Protecting infants from biting insects, which transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Zika, is a major concern. Balancing this protection with limiting a baby’s exposure to synthetic chemicals creates a challenge. Infants are more susceptible to potential toxic effects than adults because their delicate skin readily absorbs substances and they have smaller body masses. Therefore, insect protection for the youngest children must prioritize physical barriers before introducing chemical repellents.
Physical Barriers for Infant Protection
For infants under two months of age, the consensus from pediatric health organizations is to avoid the use of all chemical insect repellents. The primary strategy relies entirely on physical protection to prevent bites. Fine-mesh netting (mosquito netting) should be draped securely over strollers, carriers, and cribs whenever the baby is outdoors. This netting creates an effective physical barrier that blocks insects without requiring any skin application.
Covering exposed skin with clothing is another highly effective non-chemical method. Parents should dress the baby in lightweight, loose-fitting garments that cover the arms and legs, even in warm weather. Light-colored clothing is recommended because it may be less attractive to some insects than dark colors. Highly scented baby lotions, soaps, or perfumes can attract biting insects and should be avoided when spending time outside. Minimizing time outdoors during peak mosquito hours (typically dawn and dusk) further reduces the risk of bites.
Recommended Active Ingredients by Age
For babies two months of age and older, several Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered active ingredients are safe and effective when applied correctly. Chemical repellents are recommended because the risk of contracting a serious insect-borne illness outweighs the minimal risk associated with proper repellent use. The concentration of the active ingredient dictates the duration of protection, not the level of effectiveness.
DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is one of the most thoroughly studied and effective repellents available. For children over two months, major pediatric organizations approve products containing 10% to 30% DEET. A 10% concentration provides protection for about two hours, while 30% can last for approximately five hours. Parents should select the lowest concentration that covers the planned outdoor period and avoid products exceeding 30% DEET.
Picaridin (KBR 3023 or icaridin) is an excellent alternative to DEET. It is effective against mosquitoes and ticks and carries a lower risk of skin irritation. Picaridin-based products are safe for infants two months and older, with concentrations typically ranging from 5% to 20%.
IR3535, a synthetic amino acid, is an additional EPA-registered ingredient safe for use on children over two months old. It may not provide the same duration of protection as DEET or Picaridin. Products containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) must be avoided for all children under three years of age due to a lack of safety data. Pure essential oils (e.g., citronella or cedar) are not EPA-registered, are ineffective, and can cause skin irritation or toxicity in young children.
Safe Application Guidelines
Once an appropriate, age-approved repellent is selected, the application method is paramount to safety. Never spray the repellent directly onto the child’s face. Instead, spray the product onto an adult’s hands first, then carefully rub it onto the baby’s exposed skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Avoid applying repellent to a baby’s hands, as infants frequently put their hands in their mouths, leading to accidental ingestion. Apply repellent only to exposed skin or the outside of clothing, never underneath clothing where it can be absorbed more readily. Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
When using both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply them separately; avoid combination products. Apply sunscreen first, allow it to dry for about 20 minutes, and then apply the insect repellent over it. This sequence prevents overexposure to the repellent, as sunscreen requires frequent reapplication. Upon returning indoors, immediately wash the repellent off the child’s skin with soap and water, and launder treated clothing.