Best Mosquito Repellents for Babies (Safety First)

Protecting a baby from mosquitoes is mostly about what NOT to use. For infants under two months, the safest choice isn’t a repellent at all — it’s mosquito netting over the carrier or crib. Above that age, choose carefully, because some active ingredients have age limits.

Safety Considerations

This concise video of Dr. Anthony J. Mancini from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago addresses several important considerations when using insect repellents on children

First and foremost, insect repellent should not be handled by little children themselves and should always be applied to them by an adult.

To avoid exposing the baby’s skin to excessive chemicals, the repellent should be applied in a thin layer and only to the exposed parts of the body.

These products are pretty safe if used according to the label when is approved by EPA.

Do not apply it underneath clothes. Make sure it is not applied near the mouth and the eye area or over cuts, wounds or any open skin.

Never spray the repellent directly onto the baby’s face. Apply it with hands so that you can carefully go around the mouth and eye area.

The repellent should also not be put on the baby’s hand as it could transfer to the mouth and eyes. Lastly, it is very important that at the end of the day, the repellent is rinsed off of the baby’s skin with soap.

Longevity of Repellents

The longevity of the repellent action depends on the concentration of the active ingredient in it. One application of repellent with 30% DEET can last up to 8 hours.

As can one of 20% Picaridin. In general, a single application per day is sufficient if the baby is not going to be outside for very long periods of time.

Due to chemical buildup, frequent reapplication is ill-advised. For this very reason, repellents that also double up as sunscreens are not recommended because sunscreen needs to be reapplied often.

Let us analyze some of the highly recommended repellents out there that offer protection to the little ones without compromising their health.

1. Sawyer Products Spray (20% Picaridin)

Our take

Across 5,000 verified reviews (4.22★, 79% rated 4★+), buyers most often praise odorless and non-sticky. The recurring complaint: expensive, and may not be effective against all insects.

This repellent is Picaridin based and is safe to use on babies. With 20% Picaridin, it promises up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and up to eight hours against other bugs like gnats and biting flies.

However, in most cases, eight hours is the maximum a repellent would last against any insect so the 12-hour claim may not prove true under most circumstances.

It comes in both a spray form and a lotion dispenser form. It has a slight citrus smell which evaporates upon drying. This repellent offers almost guaranteed protection, leaves no residue and is not greasy on the skin.

Get the Sawyer Products Spray (20% Picaridin) on Amazon or Walmart or rainbowtechstore.com or zecoya.com or thegadgetcompany.com or gosupps.com or chinookmed.com or kitterytradingpost.com or tcoflyfishing.com

2. Sawyer Products Lotion (20% DEET)

Our take

Across 339 verified reviews (4.28★, 81% rated 4★+), buyers most often praise lasts long and quick and easy to apply. The recurring complaint: not as effective as described, and product may be defective if it is oily and smells bad.

This repellent has 20% DEET concentration and is very effective against mosquitoes and ticks. This repellent is baby-safe and offers 6 up to 11 hours of protection. It comes in an easy to use a spray bottle.

It has a special mechanism whereby DEET is enclosed in a protein and is released slowly over time. Slow release prevents DEET from evaporating from the skin as fast.

Delayed evaporation means it can work at repelling bugs for longer (claims up to 11 hours). This also means that it does not need to be reapplied often.

These characteristics make it especially suitable for children as it means using less product on them. It is also odorless. However, since it’s a lotion, its consistency can make it feel a little greasy on the skin.

Get the Sawyer Products Lotion (20% DEET) on Amazon or Walmart or gosupps.com or kitterytradingpost.com or campmor.com or gearforadventure.com or parisfarmersunion.com or billandpauls.com or tcoflyfishing.com or roadsriversandtrails.mybigcommerce.com or atkenco.com or shoprobbys.com or dancessportinggoods.com

3. Nature’s Defense Spray (Citronella)

Our take

Only about 42 verified reviews so far (3.69★), so treat the rating as preliminary; early buyers note pleasant citronella and lemongrass scent.

This mosquito spray works great. This travel size - bottle is exactly 100 ml, that TSA will allow you to take if you go on vacation, and save money.

Otherwise, it is a more natural option which is almost as effective DEET or picaridin. This is now a must to pack for travel instead of spray cans and to use in the yard all summer. This can also layered with their sunroof lotion according to the website.

It also had a nice smell not buggy. Our citronella mosquito repellent is derived from plant based oils - citronella, lemongrass and peppermint. The fresh, light scent is fantastic, and not the terrible chemical smell of other sprays.

Instruction to use

Shake well before using.

1. Hold bottle 6-8 inches away from your skin while spraying.
2. For maximum protection, apply evenly with hand after application.
3. To apply on face first spray small amount into the palm of your hand and then spread carefully and thoroughly to your face and neck.

Adult supervision is required when applying for children. Avoid contact in eyes or mouth. It may cause irritation.

