch will be sure that your baby is protected all day lengthy. 

The Particulars:

• Lively ingredient: 20% Picaridin
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes and ticks 
• Really helpful age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: As much as 14 hours

Finest Plant-Primarily based: Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

When you’re in search of a extra pure method to defending your child from bug bites, give Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent a attempt. Particularly, this spray incorporates 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus, which may present as much as six hours of safety from mosquitoes and is the one plant-based repellent really helpful by the CDC.

This Cutter spray is an EPA-registered product. In case your baby is comfy with a Vicks VapoRub-type odor, they gained’t thoughts you spraying it on their pores and skin. We like that it can be utilized to clothes to offer youngsters an additional layer of safety.

However Take Notice

Dr. Rose advises mother and father to avoid wasting this repellent for his or her older youngsters since oil of lemon eucalyptus shouldn’t be protected for kids who’re youthful than 3 years outdated (primarily due to the dearth of analysis on younger kids). 

The Particulars:

• Lively ingredient: 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes and ticks
• Really helpful age: 3 years and up
• Reapplication: As much as 6 hours

Finest Stickers: BuzzPatch Mosquito Stickers for Children

Why We Like It

Simply essentially the most kid-friendly choice on our record, the BuzzPatch Mosquito Stickers are a enjoyable, mess-free technique to shield youngsters from mosquitos. Every sticker incorporates citronella oil, which makes it more durable for mosquitos to find your kiddo as a result of it masks scents that appeal to them. In line with the model, these stickers final for as much as eight hours and include medical-grade adhesive that can also be water-proof. This makes them a fantastic different to spray and straightforward to take alongside for tenting, a visit to a theme park, or a day on the seashore. 

We love that these stickers are available a pack of 60 colourful smiley faces with particular directions on the place to position them relying in your baby’s age. And since these stickers are worn on clothes quite than pores and skin, they’re even protected for infants to put on—though you need to all the time test together with your pediatrician first.

However Take Notice

Since Buzz Patch Mosquito Repellent Stickers include citronella oil, they’re exempt from registration with the EPA. Additionally, every sticker solely repels a certain quantity of space, so older youngsters and adults are required to put on extra. 

The Particulars:

• Lively ingredient: 10% citronella oil
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes
• Really helpful age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: As much as 8 hours

Finest Wipes: Cutter All Household Mosquito Wipes

Why We Like It

The Cutter All Household Mosquito Wipes are EPA-registered and value simply $7 a pack. We like that they’ve a nice citrus scent and don’t go away behind a sticky residue. And since most youngsters are accustomed to child wipes, this repellent is simple to use on little ones (however you’ll want to keep away from your baby’s eyes, mouth, and fingers). 

One in every of our favourite issues about these wipes is their measurement. They’re a fantastic choice for folks on the go and are sufficiently small to slot in a fanny pack. Plus, they’re even inside the limits for carry-on baggage, which suggests your loved ones shall be shielded from mosquitoes as quickly as they step off the aircraft.

However Take Notice

Though comparatively cheap, the draw back to those wipes is that they should be reapplied each two hours because the focus of DEET is low (7.15%).

The Particulars:

• Lively ingredient: 7.15% DEET
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, no-see-ums, chiggers, fleas
• Really helpful age: 2 months and up
• Reapplication: Each 2 hours 

Finest Bracelets: Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Why We Like It

In case your child places up a struggle about utilizing bug spray, these Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets are a fantastic different. They arrive in a colourful pack of 10 and might be worn in your baby’s wrist or ankle (so long as they’re at the least 3 years outdated). Every bracelet is efficient for as much as 10 days or 250 hours and might be saved within the resealable bundle when not in use. 

To keep off mosquitoes, these bracelets include a mix of important oils, together with geranium, lemongrass, and citronella oil, which were proven to assist stop mosquito bites. And since they’re waterproof, they may nonetheless shield your kiddo throughout a day on the seashore or a dip within the pool. 

However Take Notice

Since Cliganic bracelets include a wide range of important oils, they’re exempt from registration with the EPA. Additionally, they aren’t for youths who’re youthful than 3 years outdated, so mother and father ought to preserve them out of attain from their little ones.

The Particulars:

• Lively ingredient: 16.05% Geranium oil, 5% lemongrass oil, 0.95% citronella oil 
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitos
• Really helpful age: 3 years and up
• Reapplication: 250 hours

Finest Natural: Good day Bello Natural Bug Spray

Why We Like It

We love that this Good day Bello Natural Bug Spray is made out of a combination of natural important oils which were confirmed to repel mosquitoes. It’s hypoallergenic, incorporates no parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances, and is blended with vitamin E, an antioxidant that moisturizes the pores and skin and improves its total well being.

Along with youngsters, this spray is protected on your furry members of the family—your pets! Good day Bello additionally claims it’s protected for pregnant folks to make use of; nevertheless, we all the time suggest checking together with your healthcare supplier earlier than doing so. 

However Take Notice

Because of the important oil components, this spray isn’t really helpful for infants who’re youthful than 6 months outdated. Additionally, it must be utilized each 4 hours because it doesn’t include energetic components like DEET or picaridin. 

