How to Protect Babies From Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes are an unpleasant nuisance and can ruin an enjoyable summer evening. They also can carry West Nile disease, which could be deadly, especially to an infant. An ounce of prevention is much better than a infant howling with itchy red welts.
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Things You'll Need
- Mosquito netting
- Long sleeved tops and bottoms
- Moving fan
- Variety of insect repellents
Instructions
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Dress your infant or small child in long sleeves and long pants--even if it's really hot. Choose a light fabric to cover their bare legs and arms. Mosquitoes are attracted to bright colors.
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If you have mosquitoes in your house, your children and infants should wear loose long-sleeved pajamas and sleep under a light sheet.
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A moving fan may prevent mosquitoes from landing near a crib, but be sure it is not within reach of the baby or small child.
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Use an insect screen with fine mesh on windows and doors in the house and tents. Use a mosquito net over beds if mosquitoes cannot be kept out; makesure the net is secure so that a baby cannot get tangled in it. A small net is great for a stroller when you are at outdoor events. Just drape it over the stroller and tuck in the edges. Some strollers even come with an insect net.
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Children should never use a DEET concentration over 10%. Beyond this concentration, they can get systemic absorption and be more susceptible to the effects of DEET. Read labels carefully. There are repellents made specifically for infants for purchase in drug stores.
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Lemon eucalyptus mosquito repellent smells nice and has no DEET, but you should check the label for suggestions for infants and toddlers. Organic eucalyptus and lemon balm oils are also both natural and effective. Two ounces of chopped garlic mixed in a cup of warm water makes a fairly reliable organic spray but it does smell bad. Soybean oil has also been known to be effective. Many parents say that Avon Skin-so-Soft can repel the majority of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes may land but not bite.
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Apply insect repellent to children's clothing too.
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Plant marigolds around your patio area and places where children play. Marigolds are a natural insect repellent. Lemon grass is also a natural repellent. These plants help but do not completely repel mosquitoes. Light citronella candles on your porch or patio in the evenings when the family is out. Citronella candles reduce mosquito bites by 42% and citronella incense reduces bites by 24%.
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Make sure to trim your child's nails. If the child has a bite this will keep the bite from becoming infected if he or she does scratch. Cold vinegar helps relieve the itch and sting.
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Tips & Warnings
Understanding what attracts mosquitoes is as important as understanding what repels them. Mosquitoes like humidity such as perspiration and moist plants, dark clothing, carbon dioxide, floral scents, still air, early mornings or evenings and lactic acid which is released after exercising or eating salty or high-potassium foods. People who eat garlic are often not bothered by insects as much. Avoid taking your infant out at night and dump all old standing water such as rain barrels and items that have accumulated water.
Check labels to see if the makers of the repellent say that it is safe for young children. If they do not say it is safe, avoid using it on babies and toddlers. Make sure that the bug repellent is DEET-free. DEET has been shown to be harmful to young children.
Never allow children to apply their own mosquito repellent.
