The ten Greatest Bug Sprays for Children to Hold the Pests at Bay

When faculty is out for the summer time, it often means mosquitoes and different pesky bugs are, too. Mosquitoes and different biting bugs are most energetic when the climate warms up, and being ready with a secure and efficient repellent can assist shield your youngsters from itchy bug bites all summer time lengthy. 

When selecting a bug spray on your youngsters, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends selecting one that’s registered with the US Environmental Safety Company (EPA) as a result of its energetic elements (like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus) have been evaluated and authorised for human security and effectiveness. If you happen to favor a extra pure repellent, it’s possible you’ll need to think about one which incorporates citronella or soybean oil, that are exempt from EPA registration however can repel mosquitoes for brief durations of time. You also needs to take note how typically you’ll should reapply the repellent, how efficient it’s, and if it has a definite scent or really feel. 

To pick the very best bug sprays for youths, we consulted with two board-certified dermatologists, an entomologist, and a university professor who focuses on molecular biology and mosquito physiology. We then researched the highest bug repellents available on the market and had our editors check them at house throughout their regular outside actions. 

Our Favourite Bug Sprays for Children

The right way to Apply Bug Spray to Children Safely

On the subject of utilizing mosquito repellent in your little one, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says there are a number of precautions it’s best to comply with. First, dad and mom ought to at all times learn the product label earlier than making use of it on their little one. If the product is secure on your little one’s age, it’s best to spray it in your palms first, then rub it in your little one’s face, avoiding their eyes, mouth, and irritated pores and skin. Whereas making use of, be sure to’re in an open, well-ventilated space to keep away from respiration within the repellent.

As soon as completed, wash your little one’s palms (and your personal) to forestall the repellent from getting of their eyes or mouth, and comply with the product’s directions on how typically to reapply. You also needs to retailer the repellent in a secure spot that may’t be accessed by your little one. 

Can You Put Bug Spray on a Child?

Based on Blair Murphy Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, infants youthful than 2 months of age ought to keep away from insect repellent altogether. “As a substitute, dad and mom ought to use a mosquito web or gown their little one in comfy clothes that covers as a lot uncovered pores and skin as doable,” Dr. Rose says. 

In case your child is older than 2 months, Dr. Rose recommends utilizing a repellent that incorporates not more than 30% DEET—so long as it’s not in a pressurized can. In reality, dad and mom ought to by no means use DEET in portions of greater than 30% on a toddler of any age. 

As soon as your child is older than 6 months, Dr. Rose states that they’re sufficiently old to make use of picaridin, however they should not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol till they’re at the least 3 years outdated. 

DEET Security

DEET obtained a foul rap prior to now due to its affiliation (1 per 1 million customers) with seizures. Nonetheless, these cases had been largely brought on by misuse of DEET, corresponding to making use of it in a fashion that was inconsistent with the label directions. 

“Bug repellents that comprise DEET are secure to make use of in kids,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology who’s double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. Nonetheless, it’s best to select the bottom focus of DEET doable (e.g. 10%) and keep away from making use of DEET to infants youthful than 2 months outdated. 

As a finest follow, dad and mom ought to apply DEET sparingly to their kids, particularly if the kid is an toddler or born prematurely.

Allergic Reactions

If you happen to assume that your little one is having a response (like a rash) to an insect repellent, cease utilizing the repellent and wash their pores and skin with cleaning soap and water. Then, name your pediatrician or Poison Assist at 1-800-222-1222 for recommendation on what to do subsequent. If you happen to go to the physician’s workplace, take the repellent container with you.

Greatest Total: Off! Household Care Insect Repellent II with Picaridin

Why We Like It

This Environmental Safety Company (EPA)-registered mosquito repellent incorporates picaridin, an artificial model of an ingredient present in pepper vegetation that blocks mosquitos from sensing their prey. It’s straightforward to use, has no sturdy scent or sticky residue, and is without doubt one of the six elements beneficial by the CDC to successfully and safely repel mosquitoes.

One in every of our editors who’s liable to mosquito bites examined this spray on herself and her son whereas on the park. After two hours, neither of them had a single mosquito chew, which was a welcomed shock. She additionally appreciated that this spray distributed as a wonderful, widespread mist and didn’t really feel like there was something on their pores and skin—even after sweating. 

However Take Word

We’d adore it if this spray got here in a bigger measurement. Nonetheless, it was so efficient and barely noticeable on our pores and skin that we predict it’s fully price it—even when we now have to buy it extra typically.

