Mosquitoes can be a real annoyance, especially during the summer months. For parents, keeping their little ones protected from these pesky insects is of the utmost importance. The United States is experiencing a surge in the number of infections caused by bugs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (1).
We will discuss the best mosquito repellents specifically designed for use on babies, including both chemical and natural options. We’ll take a closer look at the active ingredients, how to use each product and the pros and cons of each.
So whether you’re planning a day out in the park or a family vacation, we hope you can pick one from our list of the best mosquito repellent for infants.
Our Top Picks
- Best DEET Mosquito Repellent: Cutter All Family Insect Repellent
- Best Mosquito Repellent For Sensitive Skin: Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent
- Best Mosquito Repellent Stick: Badger – Anti-Bug Balm Stick
- Best Picaridin Mosquito Repellent: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
- Best Natural Mosquito Repellent: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Mosquito Repellent
- Best Eucalyptus Mosquito Repellent: Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent
- Best Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent: Babyganics DEET Free Travel Size Bug Spray
- Best Mosquito Repellent Wipes: Natrapel 12-Hour Repellent Wipes
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Mosquito Repellent For Infants Picks
Cutter All Family Insect Repellent – Best DEET Mosquito Repellent
- Works great
- Just a small amount is needed
- FFresh scent
- 7% DEET
- Require more frequent reapplications than spray repellents with greater DEET concentrations
What’s great about Cutter All Family Insect Repellent is that it is tough on insects but gentle on the skin. It contains 7% DEET, which effectively repels mosquitoes that may carry viruses like Zika, West Nile, Dengue, and Chikungunya.
The best part? It doesn’t leave an oily or greasy feeling on the skin. Not only does it keep mosquitoes at bay, but it also protects against ticks, biting flies, gnats, no-see-ums, chiggers, and fleas. And the application is a breeze! Simply use the liquid pump spray solution, which is suitable for your baby and the entire family, and you’re all set to go. Just make sure to only use this product outdoors.
Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent – Best Mosquito Repellent For Sensitive Skin
- Has aloe
- Easy to apply
- Clean smell
- Works well
- Scented
This spray can is slender and has a pleasant scent. Plus, the bottle is brightly colored and the cap is simple to open, so you won’t have any trouble getting to the product.
We appreciate that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the low DEET concentration in this product to be safe. This spray can be used on baby’s skin and it contains aloe which can provide some relief for any existing insect bites you might have.
That being said, some people might not like the scent of the product, and it doesn’t go away quickly like other treatments that contain picaridin. Additionally, the scent can increase the risk of chemical irritants, so it’s always a good idea to do a spot-check before applying the spray all over your skin.
Badger – Anti-Bug Balm Stick – Best Mosquito Repellent Stick
- Great to keep in a diaper bag
- Natural ingredients
- Pleasant smell
- Easy to apply
- Small stick
This insect repellent is made with a blend of essential oils, including Citronella, Cedar, and Lemongrass, which give it a delightful scent while also keeping bugs away. Plus, it’s free from DEET, petroleum materials, and other synthetic ingredients, making it a great choice if you prefer natural products.
This insect repellent has been tested and is proven to offer three hours of protection against mosquitoes. And, to make it even better, it’s cruelty-free and gluten-free. The organic castor and extra virgin olive oils used as the base help to calm and soften skin.
In addition to its performance and natural ingredients, Badger Anti-Bug Balm Stick is also convenient and easy to use. It comes in a portable stick form that is strong, lightweight, and recyclable, making it perfect for taking with you on the go.
Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent – Best Picaridin Mosquito Repellent
- Lasts long
- No lingering odor
- Effective for Zika
- Will not stain clothing
- More expensive than reet products
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent is an insect repellent that is safe for the whole family and provides effective protection. This product is great for use on both skin and clothing, and it’s proven to be highly effective against a variety of insects.
The best part about this repellent is that it’s non-greasy and provides all-day protection. Plus, it has a mild citrus scent that’s pleasant and won’t harm synthetic or plastic coatings. Additionally, this spray repels mosquitoes for up to 12 hours.
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Mosquito Repellent – Best Natural Mosquito Repellent
- Affordable pricing
- Small bottle, easy storage
- Quick drying and no sticky residue after spraying on clothes or skin
- Long lasting scent and does not need to reapply as often
- The scent can be overwhelming if you are not used to the ingredient
This bug spray offers protection against pesky insects without the use of DEET, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more natural approach.
This bug repellent is perfect for outdoor activities for you and your baby. It’s lightweight and won’t leave both of you feeling oily or sticky, and you can simply spray it on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using this bug spray to avoid mosquitoes that might spread viruses like Zika, West Nile, Dengue, and Chikungunya.
