With the return of the sun, and a few days of summer, you have surely noticed that our friends the mosquitoes are numerous present in our gardens, parks for children. If as adults we easily protect ourselves with anti-mosquito products available in pharmacies or parapharmacy, how to protect your baby from mosquitoes? What kind of products can you use without risk? Because babies and children must be particularly well protected from bites. Here is some information to help you choose the right mosquito repellent and allow your child to fully enjoy the summer season.
Itching or illness : why protect your baby?
Not only is itching unpleasant, but mosquitoes can also transmit dangerous diseases. The most famous are malaria and dengue fever, which is why caution is required, especially when traveling far away in the tropics. I strongly recommend that you consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get as much practical information as possible in real time.
But then how to effectively protect a baby against mosquitoes without harming his health? Are there any chemicals that are already harmless for babies? Is there a protection both organic and natural, anti-mosquito effective and appreciated for babies!
Mosquito repellent for babies : what substances are present in the products?
The most effective and common method to protect against bites is to use anti-mosquito products. However, caution is advised, especially for infants – products that can be used on adults are generally not suitable for children under the age of two.
Be sure to read the instructions carefully and seek advice if you have any doubts.
This is due to the substances contained in the products, as babies’ delicate skin and respiratory tracts absorb the harmful substances in repellents more intensively than those of their parents. The active ingredients irritate the mucous membranes and can trigger allergies. It is important to remember that babies like to put their hands in their mouths, which should not come into contact with the mosquito repellent. Therefore, it is recommended not to use mosquito repellents during the first year of life and preferably before the age of two.
Diethyltoluamide (or DEET) : an anti-mosquito product known since the 1950s, not recommended
It is one of the most effective products against mosquitoes according to studies. The age at which it can be used is very controversial. We talk about 2 years, 3 years and sometimes even only from 8 years. The fact is that DEET is not suitable for babies and it is strongly discouraged to use products containing DEET on infants and young children. If you are a nursing mother, but pregnant women are as well, you should refrain from using DEET-based mosquito repellents. For us, DEET is not an alternative, whether we are small or large.
A natural repellent : citronella
Citronella is a very effective mosquito repellent. It can be used in the form of a spray or as a match and stokers to stick.
Thus a sticker is supposed to have an effect up to 72 hours and keep mosquitoes away from baby. Simply stick it on clothes, bag, stroller, baby carrier, etc. and the light scent of citronella will drive away annoying mosquitoes. Some people swear by its effectiveness, others are less convinced. As with all methods, you have to try it!
They are suitable for babies from 6 months of age. The stickers are cheap and really worth trying! Indeed, there is no skin contact between your baby and the product. This is of course much safer than chemical repellents that are applied to the skin.
Stickers are particularly appreciated when traveling far away in the tropics. They are easy to carry in a suitcase.
Using plants to scare mosquitoes away from baby
In addition to chemical mosquito repellents, there are herbal products such as citronella, which I mention just above this paragraph. But you can also use tea tree oil, lavender, geranium, clove, but most of them have a very limited effectiveness against mosquitoes. In addition, allergic reactions are possible, especially with additional exposure to the sun. An exception is citridiol (PMD) from the essential oil of a species of eucalyptus native to China.
Mosquito protection for the baby’s room
A natural protection against mosquitoes is, for example, to place mosquito nets in front of windows and balcony doors. But also a special mosquito net over the crib in the room, or the stroller. In addition, the bedroom should be much cooler than the rest of the apartment, because mosquitoes do not like to go from hot to cold.
Children should avoid proximity to flower beds, open rain barrels and garbage cans.
Light sources attract mosquitoes, so avoid opening windows or doors when there is light. Colorful and floral clothing should also be avoided, as it attracts insects. The same applies to scented soaps, perfumes and hairspray.
Long-sleeved clothing, closed socks and shoes, and a head covering are the best ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
As you can see, there are many ways to fight mosquitoes and protect your baby. In spray, essential oil or lotion form, there are many products sold at all prices. You should give preference to natural mosquito repellents as much as possible, such as the products of the Puressentiel brand (Spray Répulsif Bébé Anti-Pique for example).
