Are you worried over by seeing those red marks on your baby’s delicate skin due to mosquito bites? As a mother, you would definitely want only the best of everything for your baby. Therefore using a mosquito repellent is a must. Read on to know the need of mosquito repellents that can protect your little one.
Mosquito repellent helps to prevent mosquitoes from biting your baby for a period of time. The effectiveness of them depends on the chemicals used in them and the humidity of the weather. A strong chemical substance called ‘DEET’ (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide or diethyltoluamide) is used in insect repellents which provide protection against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, and many other biting insects.
1. Type: Creams, roll-on sticks, wipes and lotions
Pros: It is effective in indoors
Cons: It can cause an allergic reaction if it is applied directly on your baby’s skin.
Safety precautions: Consult your doctor if you are willing to use it on your baby less than three months of age and ensure that you buy a reputed brand with a proven safety standards.
2. Type: Liquid vapouriser
Pros: It is effective in outdoors
Cons: It emits fumes when heated
Safety precautions: If you are using it in a room, you must not take your baby inside until the vapouriser is switched on, so it is always safe to have your baby away from the place/area where the vapouriser is on.
3. Type: Sprays and foams
Pros: It is effective in indoors and in outdoors in a limited area
Cons: There is possibility that the spray mist may be inhaled.
Safety precautions: It may cause allergies and breathing problems for infants
4. Type: Coils
Pros: It is effective in outdoors in a limited area
Cons: Coils release smoke when burnt
Safety precautions: The coils may cause allergies and breathing problems for babies.
5. Type: Mats
Pros: It is effective in indoors
Cons: It emits fumes when heated
Safety precautions: It may cause allergies and breathing problems
6. Type: Essential oils, such as citronella, neem oil, etc.
Pros: It is effective on direct application
Cons: These may cause allergic reactions and the effect may not last long
Safety precautions: Essential oils are very strong and should not be used directly on the skin of babies or even toddlers.
When your baby is at home, you can use a mosquito net, but it cannot be carried everywhere while travelling with your baby. Mosquito repellents can be safe for your baby, but you need to know the factors that needs to be considered while choosing a mosquito repellent.
Badger Balm Anti-Bug Balm
Active Ingredients: 10% *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, and Essential Oils of 5% *Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella), 2% *Cedrus Atlantica (Cedar), 2% *Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass), 1% *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), & 1% *Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium)
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California Baby Natural Bug Blend
Active Ingredients: Pure essential oils of *cymbopogon nardus (citronella) 5%, *cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) .5%, *cedrus atlantica (cedar) .5%.
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EcoSMART Insect Repellent
Active Ingredients: 0.5% Rosemary oil, 0.5% Cinnamon Leaf Oil, 0.5% Lemongrass Oil, 1% Geranoil
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All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellent
Active Ingredients: Oil of Soybean 11.5%, Oil of Citronella 10.0%, Oil of Peppermint 2.0%, Oil of Cedar 1.50%, Oil of Lemongrass 1.00%, Oil of Geranium 0.05%.
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Buzz Away Extreme Towelettes
Active Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Geranium Oil, Castor Oil, Purified Water, Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Lecithin, Sodium bicarbonate, Citric Acid, benzoic Acid. In a blend of Essential Oils of Wintergreen, Citronella, Cedarwood, Peppermint and Lemongrass. (Patented base HOMS® formula*)
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Repel Natural Insect Repellent Pump Spray | Ages 2 Months And Up
Active Ingredients: Geraniol 5.0% , Soybean Oil 2.0%
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Without being afraid of the DEET and other harmful chemical products there are certain natural remedies that can be done at home in order to protect your baby.
Neem leaves
Neem leaves can be burnt and the smoke that is produced helps to drive away mosquitoes.
Essential oils of neem, citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus
The above oils are all known to be effective mosquito repellents. But don't apply them directly on the skin. Those oils are strong and known to cause allergies on sensitive skin. Just a few drops of essential oils on your bedding will be fine. You could also put a few drops on a piece of cloth which you can put under your sheet.
You can make an organic mosquito repellent spray for you baby by following the procedure given below.
Things needed:
Mix witch hazel and water in 50-50 ratio. Add 15 drops of essential oil of your choice. Spray this on your baby’s arms, legs, backs, and necks. Do not take your baby around heavily forested areas and stagnant water. This homemade spray will protect your baby’s skin from harmful insect and bug bites.
This organic lotion is 100% natural and it is very much suitable for your tiny little baby.
Mix the above oils together and apply it on your baby’s arms and other exposed parts. Even if they tend to get into their mouths, it won’t do any harm to your baby since they contain only natural ingredients.