Best Bug Sprays for Babies

Nothing will send you running inside on a nice summer night faster than pesky, persistent mosquitos. Although a good bug spray can help protect you from masses of itchy bites, you may wonder if it’s suitable for your baby’s sensitive skin.

The short answer: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says you can use bug spray on your baby — as long as she's at least 2 months of age and the formula doesn’t contain more than 30 percent DEET (an ingredient used in lots of bug sprays used to ward off mosquitos, ticks and chiggers). Also important to know: Insect repellents that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol / p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) are not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children under 3 years old.

But the specifics on using bug spray on babies gets a little complex from there. Here’s everything parents and caregivers need to know.

How we chose the best bug sprays for babies

• We spoke to Leah Alexander, M.D., F.A.A.P, a pediatrician based in New Jersey, and Tina Feeley, M.D., M.P.H., a pediatrician based in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board, to learn the benefits of bug spray for babies, how to properly apply it and what ingredients to look for (and avoid) when shopping for baby bug sprays. Per their advice, as well as guidance from the AAP and the CDC, the bug sprays on our list: 
• Are not in pressurized cans
• Contain DEET concentrations of 30 percent or less 
• Don’t contain OLE or PMD, which are not safe for kids under 3 years
• We combed through reviews and comments from What to Expect Community parents, who have shared intel about the bug sprays for babies that have worked well for them.

Factors to consider when choosing bug sprays for babies

• Application type: There are lots of different types of bug spray, but the AAP says parents should use sticks, lotions and unpressurized sprays. Sticks and lotions are more targeted, but you’ll need more for full coverage. Sprays are easier to apply, but if you’re not diligent, you may miss some spots. Avoid using them in enclosed areas so you don’t breathe them in.
• Duration: The concentration of DEET directly correlates to how long the product is effective. A higher concentration works for a longer amount of time. According to the AAP, you can expect 10 percent DEET to provide about two hours of protection, while 30 percent DEET provides about five hours of protection. Meanwhile, 20 percent picaridin translates to about 12 hours of protection. 
• Size: Some families may need travel sizes that are easier to transport, while others will need a larger supply for more frequent application. Think about your lifestyle: Do you live in an area that has a high concentration of mosquitoes, ticks and other insects? Does your family spend a lot of time outdoors? If yes, you may want to invest in a larger product. 

How to protect babies from bug bites

Bug bites aren’t just itchy and irritating — they can also transmit diseases like Lyme disease and the Zika virus, which means it’s important to keep your baby protected in buggy areas. Dressing your little one in lightweight long sleeves and pants, using mosquito netting over strollers and carriers and avoiding scented soaps or sprays (because they can attract insects) are all good ways to ward off bites.

However, infants may benefit from insect repellents in situations where they are at an increased risk of insect bites that could result in infections — like if you live in or are visiting areas where mosquito-borne illnesses (such as the Zika virus or dengue) are common, says Dr. Alexander. (The same goes for areas where tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, are prevalent.) Of course, an insect repellent can also be used when those tiny insects are swarming to keep your little one more comfortable during an outdoor activity with the family.

What type of bug spray is safe for babies? 

When selecting bug spray for your child, it’s prudent to follow safety guidelines and choose the right formula. There are a few different types on the market:

• DEET: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the organization that regulates insect repellents, says DEET is safe for use on babies — if parents follow directions on the label to use the product safely. It is also one of the most effective bug repellents on the market. (As mentioned earlier, you should not use DEET on babies younger than 2 months.) Again, the percentage of DEET in a product indicates how long the spray will be effective. A higher concentration works for a longer period of time — so 10 percent DEET provides protection for about two hours, whereas 30 percent DEET protects for about five hours. Although the latter may seem preferable, the AAP and EPA says higher concentrations can cause skin rashes in children, especially those with sensitive skin, so experts suggest using less concentrated formulas. It should also be used only once per day on children, per the AAP.
• Picaridin: Other insect repellents contain picaridin — an ingredient that’s also considered safe by the EPA. Like DEET, this ingredient deters biting insects like mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers and biting flies. The percentage of picaridin in a product also correlates to how long you’ll be protected from insects. Five percent translates to about three to four hours’ protection from mosquitos and ticks, while 20 percent protects you for up to 12 hours. Picaridin products typically have a recommended age of 6 months and up. 
• Plant-based oils: These "natural" insect repellents include oils and/or ingredients like citronella, geranium, peppermint and soybean oil. While they are considered safe, experts say their efficacy has not been proven by the EPA, so they aren’t recommended if there is a health concern in your area. They can also potentially cause skin irritation. Many of these natural products say on the label that they’re not meant for babies younger than 6 months of age.

You might also find some products that are bug spray-sunscreen combos. Although this might sound like a good idea in theory, the AAP recommends avoiding these products since you need to reapply sunscreen far more often than you should put on bug spray. This may lead to excessive exposure to DEET, which might increase risk of skin irritation, allergic reaction and other adverse effects. 

The AAP also says that popular non-DEET products, like bug-repelling bracelets or ultrasonic bug-repelling devices, have not been proven to be effective. If you choose these products, keep in mind that they might not work well — so purchase with caution. 

It’s also important to apply bug spray only to exposed skin and on clothes (not under clothes, and never to their hands) and to wash it off when your little one comes inside. Parents should also wash kids’ clothes before wearing them again to prevent skin sensitivity, says Dr. Feeley.

How to safely apply bug spray to babies

Applying bug spray correctly not only increases efficacy, but also keeps your little one safe. Always read the label and follow directions outlined. The AAP also says you should only apply insect repellents in open areas on the outside of your child's clothing and on exposed skin—not under clothing. (Never apply bug spray to open wounds or broken or eczematous skin. Cover those areas with light clothing instead.) 

You don’t need a lot, either — just enough to cover your child's clothing and exposed skin. If using a spray, don’t use it directly on your child’s face. Instead, spritz some on your hands first, then gently apply to your little one’s face (avoiding her mouth, eyes and nostrils). And never apply bug repellent of any kind to your kids’ hands, since little ones have a tendency to put their hands in their mouths and rub their eyes. When using both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first, then your bug spray. 

When playtime is over, wash your child’s skin with soap and water to remove any traces of repellent and wash her clothing before she wears it again. And if you live in areas with lots of tick activity, check for ticks on your little one’s hair and skin before coming inside.

Below, the best insect repellents for babies and toddlers.