Difference between revisions of "Choose an Insect Repellent for Kids"

#Protect your kids from mosquitoes carrying Zika virus. If your children live in or will be travelling to a region affected by the Zika virus, choose an insect repellent that will protect against mosquitoes. Look for a product that contains one of these ingredients and choose a higher concentration of the repellent if your child will be outdoors for a long time:<ref name="rf1">http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents/kids</ref>

#Choose a repellent that protects from mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus. Since insect repellents that protect against mosquitoes contain similar ingredients, you could use the same repellent to protect against Zika virus and West Nile Virus. If you're choosing a repellent specifically against mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus, you could choose products with a lower percentage of Picaridin and DEET. You could also use a botanical repellent, oil of lemon eucalyptus (30 to 40%).<ref name="rf1" />

#Pick a repellent that prevents tick bites. If your kids will be in a forested area that may be home to ticks carrying Lyme disease, you can apply a repellent that contains Picaridin (20%), IR3535 (20%), oil of lemon eucalyptus (30 to 40%), or DEET (20% to 30%).<ref name="rf1" />

#Use a repellent with picaridin for children with allergies. If your child has sensitive skin or allergies, try an insect repellent that contains Picaridin (5% to 20%). It is effective at repelling insects (especially mosquitoes) for a long period of time and it won't irritate your kids' skin or eyes. Choose a lower concentration if your kids won't be outdoors for very long.<ref name="rf2">http://www.medicaldaily.com/four-best-bug-repellents-deet-ir3535-picaridin-oil-lemon-eucalyptus-most-effective-says-ewg-247785</ref>

#Limit your use of products with DEET. DEET is in a lot of insect repellents to protect against mosquitoes and ticks. While DEET is safe for kids to use in the short term, avoid using insect repellents with DEET every day since it may cause neurological problems (like dizziness, headaches, and trouble concentrating). You shouldn't apply DEET more than once a day.<ref name="rf2" />

#Avoid using insect repellents on babies under 2 months old. If your child is under 2 months old, avoid using ''any'' insect repellent on them. Instead, place a fine netting over your baby's stroller or baby carrier when you're outside to protect them from insects.<ref name="rf3">https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/resources/pdf/fsp/repellents_2015.pdf</ref>

#Consider using an herbal non-toxic insect repellent. If you'd like to avoid commercial insect repellents, ask your child's pediatrician to recommend an herbal insect repellent. Neem oil is commonly used in insect repellents that are marketed as natural. Researchers are unsure if neem oil is effective in areas where viral diseases like West Nile and Zika are widespread.<ref name="rf4">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3059459/</ref>

#Test a repellent. Before you apply insect repellent all over your kids' skin, rub just a little over a small patch of skin. Watch the skin for any irritation. Avoid applying the repellent if you notice:<ref name="rf5">http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy</ref>

#Rub insect repellent on your child's skin. Squirt some of the insect repellent into the palms of your hands. Rub your hands onto your child's skin. Don't apply it near the mouth, eyes, or hands (since kids often put their hands in their mouths). Only apply  a little repellent near their ears.<ref name="rf1" />

#Apply the product outdoors. If you're using an insect repellent spray, ensure that you apply it in a well-ventilated space (like outside) and avoid spraying near the mouth. This will reduce the risk that your kids will breathe in the repellent.<ref name="rf6">http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/repellent.html</ref>