Bug to Draw for Kids
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The Best Bug Repellents for Kids
HGTV editors and a pediatrician share recommendations on how to keep kids bite-free this summer.
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Ah, the joys of summer: pool days, outdoor adventures, ice cream and sunshine. One thing no one looks forward to though? Bug bites. Pesky mosquitos and ticks suck the fun out of summer faster than ice cream melts. To help protect your kids against these annoying buggers and get back to carefree outdoor living, we rounded up the best bug repellents recommended by our editors as well as health and safety tips from a pediatrician.
One of the most important reasons to use bug repellents is to reduce the risk of infection from tick- and mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, Lyme, Rocky Mounted Spotted Fever and West Nile Virus. "It's great for kids and families to be outside to play and take hikes in the woods," said Dr. Sophie Balk, Attending Pediatrician at Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Professor of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and member of the AAP Council on Environmental Health and Climate Control. "Unfortunately, insects are outside too! Diseases transmitted by certain insects can cause serious health effects in children and adults." Generally, you can avoid serious illness by checking for ticks after outdoor play and appropriately using insect repellent.
Is DEET safe to use?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Dr. Balk, bug repellent with 10 to 30 percent DEET is safe to use on children who are 2 months of age or older. "Using an insect repellent that works well – such as DEET – is recommended when there's a possibility of getting a serious illness transmitted by the bite of an insect," said Dr. Balk. "DEET can also be used when insects are likely to be annoying, such as at a barbeque or beach." Of course, you can always check with your pediatrician if you have concerns or specific questions. Dr. Balk also suggested using the EPA's repellent search tool to find an approved product.
Because DEET is toxic if ingested, you shouldn't leave these products in reach of children. It's best to apply sprays in an open area so children don't inhale it. You shouldn't apply sprays containing DEET directly to a child's face or hands. Instead, spritz the bug repellent to your hands first, then apply it to your child's body to avoid possible inhalation. When you go inside, Dr. Balk instructs parents to wash children's skin with soap and water, do a tick check and wash clothing before wearing again.
DEET is proven to be effective at repelling mosquitos and ticks whereas non-chemical repellents, like picaridin and essential oils, need further study to determine their effectiveness at repelling ticks. "Most 'natural' insect repellants repel insects only for a short time," Dr. Balk cautions. "These products can be applied if there is no concern about getting an insect-borne illness. If there is a concern, a product such as DEET is needed."
What if my child has sensitive skin?
There are other non-topical ways to prevent tick and mosquito bites. For newborns, use a mosquito net draped over a stroller or playpen. Dress older children and toddlers in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants. A sun hat may even help keep bugs out of children's faces.
Dr. Balk recommends tucking in shirts and pulling socks over pants in areas where ticks are prevalent. She also suggests spraying repellant to clothing instead of directly on the skin if your child has sensitivities.
How much do I need to use?
It's important to note that bug spray doesn't work the same way as sunscreen. You don't need to keep reapplying repellents every two hours since both chemical and natural repellents work for at least two to three hours. Applying more or using a heavily concentrated DEET repellent (more than 30 percent) is not recommended since this doesn't improve the effectiveness of the product and could cause avoidable irritation. "Parents can choose the lowest concentration that will be effective based on the amount of time kids will be outside," Dr. Balk explains. "If you know you will be out for an hour, for example, choose a product with 10 percent DEET. The AAP and the CDC do not recommend using products with more than 30 percent DEET on children."
Now that you have the facts, we'll help you choose the right repellent for your family. Whether you're looking for something heavy-duty or a quick-and-easy on-the-go solution, we rounded up some of our editors' favorite sprays, lotions and more.
Best Bug Spray for Kids
Best DEET-Free Bug Repellent for Kids
Best Natural Bug Spray for Kids
Best Bug Repellent Wipes for Kids
Best Bug Repellent Lotion for Kids
Best Bug Repellent Clothing + Accessories for Kids
Best Bug Bite Treatment for Kids
Dr. Balk recommends this homemade solution from the CDC to soothe bug bites: Mix one tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the bug bite, wait 10 minutes, then rinse. Over-the-counter antihistamine or anti-itch creams and ice packs are also safe and effective to relieve itching.
More Easy Does It
All-Natural Insect Repellents 01:42
Deter outdoor pests with these three all-natural insect repellents.
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Source: https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/family/kids-and-babies/best-bug-repellent-for-kids
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