The Particulars:

• Energetic ingredient: 5% Picaridin
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, fleas, and chiggers
• Really helpful age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: Each 3-4 hours

Greatest With DEET: Sawyer Managed Launch Household Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

Sawyer Merchandise Premium Household Managed Launch Insect Repellent is an EPA-registered product. Whereas gardening in his yard, one in all our editors used this repellent and did not obtain a single chew throughout the whole eight hours he spent exterior. In reality, this family-friendly repellent can repel mosquitos and different bugs for as much as 11 hours. We additionally love that it applies like lotion, is comparatively cheap, and is available in a tiny bottle, which makes it handy for folks to hold in a handbag, diaper bag, or backpack. 

However Take Word

Though this repellent is marketed as odorless, we predict it has considerably of an oily scent. It additionally left a greasy feeling on our pores and skin, which pale (together with the scent) about an hour after making use of it. Fortunately, we did not discover the scent on our garments, and it did not seem to stain them, both. 

The Particulars:

• Energetic ingredient: 20% DEET
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers
• Really helpful age: 2 months and up
• Reapplication: As much as 11 hours

Greatest With Picaridin: EarthKind Keep Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

EarthKind Keep Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent is an EPA-registered product. We love that it incorporates simply 4 elements, is secure to make use of throughout being pregnant, and works for as much as 14 hours. After making use of it to our personal pores and skin, we had been in a position to go a complete day with out being bitten, even whereas spending a number of hours at a time open air amongst seen mosquitos. 

By way of software, we like that this repellent looks like a moisturizer and provides off a barely candy scent (despite the fact that it’s technically unscented). We additionally like that its nozzle casts a variety, which is able to assist make sure you apply it evenly in your wiggly kiddo.

However Take Word

Though we like that this repellent is available in a sprig, it did make it difficult to use to our children’ faces. It didn’t seem like waterproof throughout our testing course of, and we realized shortly that a bit of goes a great distance—so rubbing it in was essential to stopping a white solid on our pores and skin.

The Particulars:

• Energetic ingredient: 20% Picaridin
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes, gnats, biting flies, and chiggers
• Really helpful age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: As much as 14 hours

Greatest Lotion: Sawyer Merchandise Picaridin Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

Sawyer Merchandise 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent is an EPA-registered product. Its thick, white consistency makes it straightforward to see the place it’s been utilized and reminds us of sunscreen—besides that it lasts for as much as 14 hours and doesn’t depart a white solid behind. One in every of our editors who examined it whereas working in her backyard reported that it was proof against sweat and guarded her from getting bitten the a number of hours that she was open air. We predict youngsters will like its nice citrus scent and fogeys will recognize that it doesn’t stain garments.

However Take Word

This lotion feels a bit greasy at first, so you’ll want to rub it in all the best way. Additionally, it’s solely accessible in a 4- or 6-ounce bottle, however its managed launch will be sure that your little one is protected all day lengthy. 

The Particulars:

• Energetic ingredient: 20% Picaridin
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes and ticks 
• Really helpful age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: As much as 14 hours

Greatest Plant-Primarily based: Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Why We Like It

If you happen to’re in search of a extra pure method to defending your child from bug bites, give Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent a strive. Particularly, this spray incorporates 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus, which may present as much as six hours of safety from mosquitoes and is the one plant-based repellent beneficial by the CDC.

This Cutter spray is an EPA-registered product. In case your little one is comfy with a Vicks VapoRub-type scent, they received’t thoughts you spraying it on their pores and skin. We like that it may also be utilized to clothes to offer youngsters an additional layer of safety.

However Take Word

Dr. Rose advises dad and mom to save lots of this repellent for his or her older youngsters since oil of lemon eucalyptus just isn’t secure for kids who’re youthful than 3 years outdated (primarily due to the dearth of analysis on younger kids). 

The Particulars:

• Energetic ingredient: 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes and ticks
• Really helpful age: 3 years and up
• Reapplication: As much as 6 hours

Greatest Stickers: BuzzPatch Mosquito Stickers for Children

Why We Like It

Simply probably the most kid-friendly choice on our checklist, the BuzzPatch Mosquito Stickers are a enjoyable, mess-free method to shield youngsters from mosquitos. Every sticker incorporates citronella oil, which makes it more durable for mosquitos to find your kiddo as a result of it masks scents that appeal to them. Based on the model, these stickers final for as much as eight hours and comprise medical-grade adhesive that can also be waterproof. This makes them a terrific various to spray and straightforward to take alongside for tenting, a visit to a theme park, or a day on the seaside. 

