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Home › Articles › Illnesses, Diseases & Disorders › Safely Keeping Bugs Away from Baby

Safely Keeping Bugs Away from Baby

Are Insect Repellents Safe for Babies?

By Shannon McKelden

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Marisa Santoro, mother of a 21-month-old from Old Bridge, N.J., was very concerned about insects when her daughter was small. "This was one of my first questions to other moms the moment summer started, as I feared putting anything too harsh on my daughter," Santoro says. "More than one person suggested Avon's Skin So Soft insect repellent as one of the safest products to use. It's not on the mainstream baby shopping circuit, but it works and had no side effects."

Another thing Santoro tried was using repellents in a more "indirect" manner. "I had some reservations about spraying my baby directly on her skin, so during the early months I simply sprayed her baby carriage and prayed the buggers kept their distance, which they did!" she says.

While Santoro feels that Avon's product worked well for her daughter, experts have mixed reactions about products that haven't been proven effective. After all, you may be protecting your child from contracting a potentially dangerous or deadly disease.

"Parents should choose a repellent that possesses an EPA registration label," says Conlon, who has in the past testified before Congress on mosquito-borne disease issues. "This means that the product has demonstrated that it works as advertised and does not possess any carcinogenic, teratogenic or toxic qualities that might preclude its use. Products not registered by the EPA have not demonstrated their safety or efficacy and should be avoided."

He also adds that parents should avoid any products being recommended based upon testimonials (garlic, essential oils such as peppermint, cloves, etc.). "Also to be avoided are any acoustic repellents, repellent wristbands and electronic repellors," Conlon says. "If in doubt, contact the AMCA or CDC."

Never Enough Protection

Dr. Beth A. Drolet, medical director of Dermatology at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, recommends these additional ways to protect your baby against mosquitoes and other biting insects:

  • Avoid peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn).
  • Wear long sleeves and long pants with pant legs tucked into socks.
  • Avoid areas with standing water.
  • Stay out of gardens where flowers are blooming.
  • Always do a full body check for ticks after going inside.

Other options include using mosquito netting or tents, an alterative used by Esther Baird of Beverly, Mass. "I bought a yard or two of netting – almost like a tulle – when I was in the mountains with my first daughter," she says. She bought clear and camouflage, which had the added benefit of providing some shade. "They are big enough to throw over my stroller/bouncy seat or what have you. It's way cheaper than the fancy official 'baby net' and works just as well!"


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