Can You Use Bug Spray on a Baby?
Medically reviewed by Wendy L. Hunter, M.D.Medically reviewed by Wendy L. Hunter, M.D.
Once you’ve found yourself out of the trenches with your newborn, you might be itching to get them outside and into nature. Maybe you’re looking forward to enjoying a picnic in the park, a family hike, or even a day at the lake. But while the great outdoors can provide wonderful benefits, sometimes nature can be a little too natural, and a pesky mosquito or horde of insects can ruin your day or even become dangerous.
You might think covering your baby in bug spray is the best option, but not all bug sprays are made the same, and some are even not safe. So, what is the best option?
Below experts explain what types of bug sprays are safe to use on babies, how to apply them, potential risks, and more.
Getty Images / Biserka Stojanovic
Safety Guidelines for Using Bug Sprays on Babies
When choosing an insect repellant for your baby, it’s important to always read the product label and the manufacturer’s instructions, and ensure the bug spray is age appropriate and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“EPA registered products such as DEET and Picaridin have been thoroughly studied and are considered both most effective at preventing insect bites and safe when used correctly,” says April Graham, DO, pediatrician at Atlantic Health System.
DEET is type of bug repellent that is most widely used to fend off mosquitoes and ticks. The EPA reports that an estimated one-third of the US population use DEET every year to protect them from mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus, the Zika virus or malaria and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Can You Use Bug Spray on a Baby?
DEET and Picaridin based repellents are only approved for babies over 2 months of age. No bug spray is safe for children under 2 months. For babies older than 2 months, follow the safety guidelines above when choosing a risk-free bug spray.
Once you have selected a bug spray that is right for your infant, check for reactions by performing a patch test on a small area of your baby’s skin. If there is no reaction, apply the bug spray sparingly to exposed skin, being careful to avoid their eyes, mouth, and hands.
“Using more than what is required does not make it more effective and may increase your baby’s risk for skin irritation,” adds Dr. Graham. “If you suspect that your baby is having a reaction to an insect repellent, stop using the product, wash their skin with soap and water, and call your baby’s pediatrician or poison control.”
Potential Risks of Using Bug Spray on Babies
As with most things, there are some risks to be aware of when using bug spray on your baby.
Skin Irritation: Baby skin is much more sensitive compared to that of an older child or adult, making it more susceptible to skin irritation including redness, itch, and rash.
Lung Irritation: Irritation of the lungs can occur when spraying insect repellent too close to your baby’s face or in a poorly ventilated area.
Bug Spray Neurotoxicity: Lastly, while extremely rare, bug spray neurotoxicity can occur due to accidental ingestion. This most commonly occurs when a baby touches their mouth with hands that have insect repellant applied.
“But DEET and Picaridin have great safety records,” says Neha Pathak, MD, FACP. “Just remember, these shouldn't be used on infants under 2 months old, and always follow the guidelines to prevent overexposure. She recommends dressing young kids in loose fitting long sleeves and pants so you only have to apply minimal bug spray.
Types of Bug Sprays That Are Safe for Babies
Here are the top insect repellents that are safe to use on infants and toddlers:
DEET-based repellents
If you’re purchasing bug spray, you’re likely buying a product that has DEET in it. DEET was originally developed by the US Army in 1964, and is a chemical repellent that works by confusing bugs and making it difficult for them to smell humans.
“When you're picking a bug repellent, look for ones with DEET (under 30%), IR3535 (20%), or Picaridin,” says Dr. Pathak. “Make sure it's EPA-registered, and follow the directions for safe use. These are key for keeping your little one protected.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises using the lowest concentration for a bug spray for babies based on how long protection is needed. For example, DEET concentrations can range from 5% to nearly 100%, providing 1.5 to 12 hours of protection, but for babies and children the AAP recommends using bug spray with no more than 10-30% DEET.
While DEET is considered the gold standard, it has made many parents nervous because of very few past reports of seizures in children who were exposed to the repellent. Experts say this is likely because the child was exposed to too much of the product.
Picaridin-based repellents
Like DEET, picaridin is a repellent that works by deterring insects by creating a vapor barrier on the skin. It is a newer option on the market, but it has been studied and is considered safe for infants over 2 months of age.
The EPA reports that a 20% concentration of picaridin may repel gnats, mosquitos, ticks, flies, and chiggers for 8 to 14 hours, and a 10% solution may work for 5 to 12 hours.