We love that these stickers are available a pack of 60 colourful smiley faces with particular directions on the place to put them relying in your little one’s age. And since these stickers are worn on clothes moderately than pores and skin, they’re even secure for infants to put on—though it’s best to at all times test together with your pediatrician first.

However Take Word

Since Buzz Patch Mosquito Repellent Stickers comprise citronella oil, they’re exempt from registration with the EPA. Additionally, every sticker solely repels a specific amount of space, so older youngsters and adults are required to put on extra. 

The Particulars:

• Energetic ingredient: 10% citronella oil
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes
• Really helpful age: No age restriction
• Reapplication: As much as 8 hours

Greatest Wipes: Cutter All Household Mosquito Wipes

Why We Like It

The Cutter All Household Mosquito Wipes are EPA-registered and value simply $7 a pack. We like that they’ve a nice citrus scent and don’t depart behind a sticky residue. And since most youngsters are accustomed to child wipes, this repellent is simple to use on little ones (however you’ll want to keep away from your little one’s eyes, mouth, and palms). 

One in every of our favourite issues about these wipes is their measurement. They’re a terrific choice for folks on the go and are sufficiently small to slot in a fanny pack. Plus, they’re even throughout the limits for carry-on baggage, which implies your loved ones will probably be shielded from mosquitoes as quickly as they step off the airplane.

However Take Word

Though comparatively cheap, the draw back to those wipes is that they should be reapplied each two hours for the reason that focus of DEET is low (7.15%).

The Particulars:

• Energetic ingredient: 7.15% DEET
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, no-see-ums, chiggers, fleas
• Really helpful age: 2 months and up
• Reapplication: Each 2 hours 

Greatest Bracelets: Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Why We Like It

In case your child places up a battle about utilizing bug spray, these Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets are a terrific various. They arrive in a colourful pack of 10 and will be worn in your little one’s wrist or ankle (so long as they’re at the least 3 years outdated). Every bracelet is efficient for as much as 10 days or 250 hours and will be saved within the resealable bundle when not in use. 

To keep at bay mosquitoes, these bracelets comprise a mix of important oils, together with geranium, lemongrass, and citronella oil, which were proven to assist stop mosquito bites. And since they’re waterproof, they’ll nonetheless shield your kiddo throughout a day on the seaside or a dip within the pool. 

However Take Word

Since Cliganic bracelets comprise quite a lot of important oils, they’re exempt from registration with the EPA. Additionally, they aren’t for youths who’re youthful than 3 years outdated, so dad and mom ought to hold them out of attain from their little ones.

The Particulars:

• Energetic ingredient: 16.05% Geranium oil, 5% lemongrass oil, 0.95% citronella oil 
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitos
• Really helpful age: 3 years and up
• Reapplication: 250 hours

Greatest Natural: Good day Bello Natural Bug Spray

Why We Like It

We love that this Good day Bello Natural Bug Spray is created from a combination of natural important oils which were confirmed to repel mosquitoes. It’s hypoallergenic, incorporates no parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances, and is blended with vitamin E, an antioxidant that moisturizes the pores and skin and improves its total well being.

Along with youngsters, this spray is secure on your furry relations—your pets! Good day Bello additionally claims it’s secure for pregnant individuals to make use of; nevertheless, we at all times suggest checking together with your healthcare supplier earlier than doing so. 

However Take Word

As a result of important oil elements, this spray isn’t beneficial for infants who’re youthful than 6 months outdated. Additionally, it must be utilized each 4 hours because it doesn’t comprise energetic elements like DEET or picaridin. 

The Particulars:

• Energetic elements: Citronella, lemongrass, thyme, cedarwood, and peppermint oil
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitos
• Really helpful age: 6 months and up
• Reapplication: 4 hours

Greatest Mosquito Internet: Sysmie Mosquito Internet for Stroller

Why We Like It

Mosquito nets are probably the most fundamental but efficient methods to forestall mosquito bites. Our favourite is that this Sysmie web as a result of it extends practically 5 ft large and has loads of stretch to suit over a stroller, play yard, bassinet, or automotive seat. This breathable web is available in a pack of two in seven colours and folds down flat, making it straightforward to hold alongside in your diaper bag and tremendous handy for journey. 

However Take Word

In fact, this web received’t shield your baby after they’re exterior their stroller, which is why it’s additionally not an choice for older youngsters. 