Get the Nature’s Defense Spray (Citronella) on Amazon

4. All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor (Oil-Based)

Our take

Across 1,525 verified reviews (3.88★, 70% rated 4★+), buyers most often praise works well against mosquitos, flies, and gnats and strong natural scent. The recurring complaint: strong scent, and may not work for everyone.

All Terrains Kids Herbal Armor is an effective bug spray. It will shield and safeguard everybody from irritating bug bites. It is the best safe solution to protect your whole family against mosquitoes and some pesky insects. This spray is perfect for active kids and families on the go.

This product was make in USA with domestic and imported ingredients. And it qualifies for EPA exemption registrations. Because its natural insect repellent. GMO-free, DEET-free and non-irritating. The lifespan of the Kids Herbal Armor is 3 years.

This repellent for kids is chemical-free. With six essential oils such as soybean, citronella, peppermint, cedar, lemongrass, and geranium. Though it has strong smell like citronella, it fades away, after few minutes.

It has many uses such as:

• Insect repellents
• Sunscreens
• Topical first aid
• Itch relief
• Bandages

Directions how to use

1. Shake well, before using.
2. Use adult supervision when applying to children.
3. Apply liberally and evenly to exposed skin as needed.
4. For application to face, apply to hands and wipe on face avoiding contact with eyes and mouth.
5. Product may also be applied to fabric.
6. Wash your hands with soap properly, after applying.

Let’s keep our family safe and protected. With this effective insect repellent, protecting you outside so you feel better inside.

Get the All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor (Oil-Based) on Amazon or Walmart or Target or gosupps.com or allstarhealth.com or nhc.com or heb.com or organicbasicfood.com or betterlife.com

4. Papa Jonah’s Insect Mosquito Repellents

If you prefer the spray repellent that most effective, completely safe for the whole family, your kids, grandkids and pets. Papa Jonah's is of great help, contains with four essential oils to kill and repel bugs, mosquitoes, gnats, ants as well as flies. It will support you keep those insects away.

It is another all natural formula, chemical free product. It can be apply direct on your skin or your clothing, that will leave no stain in your clothing or will cause allergy on your skin. Environmentally-friendly product.

Papa Jonah’s Insect Mosquito Repellent is Made with 100% natural essential oils Citronella, Peppermint, Rosemary and Lemongrass. Non greasy, no stain an ideal spray for your outdoor activity and events.

Instruction how to use.

Shake well before each use. It can be spray or apply directly on your most attractive part of your body. Bear in mind, though it is a natural products, safety precautions still shall be followed.

Apply just enough product to evenly cover exposed skin. Do not spray directly on face. Do not apply under clothing, diaper or underarm area. Avoid applying on cuts, wounds or irritated skin. For children use, apply to your own hands before applying to them. Careful on contact to eyes and mouth.

Reminder

It is not for the use below 2 months old babies.

Need skin test check allergy to babies over 2 months old on their small portion of their skin.

We thought it would be appropriate to include at least one all-natural option, in case your philosophy is to avoid using any chemicals on your baby.

BugMace is formulated from natural organic essential oils including Lemongrass, Citronella, Soybean, Geranium, Rosemary, Clove, and Thyme oils.It does not contain any additives and is also gluten and paraben free. It has a lemon-vanilla scent which can be quite pleasant. It is completely organic and claims up to 7 hours of protection. It is also not greasy and dries instantaneously.

Before using this, however, please make sure your child is not allergic to any of the aforementioned oils. The downside is that the efficacy and guarantee of BugMace, despite its claims, is not the same as DEET or picaridin based repellents and in areas with high bug populations, it may not offer any protection at all. Hence, it may not be the most reliable repellent for your child.

When out on a nice day, nobody wants their little tots to be covered in angry welts from bug bites. They are itchy, uncomfortable and can transmit several dangerous diseases.

Get the Papa Jonah’s Insect Mosquito Repellents on Amazon

5. Babyganics Spray (Plant-Based)

Our take

Across 3,294 verified reviews (3.69★, 64% rated 4★+), buyers most often praise safe for babies and pleasant citronella or citrus scent. The recurring complaint: leaves a white residue that can be seen and can get onto clothes, and quite oily and can be difficult to spread.

Protecting babies against insect bites while maintaining the integrity of their sensitive skin is important. This natural spray is Pediatricians and Dermatologist tested. It will spare you and your kids of most bug bites. And helps you to keep mosquitoes, gnats and flies away.

Babyganics bug spray is an effective all natural bug spray. What’s listed is what’s in it. This company and product is amazing. Works better than any other bug spray out there.

It is made with 100% natural essential oils—Citronella, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemongrass & Geranium. Gentle plant-based ingredients that are safe to use on your baby with no chemical residue. You will not worry about poisoning of your infant and kids with the chemicals that are used in other bug sprays.

Directions for use:

Shake well before each use. Apply just enough product to evenly cover exposed skin. Do not spray directly on face. Do not apply under clothing, diaper or underarm area. Avoid applying on cuts, wounds or irritated skin. For children use, apply to your own hands before applying to them. Careful on contact to eyes and mouth. Reapply after 90 minutes.

