How to Treat Mosquito Bites on a Baby

In most areas, mosquito bites are a necessary evil in enjoying the outdoors in the summer time. This is how to treat (and prevent) mosquito bites on your babies and small children.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Over the counter itch-relieving cream.
• Vinegar
• Cold wet washcloth.

1. Wash the area of the mosquito bite with a good anti-bacterial soap (this is especially important if the child has already scratched the area).
2. Apply over-the-counter anti-itch cream to the bite area. (Benadryl ointment works well.) Consult your child's pediatrician if you have any questions about the active ingredients in the ointment.
3. If anti-itch creams are not an option, cold vinegar dabbed on the area can help relieve some of the sting.
4. Cold compresses can reduce swelling and irritation.

Tips & Warnings

• An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Avon Skin-so-Soft can repel the majority of mosquitoes, as can many over the counter "formulated-for-baby" mosquito repellant. Make sure the bug repellant is DEET free! DEET has been shown to be harmful to young children.
• Make sure to trim your child's nails. This will prevent the bite area from becoming infected if he or she does need to scratch the bite.