The oil of lemon eucalyptus, the main ingredient in this insect repellent, is derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree and provides up to six hours of protection against mosquitoes.
Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent – Best Eucalyptus Mosquito Repellent
- Smells decent
- Can be sprayed on clothing
- Works well on sensitive skin
- No harsh chemicals
- The smell might be too strong for some
Enjoy a chemical-free outdoor experience with this natural, plant-based insect repellent, your baby can spend up to 6 hours outdoors without worrying about pesky mosquitoes. This formula also offers protection against ticks, including Lone Star and Brown Dog ticks for up to 8 hours and deer ticks for up to 4 hours.
This insect repellent is made with ethanol derived from corn, distilled water, and 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus, all of which are gentle and safe for both you and your gear. Plus, there are no artificial fragrances, colors, or harsh chemicals. Simply spritz it on your infant’s skin or clothing for natural, effective protection.
Babyganics DEET Free Travel Size Bug Spray – Best Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent
- Works well
- It isn’t oily
- No dangerous ingredients
- Affordable
- You will need to reapply more because it doesn’t have DEET
This mosquito repellent is made from a combination of all-natural ingredients, including rosemary, citronella, geranium, peppermint, and lemongrass essential oils. These oils have been found to be effective in deterring pesky insects like mosquitoes, gnats, and flies.
Not only are these oils safe and gentle on your baby’s skin, but they are also free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and dyes. One of the key benefits of using this natural insect repellent is that it is cruelty-free and does not involve any animal testing.
However, this repellent may need to be reapplied more frequently than other essential oil-based repellents.
Natrapel 12-Hour Repellent Wipes – Best Mosquito Repellent Wipes
- No bad smell
- Works for babies
- Individual wrappers
- Keeps bug away
- A bit expensive
With a 20% Picaridin formulation, your baby will enjoy all-day protection from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. These wipes are EPA-registered and have been proven to offer up to 12 hours of defense against pesky insects.
Natrapel is a great choice for kids over two months old, as it does not contain any harsh chemicals. Instead, it uses Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, a plant-based active component derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree.
Related: Best Baby Lotion
Is Bug Spray Safe For Babies?
The safety of bug spray for babies depends on the active ingredients and the age of the baby. Some insect repellents contain DEET, which is generally considered safe for infants over two months old when used in concentrations of 10% or less. However, DEET is not recommended for babies under two months of age (2). Other active ingredients, such as picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535, are also considered safe for infants over two months old.
It’s important to always follow the label instructions and use bug spray sparingly, avoiding application to the baby’s hands and face. Additionally, it’s recommended to dress your baby in long sleeves and pants and use a mosquito net when necessary.
What Is DEET?
DEET is an active ingredient commonly used in insect repellent products to protect against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. DEET stands for N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide and was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture in the 1940s.
It is a colorless and odorless chemical that is absorbed into the skin and forms a barrier that deters insects from biting. It is one of the most effective insect repellents available and has been used for many years by millions of people around the world. However, some people have reported adverse skin reactions to DEET and its use on infants and young children is generally discouraged due to safety concerns.
What Is Picaridin?
Picaridin is a synthetic compound that is used as an active ingredient in insect-repellent products. It was first developed in the 1980s and has since become a popular alternative to DEET, the most widely used insect repellent. Research has shown that it is safe for individuals who are over 2 months old (3).
Picaridin is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects, and it is considered safe for use on the skin. Unlike DEET, which has a strong odor and can cause skin irritation in some people, Picaridin has a mild scent and is generally well tolerated by users. It is available in several forms, including sprays, lotions, and wipes, and is effective for several hours after application.
How Do I Protect My 2-Month-Old From Mosquitoes?
Protecting a 2-month-old baby from mosquitoes can be challenging. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against using insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old, as their skin is more sensitive and can absorb chemicals more easily. Instead, parents can take other measures to protect their baby from mosquitoes, such as:
- Place mosquito nets over cribs, strollers, and baby carriers to prevent mosquitoes from biting your baby.
- Dress your baby in long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover up their skin, especially during peak mosquito hours.
- Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so avoid leaving standing water near your home and avoid taking your baby near standing water.
Dos And Don’ts Of Bug Spray
Dos:
- Look for bug sprays that are specifically labeled as safe for use on infants.
- Apply bug spray sparingly and avoid areas such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash the infant’s skin after coming back indoors.
Don’ts:
- Apply bug spray directly to an infant’s face. Instead, use a light mist on their clothing and stroller canopy.
- Use bug sprays that contain strong fragrances or artificial colors.
- Reapply bug spray too frequently, as this can lead to skin irritation.
- Apply bug spray to infants’ hands, as they tend to put their hands in their mouths.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise against using insect repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol/p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) on children under the age of 3 (4).