This product does not leave a sticky or greasy residue. However, it has a strong smell stemming from the lemon eucalyptus extract. If strong scents are bothersome for your child then this might not be a suitable repellent for you.

Personal preferences are to be taken into account too for example, in case of reservations against using DEET or Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is a more natural alternative that is almost as effective. There are also all natural options that do not last as long but can be effective for shorter periods of time.

Get the Babyganics Spray (Plant-Based) on Amazon or Walmart or fredmeyer.com or Target or meijer.com or gosupps.com or usbabycity.com or americanabest.com or vitacost.com or arenaaccessories.com or babybeanzboutique.com or waterbutlers.com or beautyshop361.com

Why you need repellents?

Little babies are unsuspecting targets for swarms of bugs out in the open. At best, their bites cause discomfort. At worst, they can cause serious illnesses like malaria, dengue fever, West Nile disease, and Zika fever.

That is because insects, especially mosquitoes, are known carriers of pathogens that cause these diseases. Hence, extra care should be taken to prevent these bites.

Loose fitted clothing that covers most of the baby’s skin fixes a whole lot of the problem but some areas remain inevitably exposed. This is where repellents come in.

Are Repellents Safe for Babies?

First off, repellents can sound a little too “chemical” and dangerous but it should be noted that they are not pesticides. They do not kill insects. They keep them away by masking human scents that attract them.

That said, baby skin is thinner than adult skin. It absorbs chemicals more readily so caution has to be practiced before putting anything on it. Although insect repellents are considered safe for babies that are 2 months or older, it doesn’t hurt to know about the active ingredients in there.

DEET is one of the repelling agents used in a lot of insect repellents. Research has revealed that while a small fraction of people can experience adverse reactions to DEET when used as prescribed, it is harmless for the majority of the people, is effective and can provide prolonged protection.

Further Resources: Natural Bug repellent for babies ( Product mention int this article are natural and can provide good protection for few hours and even entire night)

However, it has an odor and can leave an oily feeling on the baby’s skin.

Another widespread repelling agent is the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommended Picaridin. It is as effective as DEET but has no smell and feels less oily.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also CDC approved and has an agent called PMD in it. Though less effective than DEET or Picaridin, it is still good at driving away bugs and is safe to use.

Concentrations of active ingredients can vary in repellents. Higher concentrations do not make the repellent more effective at driving away insects but do make the effect last longer. Most repellents use either DEET in concentrations ranging from 10% to 30% or Picaridin in up to 20% concentration.

These are the advised concentrations for each chemical and can protect against bug bites for up to eight hours. While choosing a repellent for your baby, please note that it is neither recommended nor effective to go beyond these ranges.

It is also important to make sure there are no other additives that could be irritants for the baby for example, perfume or artificial scents.

Wrap Up

As you go through the plethora of options available, it is important to remember that the repellent you pick should have no more than the advised concentration of active ingredients, should not contain any potential irritants and ideally, should not double up as a sunscreen.

In addition, extent of exposure to bugs is an important factor to take into account. In general, Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin is a good, foolproof pick. It is odor and residue free, and highly effective while being safe for your baby.

If you have any discussion, drop in comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DEET safe for babies?

Low-concentration DEET (up to about 30%) is considered safe for infants older than two months when used per the label — applied to clothing and exposed skin, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth. For babies under two months, skip repellent and use mosquito netting instead.

What is the safest mosquito repellent for an infant?

For infants under two months, physical barriers are safest: mosquito netting over the carrier or stroller, plus lightweight long sleeves and pants. For older babies, low-concentration DEET or picaridin applied to clothing is acceptable.

Can I use natural mosquito repellent on my baby?

Be cautious. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) and PMD should not be used under age three, and many essential-oil products are unregulated and unproven. Netting and clothing are safer than DIY natural sprays.

How do I protect a newborn from mosquitoes?

Use a fine mosquito net over the crib, carrier, or stroller, dress the baby in loose long sleeves and pants, and keep window screens in good repair. Avoid applying any chemical repellent to a newborn under two months.

The one step that matters most: dump the standing water

No spray, zapper, or candle outperforms removing where mosquitoes breed. Females lay eggs in standing water, and larvae mature to biting adults in about a week, so empty or refresh anything that holds water — buckets, plant saucers, gutters, birdbaths, tarps, toys — every few days (CDC: Mosquito Control at Home). Pair that with an EPA-registered repellent for yourself and targeted control for the yard. The full plan is in every way to get rid of mosquitoes.

Related Guides

• Every Way to Get Rid of Mosquitoes (Ranked by What Works)
• Best Pet-Safe Mosquito Yard Sprays
• Mosquito Misting Systems Review: Worth It?
• Mosquito Magnet Review: Does It Actually Work?
• Best Mosquito Nets (Bed & Travel)
• Best Mosquito Head Nets
• Best Mosquito Repellents for Dogs (Vet-Safe Picks)
• Are Mosquitoes Dangerous? What to Know

→ See all Mosquitoes guides