How to Protect a Baby From Mosquitos

Mosquito bites are usually harmless to a baby, just as they are with adults. In extremely rare cases, malaria, arboviral encephalitis and West Nile virus are harmful results. But these diseases are so rare, parents should not be alarmed. Typically, your baby will react with slightly swollen itchy bumps, just as an adult would. A potential exists for infection from scratching, but it is minimal.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Insect repellent
• Light-colored clothing
• Mosquito netting

1. Avoid places where mosquitos thrive, such as lakes, woods, anywhere with stagnant water, flowery gardens or open food areas.

2. Find an insect repellent that's safe for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using products on infants and children that contain only 10 percent of DEET, which is the best chemical repellent against insect bites.

3. Lightly spray an appropriate insect repellent on your baby's clothes, then on your hands to spread on his or her skin.

4. Dress your baby in tightly woven clothing, which covers most of his or her exposed skin. This can offer some barrier to mosquitos. Light-colored clothing deters mosquitos more than dark-colored clothing.

5. Avoid risky areas during dusk and dawn, the times of day when mosquitos are most prevalent.

6. Purchase mosquito netting for strollers, playmats and other places your baby may be outside.

Tips & Warnings

• There are also natural mosquito repellants such as lavender and other herbs. For a chemical free repellant (especially for babies with sensitive skin), explore those options.
• Seek immediate medical attention if mosquito bites on your baby cause sudden difficulty in breathing, hives, extreme swelling around the eyes, lips or genitalia or unconsciousness.

Resources

• Go the AAP for more tips on mosquito bites and babies.