Parents like picaridin, because unlike DEET-based products, picaridin is not greasy and has no odor. However, because it is a newer repellent there is almost no research on the long-term effects of using the product, that’s why healthcare professionals and medical experts usually recommend a DEET-based bug spray for babies instead.
Natural repellents
Options that are not DEET-based are out there, and a natural repellent like oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) can provide some benefits.
“Oil of lemon eucalyptus (different from lemon eucalyptus essential oil) is a plant derived and EPA registered insect repellent, also shown to be effective against insects,” explains Dr. Graham
Some people opt for OLE because it protects up to six hours, but it is not safe or intended for use in children under three years of age.
Other more natural options include essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, citronella, geraniol, and soybean oils. They can offer some protection, but are primarily only good for preventing mosquito bites and not bug-borne diseases. Allergic reactions are also possible in infants, especially if the oils are not diluted or applied properly.
“And it is important to remember that natural does not always mean safe or effective,” says Dr. Graham. “Natural alternatives are considered relatively safe, but are not regulated.”
Alternative Bug Sprays for Babies
If you’re looking for ways to prevent your kids from getting bug bites that don’t involve any chemicals or oils, you can make sure your baby’s skin is covered as much as possible when outside. This includes tucking their pants into their socks, wearing a long sleeve breathable shirt and even a sun hat with a wide rim.
You can also avoid heavily scented soaps or detergents, says Dr. Pathak, as these tend to attract bugs. And when possible, don’t stand still for too long if you’re next to bodies of water or a large area of flowers, as bugs tend to stay close to these areas.
Factors To Consider When Selecting a Bug Spray for Your Baby
It is best to consider how long your baby will be outdoors and needing protection against insects, when choosing a bug spray, explains Dr. Graham.
“The higher the concentration of the product’s active ingredient (i.e. DEET), the longer protection it will provide, but the higher concentrations often come with increased risks like skin irritation, rash, and even vomiting,” she says.
To prevent exposure of your baby's eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs to aerosol insect repellents, consider using stick applicators, lotions, or unpressurized sprays. Don't forget to thoroughly read product labels and educate yourself on any safety precautions.
If you’re unsure about what the right option is for your child, you can always call your pediatrician, and the EPA has an online repellent search tool to help you find the best products.
“Also, products that market themselves as combined repellent and sun protection aren't always the best one to use,” adds Dr. Pathak. Consider buying a sunscreen that is safe for babies and a bug spray and using both in conjunction for optimal protection.
How To Safely Apply Bug Spray on Babies
Once you’ve found the right bug spray for your baby, here's the best way to safely apply it:
Cover as much of their skin as possible with light, breathable clothing.
Dr. Graham advises that if your baby is 6 months or older, apply a layer of sunscreen to any exposed skin first to provide sun protection.
From there, apply the repellent on your own hands and then rub a thin layer of the product onto your baby's exposed skin—avoiding the eyes, mouth, hands, and any irritated skin.
Use spray repellents in open and ventilated areas to protect your baby’s lungs.
Lastly, wash the repellent off your baby’s skin with soap and water after returning indoors.
Alternative Methods To Protecting Your Baby From Bugs and Insects
No bug spray is not 100% effective at preventing all bug bites, says Dr. Pathak, that’s why you should have other preventive measures in place.
“Along with repellent, use mosquito nets where appropriate and avoid outdoor play times at dawn and dusk when certain mosquitoes are most active,” she says.
Dressing your baby in flower prints or bright colors can make them more attractive to insects. Instead, opt for light-colored, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.
If you're looking to tackle more than just mosquitos, permethrin is an EPA-registered pesticide that specifically targets ticks. Permethrin-treated clothing is a great option for older children and adults, but it is not advised to use it for babies as they are more likely to chew on the garment and accidentally ingest the chemical, says Dr. Graham.
Additionally, stay away from fancy bug repellent devices. “Chemical repellent wrist bands and ultrasonic sound wave devices have not been proven effective against mosquitos,” she adds.
Lastly, don’t forget to check the CDC’s travel site for any bug-borne disease updates in your area, or wherever you may be traveling to—this can sometimes help you choose the best ingredients to prevent mosquito bites versus tick bites.
Key Takeaway
Protecting your little one from bugs and mosquitoes is important, but finding the right bug spray for babies is key. It’s important to always read the product label and the manufacturer’s instructions, and ensure the bug spray is age appropriate and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Alternative methods like loose clothing and mosquito nets are also great options for babies of any age.
Related: How to Safely Use Bug Repellent on Your Baby
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