Best Bug Sprays for Babies

BEST BABY BUG SPRAYS

  • Best Overall Bug Spray for Babies : Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard
  • Best Natural Bug Spray for Babies : Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent Spray
  • Best Bug Spray Wipes : Cutter All Family Mosquito Wipes
  • Best Travel-Sized Bug Spray : California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray
  • Best Value Bug Spray : Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent
  • Best Bug Spray Lotion : Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion

Nothing will send you running inside on a nice summer night faster than pesky, persistent mosquitos. Although a good bug spray can help protect you from masses of itchy bites, you may wonder if it’s suitable for your baby’s sensitive skin.

The short answer: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says you can use bug spray on your baby — as long as she's at least 2 months of age and the formula doesn’t contain more than 30 percent DEET (an ingredient used in lots of bug sprays used to ward off mosquitos, ticks and chiggers). Also important to know: Insect repellents that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol / p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) are not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children under 3 years old.

But the specifics on using bug spray on babies gets a little complex from there. Here’s everything parents and caregivers need to know, written by Brigitt Earley.

LAST UPDATED

February 10, 2025

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

What to Expect

Media Mentions from What to Expect

Your go-to resource for preconception, pregnancy and parenting advice.

What to Expect is the world’s best-known, most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand, helping every parent know what to expect, every step of the way. Building on the bestselling What to Expect book series by Heidi Murkoff, What to Expect Digital reaches over 15 million parents and parents-to-be each month with its popular website and top-rated apps for Android, iOS, and Amazon Echo.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

Whether for gardening, mowing or warm evenings outside, we found Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent to be an excellent choice in every setting.

Health
Media Mentions from Health

Media Mentions

The efficacy of DEET without harsh chemicals. Sawyer Picardin Insect Repellent is our go-to skin protection against mosquitos and ticks. We prefer the lotion to the spray-on, which lasts 8-14 hours.

Adventure Alan
Media Mentions from Adventure Alan

Media Mentions

We recommend this lotion from Sawyer for its effectiveness, thorough application, and easily transportable bottle.

Real Simple
Media Mentions from Real Simple