How To Find The Best Insect Repellent For Your Kids & Babies

You need bug spray. Mosquitos ruin everything.

Now that summer’s approaching, it’s time to switch out the contents of your diaper bag and repack that beach tote. Gone are the winter gloves and emergency hoodies, in go the sunscreens, bathing suits and kid-safe bug sprays. And while you want to ward off mosquitos and crawlies, you might be hesitant to mist your kiddos with chemicals. You might also be wondering if natural insect remedies are worth all their fragrant aromas. Best get familiar with the different types of insect repellents, and some of their key ingredients, then you can spritz on a formula that’s right for your family.

Before you spray and head outside, consider keeping limbs covered with clothing, especially if you or your children are exploring nature, so as to protect against ticks and other pests. It might be smart if you’re going, say, hiking, to tuck pants into socks. And when you get home from outdoor activities, The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends eyeballing all outfits and bodies for signs of blood-suckers or other irritants.

Oh, and one more note about that diaper bag: The layers may come and go, but you know that sunscreen should stay in there year-round, right? Bug spray, on the other hand, is a more seasonal necessity. So think about whether or not you want to stock up for the summer fun ahead.

What To Know About Babies & Bug Spray

If your baby is under 2 months old, avoid applying insect repellent, says Sophie J. Balk M.D., attending pediatrician, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. “Strollers and baby carriers can be covered with mosquito netting to prevent insects from reaching young infants,” Balk tells Romper.

Interested in learning more? Head here to find the complete article written by Angelique Serrano.