The Particulars:

• Energetic ingredient: None
• Protects in opposition to: Mosquitos
• Really helpful age: 0-4 years
• Reapplication: None

Different Notable Bug Sprays for Children

• OFF! Energetic Insect Repellent I (15% DEET): This product lived as much as its promise of defending us from mosquitoes for 4-5 hours. It was straightforward to use and didn’t depart a greasy movie on our pores and skin. Nonetheless, it did emit a scent and the bottle was moderately small, so we’d have to exchange it extra typically than we’d like. 
• Natrapel Tick and Insect Repellent (20% Picaridin): Though this product did a very good job of defending us from mosquitoes, it has a powerful chemical-like scent and the bottle sprays an excessive amount of repellent out at a time. 
• Ben’s 30% DEET Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes: We like that this repellent is simple to wipe on, nevertheless, it didn’t take up properly and we didn’t discover it very efficient at defending us from mosquitoes.

Our Testing Course of 

We started our analysis and testing course of by interviewing 4 specialists to study which mosquito repellent elements are secure, efficient, and beneficial by the CDC, in addition to the varied security measures dad and mom ought to comply with when making use of mosquito repellent to their kids. We then researched and examined the highest mosquito repellents available on the market, prioritizing these beneficial by the CDC, and regarded merchandise that make the most of important oils which are registered with the EPA, corresponding to citronella and oil of lemon eucalyptus. 

When testing mosquito repellents, our editors paid shut consideration to the next: 

• Utility: Our editors first utilized a check patch on their arm and famous how straightforward it was to use. After 5 minutes, they watched for any antagonistic reactions and noticed how the repellent felt on their pores and skin, how lengthy it took to dry, the way it smelled, and if it stayed on their pores and skin when uncovered to water. 
• Efficacy: Our editors wore every repellent open air at the least 5 separate occasions. They famous how properly it stayed on their pores and skin in the event that they started to sweat and if it protected them from bugs for the listed period of time. 
• Portability: Lastly, we decided how moveable the product was by evaluating how properly it slot in a tote bag and if it leaked when carrying it round. 

Our Specialists

Resulting from their particular person experience in biology, entomology, and dermatology, we obtained steering from the next specialists earlier than starting our analysis and testing course of: 

• Immo A. Hansen, an affiliate professor of biology at New Mexico State College who focuses on molecular biology and physiology of mosquitoes
• Wizzie Brown, BCE, entomologist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology who’s double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology
• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist

Components to Take into account When Shopping for Bug Spray for Children

• Components: When selecting a mosquito repellent, entomologist Wizzie Brown says the primary rule of thumb is to search for an EPA-registered product that incorporates one of many six CDC-recommended elements: DEET, Picaridin (generally known as KBR 3023 and icaridin exterior the US), IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol, and 2-undecanone. Brown explains that these elements will shield your little one from West Nile and Zika Virus, and when used as directed, EPA-registered mosquito repellents are secure and efficient, even for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
• Effectiveness: Though sure important oils can repel mosquitoes, Professor Hansen says they received’t shield you so long as elements like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus do as a result of they evaporate shortly. Basically, DEET is named the gold commonplace for mosquito repellents, and Hansen explains {that a} increased focus works for an extended time frame.
• Utility Methodology: The most typical method to apply mosquito repellent is to spray it in your palms and rub it in your pores and skin. Nonetheless, many mosquito repellents at the moment are accessible within the type of lotion, wipes, stickers, and bracelets. 
• Scent and Pores and skin Really feel: Mosquito repellents have a status for being smelly and sticky, however that sturdy scent (most frequently from DEET) is what protects us from mosquitoes. Nonetheless, picaridin is almost odorless and simply as efficient as DEET, whereas oil of lemon eucalyptus has a definite scent that your kiddo is likely to be okay with.
• Length of Safety: Mosquito repellents can final anyplace from a number of hours to days at a time, relying on what repellent you employ. For instance, DEET repellents can be found in quite a lot of concentrations with the strongest lasting the longest. If you happen to’re trying to restrict your little one’s publicity to chemical compounds, utilizing a decrease focus of DEET is one choice or choosing a extra pure repellent, like stickers or a bracelet. 

Who We Are

Laura Lu, MS, is a commerce and parenting author at Dad and mom and a mother of two. She and her household reside close to a bay in sunny Southern California, which makes them liable to the occasional mosquito invasion. She believes in balancing efficient elements with pure merchandise as a lot as doable and has used each Off! Household Care Insect Repellent II with Picaridin and BuzzPatch Mosquito Stickers for Children to guard her little ones from bug bites.