Key takeaways: For babies under 2 months, the AAP advises against insect repellents; use netting and clothing instead. For older babies, repellents with up to 30% DEET are considered safe when used as directed. Other EPA-registered options include picaridin. Wash bites, use cool compresses, and watch for signs of infection or allergic reaction.
Bug bites are common in warm weather. Here’s how to prevent and treat them.
Prevention
- Mosquito netting over strollers and carriers.
- Lightweight long sleeves and pants.
- Avoid peak mosquito times (dawn and dusk) when possible.
- Remove standing water around your home.
- Avoid perfumes and scented products.
Insect Repellents by Age
- Under 2 months: the AAP advises not using repellents. Use netting and clothing.
- 2 months and older: the AAP says repellents with up to 30% DEET are safe for children when used as directed. Picaridin is another EPA-registered option.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus: the CDC says don’t use on children under 3 years.
How to apply:
- Apply to exposed skin and clothing, not under clothing.
- Don’t apply to hands, near eyes or mouth, or on cuts.
- Use just enough to cover.
- Wash off with soap and water when back indoors.
- Don’t use combination sunscreen-repellent products; sunscreen needs reapplying more often.
Treating Bites
- Wash with soap and water.
- Cool compress for swelling and itching.
- Keep nails short to prevent scratching and infection.
- Ask your doctor about anti-itch creams or medicine for babies.
Bee and Wasp Stings
- Scrape out a stinger with a fingernail or card.
- Wash and apply a cool compress.
Fire Ants
Common in the southern U.S. Bites cause painful bumps that may form pustules. Brush ants off quickly, wash, and use cool compresses. Don’t break pustules.
Ticks
- Check your baby after outdoor time.
- Remove ticks with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up steadily.
- Call your doctor if a rash or fever develops in the following weeks.
Call 911 if your baby has: trouble breathing, swelling of the face or lips, hives all over, or vomiting after a sting. Call your doctor for bites that become red, warm, swollen, or have pus, or for fever after a bite.
The Bottom Line
Use netting and clothing for young babies, age-appropriate repellents for older babies, and watch for signs of infection or allergic reaction.
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Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Choosing an insect repellent for your child. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing mosquito bites; preventing tick bites. https://www.cdc.gov
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Using insect repellents safely and effectively. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
