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The 4 Best Bug Spray for Kids

We've tested bug sprays from top competitors like Off, Cutter, and Sawyer to help you find the best spray for your children

Searching for the best bug spray to keep your family safe outdoors? We purchased and tested 8 top bug sprays suitable for use with kids to determine which were the most effective, safest, and the best smelling and feeling products in the group. We tested each spray side-by-side in a variety of locations to help you find the right option for your needs. Read on to find out all the buggy details.

Time spent outside with kids requires planning and gear to ensure a safe and fun adventure. We've tested various gear, from the best sprinkler for your backyard to our favorite swim goggles for kids, even the best pedal bikes for kids. Don't forget to apply the best sunscreens for babies and kids and help your child stay hydrated with the best water bottle for kids. You may also want to pack our favorite snack catchers to keep your toddler's energy up while on the go.

Best Overall Bug Spray for Kids

Sawyer Insect Repellent

Effective Ingredient: 20% Picaridin
Application Method: Spray

  • Wide efficacy
  • Easy application
  • Evaporating odor
  • Narrow spray stream
  • Dual lids hard to keep track of


Sawyer Insect Repellent is a versatile picaridin spray recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as safe and effective for most users. Our testers liked the evaporating smell and the way the spray feels after it dries. We found it effective against a variety of bugs, and testers thought it worked well on skin and gear. It comes with two lids to prevent leaking, and the bottle is small enough to fit almost anywhere.

While the dual lid is nice, it can be challenging to keep track of both when out on adventures. Also, the smaller bottle means you'll potentially need more than one for each trip, but it does come in a pack of 2, so at least you get your money's worth. Sawyers is an effective and easy to use product with no offensive smell and wide coverage for every member of the family.

Continue reading the entire list and plenty of other helpful information when making decisions on which bug repellent is best for kids written by Wendy Schmitz here.

LAST UPDATED

December 3, 2023

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Baby Gear Lab

Media Mentions from Baby Gear Lab

BabyGearLab.com provides the world's best reviews and ratings of products for babies age birth to 1 year. Founded by a pediatrician and Mom.

Founded in 2012 by Juliet Spurrier, MD, a board certified pediatrician, BabyGearLab’s mission is to become the world's most credible and detailed source of side-by-side baby product comparison reviews. Dr. Spurrier, along with the expert staff at BabyGearLab, test leading baby products and review them using a meticulous and objective rating system. The website also publishes informative buying advice guides based on their testing experience, as well as health and safety articles for new parents.

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Media Mentions

Zenovia Stephens, ...told SELF it was her favorite bug spray for hikes and backpacking trips, and that she used it on herself as well as her kids.

Sara Coughlin

Media Mentions

[Sawyer Picaridin] the best bottle of bug spray we found after testing over 25 repellents and talking to everyone from the EPA to the American Mosquito Control Association.

Wirecutter Staff
Staff

Media Mentions

We have found the most effective and long-lasting solution to be a portable hollow fibre membrane filter that eliminates 99.99999% of harmful bacteria, the most common form of contamination seen in fresh surface water, rainwater and wells.

Christian Troy and Riley Garrison
Executive Director and Project Manager