Ultimate Guide to Bug Repellent for Kids

Bite Blocker

The American Academy of Pediatrics says Bite Blocker herbal lotion is a safe, natural bug repellent for kids and women who are pregnant. It is made with natural ingredients and has a protection time of 90-120 minutes. It is safe for children as young as two months. It repels mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks.

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Repel Lemon Eucalyptus

This natural bug repellent offers long-lasting protection for four to six hours, which is similar to projections found in products containing 25-percent deet. It protects against mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks. It is not recommended for use on children under 3 years old and can be applied only twice daily.

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Cutter Advanced Insect Repellent

The key ingredient in Cutter Advanced is Picaridin, which is similar to deet. Cutter Advanced is effective for up to two and a half hours and can be applied up to three times daily. Its odorless, nonsticky formula makes it a great choice for kids. It is safe for use on babies as young as 2 months.

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EcoSmart Organic Insect Repellent

This natural and organic insect repellent is safe for kids and the environment. The key ingredient is peppermint oil -- so it smells good -- along with other organic plant oils. Spray it directly on skin to keep mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks away.

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Bug Bam! Insect Repellent Wristband

The last thing squirmy kids want to do is hold still to apply bug repellent before they go out to play. Skip the spray or lotion and try a bracelet or anklet. The bands are deet-free and contain citronella, lemongrass, and geranium oils. They are effective for up to 100 hours if stored properly.

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Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin

Protect your kids from bugs and bites for up to eight hours with this Skin So Soft spray from Avon. It repels mosquitoes, gnats, no-see-ums, and flies. It is also available in wipes for easy application on the go.

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OFF! Skintastic Family Formula Spray

The best part about this bug repellent -- aside from the fact that it really does keep the bugs at bay -- is its sweet tropical scent. It contains 4.75-percent deet and repels mosquitoes, gnats, and no-see-ums for up to two hours. Spray it on exposed skin and clothing for the best results.

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Teeny Towel Insect Repellent Mini Wipes

These mini wipes are perfect for on-the-go families. Stash them in a diaper bag, in the car, or on your keychain for easy access when you're away from home. They are all-natural, deet-free, and have a vanilla scent.

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Facts About Deet

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that insect repellents containing deet are safe for children as young as 2 months. Bug repellents with deet come in varying strengths -- some contain up to 30-percent deet. A higher concentration of deet doesn't mean a product is stronger, only that it lasts longer.

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Facts About Picaridin

Picaridin is an odorless synthetic ingredient found in some bug repellents. It is relatively new in the United States but has been used in Europe for more than 10 years. It is similar to deet and provides long-lasting protection against bugs. Products with Picaridin can be used on babies as young as 2 months.

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Natural Bug Repellents

Although deet is safe for use on children, many parents prefer to use bug repellents that are deet-free. Natural repellents are made with plant oils such as citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and cedarwood. They generally need to be reapplied more often than products containing deet.

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Applying Bug Repellent

Once you've chosen a bug repellent, it's important that you use it properly. Apply product only to exposed skin. Avoid hands, eyes, cuts, or irritations. You might want to put it on your hands first, then rub it on your child so you don't use too much. Wash the repellent off when your child is done being outside.

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How to Avoid Bites

Using bug repellent is one way to prevent itchy bug bites, but there are several other ways to avoid pesky bugs. Have your kids wear loose-fitting, long-sleeve clothing in muted colors. Wear socks and shoes instead of sandals. Stay inside early in the morning and at dusk when bugs are the worst. Don't use scented lotions that can attract bugs.

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Safety Tips

Lotions that combine bug repellent and sunscreen might sound like a good idea, but they aren't. The reason is that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every few hours, but you shouldn't expose your children to that much bug repellent. Take the time to apply each product separately unless you know you will only be outside for a few hours.

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More Bug Repellent Tips

Don't let bugs stop you from being outside this summer. Here are some things to remember when applying bug repellent:
• Always follow the instructions for application of bug repellent.
• Most repellents do not protect against stinging bugs such as wasps, bees, or fire ants.
• Kids shouldn't apply bug repellent themselves.
• Wash your hands after application.
• Don't spray repellent inside or near food.

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Health disclaimer

All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

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