The Particulars:

• Lively components: Citronella, lemongrass, thyme, cedarwood, and peppermint oil
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitos
• Really helpful age: 6 months and up
• Reapplication: 4 hours

Finest Mosquito Web: Sysmie Mosquito Web for Stroller

Why We Like It

Mosquito nets are probably the most primary but efficient methods to forestall mosquito bites. Our favourite is that this Sysmie web as a result of it extends practically 5 ft vast and has loads of stretch to suit over a stroller, play yard, bassinet, or automobile seat. This breathable web is available in a pack of two in seven colours and folds down flat, making it simple to hold alongside in your diaper bag and tremendous handy for journey. 

However Take Notice

After all, this web gained’t shield your baby once they’re outdoors their stroller, which is why it’s additionally not an choice for older youngsters. 

The Particulars:

• Lively ingredient: None
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitos
• Really helpful age: 0-4 years
• Reapplication: None

Different Notable Bug Sprays for Children

• OFF! Lively Insect Repellent I (15% DEET): This product lived as much as its promise of defending us from mosquitoes for 4-5 hours. It was simple to use and didn’t go away a greasy movie on our pores and skin. Nonetheless, it did emit a scent and the bottle was quite small, so we’d have to switch it extra usually than we’d like. 
• Natrapel Tick and Insect Repellent (20% Picaridin): Though this product did an excellent job of defending us from mosquitoes, it has a powerful chemical-like scent and the bottle sprays an excessive amount of repellent out at a time. 
• Ben’s 30% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes: We like that this repellent is simple to wipe on, nevertheless, it didn’t soak up properly and we didn’t discover it very efficient at defending us from mosquitoes.

Our Testing Course of 

We started our analysis and testing course of by interviewing 4 consultants to find out about which mosquito repellent components are protected, efficient, and really helpful by the CDC, in addition to the assorted security measures mother and father ought to comply with when making use of mosquito repellent to their kids. We then researched and examined the highest mosquito repellents in the marketplace, prioritizing these really helpful by the CDC, and regarded merchandise that make the most of important oils which can be registered with the EPA, similar to citronella and oil of lemon eucalyptus. 

When testing mosquito repellents, our editors paid shut consideration to the next: 

• Software: Our editors first utilized a check patch on their arm and famous how simple it was to use. After 5 minutes, they watched for any hostile reactions and noticed how the repellent felt on their pores and skin, how lengthy it took to dry, the way it smelled, and if it stayed on their pores and skin when uncovered to water. 
• Efficacy: Our editors wore every repellent outside at the least 5 separate instances. They famous how properly it stayed on their pores and skin in the event that they started to sweat and if it protected them from bugs for the listed period of time. 
• Portability: Lastly, we decided how moveable the product was by evaluating how properly it slot in a tote bag and if it leaked when carrying it round. 

Our Consultants

Because of their particular person experience in biology, entomology, and dermatology, we obtained steering from the next consultants earlier than starting our analysis and testing course of: 

• Immo A. Hansen, an affiliate professor of biology at New Mexico State College who makes a speciality of molecular biology and physiology of mosquitoes
• Wizzie Brown, BCE, entomologist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology who’s double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology
• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist

Components to Contemplate When Shopping for Bug Spray for Children

• Substances: When selecting a mosquito repellent, entomologist Wizzie Brown says the primary rule of thumb is to search for an EPA-registered product that incorporates one of many six CDC-recommended components: DEET, Picaridin (referred to as KBR 3023 and icaridin outdoors the US), IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol, and 2-undecanone. Brown explains that these components will shield your baby from West Nile and Zika Virus, and when used as directed, EPA-registered mosquito repellents are protected and efficient, even for pregnant or breastfeeding folks.
• Effectiveness: Though sure important oils can repel mosquitoes, Professor Hansen says they gained’t shield you so long as components like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus do as a result of they evaporate rapidly. Generally, DEET is called the gold customary for mosquito repellents, and Hansen explains {that a} increased focus works for an extended time period.
• Software Methodology: The commonest technique to apply mosquito repellent is to spray it in your fingers and rub it in your pores and skin. Nonetheless, many mosquito repellents are actually out there within the type of lotion, wipes, stickers, and bracelets. 
• Scent and Pores and skin Really feel: Mosquito repellents have a fame for being pungent and sticky, however that sturdy odor (most frequently from DEET) is what protects us from mosquitoes. Nonetheless, picaridin is sort of odorless and simply as efficient as DEET, whereas oil of lemon eucalyptus has a definite odor that your kiddo is likely to be okay with.
• Period of Safety: Mosquito repellents can final wherever from a number of hours to days at a time, relying on what repellent you employ. For instance, DEET repellents can be found in a wide range of concentrations with the strongest lasting the longest. When you’re seeking to restrict your baby’s publicity to chemical substances, utilizing a decrease focus of DEET is one choice or choosing a extra pure repellent, like stickers or a bracelet. 

Who We Are

Laura Lu, MS, is a commerce and parenting author at Dad and mom and a mother of two. She and her household stay close to a bay in sunny Southern California, which makes them vulnerable to the occasional mosquito invasion. She believes in balancing efficient components with pure merchandise as a lot as doable and has used each Off! Household Care Insect Repellent II with Picaridin and BuzzPatch Mosquito Stickers for Children to guard her little ones from bug bites.