TOP 9 best children's insect repellents [Rating and selection guide]

Insect protection for children

Repellents are products that repel insects. Nowadays many different types are produced, not all of them can be used for children. They are completely contraindicated for infants under 2 months. At this age, it is necessary to protect the baby with the help of barrier means - those that do not allow insects to enter the body. These are closed light clothing, mosquito nets for a stroller or window.

It is advisable to protect the child in this way for as long as possible. After all, all repellents are based on chemicals. Therefore, it is recommended to use them only as a last resort. The chosen product should:

• do not have a strong odor;
• do not cause allergies;
• designed for babies;
• contain substances that soften the skin and relieve irritation;
• protect for at least 3 hours.

The Best Mosquito Repellents for Older Children

If the children are already a little older, then you can purchase stronger repellents, but not forgetting that children’s skin is sensitive at any age and strong chemicals are not for it. Be sure to keep sprays away from children and treat the surface of their skin yourself - children can harm themselves!

Spray Picnic for children

This popular spray contains 7% of Deta, which is extremely low compared to many other chemical sprays. The chemicals in the composition are compensated by the content of aloe and vitamin B, so the spray can also be used to protect children. The spray should feel pleasant on the skin, but if there is a slight burning sensation, it means that the skin is overly sensitive - you should choose a softer product from the “for babies” category.

Price: 149 rub.

Anti-mosquito spring bracelet

Who said mosquito repellent bracelets are only for kids? These colorful springs are loved by both children and adults, and can be used from the age of 3 (under adult supervision). The active components of the Superband Repellent Bracelet are already familiar to you: geranium, lemongrass and citronella oils - the manufacturer promises that mosquitoes will not approach the bracelet (and therefore the child) before 250 hours. And this is without chemicals in the composition. This “invisible shield” is not afraid of water and can be worn on both the arm and leg. When the effect of the bracelet wears off, give the child another one, because there are as many as 10 of them in the pack.

Leather mosquito repellent bracelet

Another natural repellent bracelet for older fashionistas and fashionistas. Now this is no longer just some kind of bright spring, but a stylish accessory made of artificial leather. And no one will know that this accessory also repels mosquitoes. One such braided bracelet will protect a child for up to 2 weeks, and nothing prevents you from wearing it after its service life, simply adding a couple of fresh repellent bracelets from the pack. But we do not recommend swimming with them - water will simply wash away the repellent substances from the leather base, and the appearance of the accessory will suffer.

Release form

There are different repellents available for babies. This is personal protective equipment, for example, lotion, cream or bracelet. For babies, it is better to use repellents that are applied to the stroller, crib or clothing. And indoors, incense sticks or fumigators are more suitable. If placed away from the child, they will not have a harmful effect, but will drive insects out of the room.

Important! The product, which is applied to the skin, can be used no more than 2-3 times a day.

Cream

Such products care for the baby’s delicate skin, they are easy to apply and control the dosage. You can only use those that are intended for children. Use according to instructions.

Lotion

It is well absorbed, cares for the skin, eliminates itching and irritation. Usually has a natural composition and does not cause allergies.

Spray

The repellent in aerosol form is convenient to spray on clothes, mosquito nets, and strollers. When used on babies, do not spray directly on them; the spray may enter the respiratory tract. You need to spray the product first on your hand, then carefully apply it to your body. It is not recommended to spray such products indoors.

Liquid

Used in electric fumigators. Liquids with herbal composition are produced for children. “Nekusayka” and “Picnic” are effective. They contain chamomile extract, are odorless and safe from birth. It is advisable to turn it on in the absence of the baby.

Aroma sticks

Indoors you can use sticks with the scent of cloves, lemon, geranium, eucalyptus, and lavender. They repel insects. But it is recommended to light them only in the absence of children, 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Bracelets

For children, bracelets soaked in essential oils are used. They repel insects and last 1-2 weeks. For small children who put everything in their mouth, it is better to put them on their feet. Due to the fact that they have a pungent odor, they can cause allergies.

Types of children's repellents

Almost all preparations for protecting children from attacks by blood-sucking insects, including ticks, mosquitoes or fleas from pets, contain one main component - DEET . This is a shortened name for diethyltoluamide . A large percentage of its concentration is always dangerous for the child’s health. There is an acceptable limit, both for adults and for children, that must be contained in the repellent. Thus, such products are applicable for adults if the DEET content in it does not exceed 30-50%.

At 30% you can spray the product onto the skin. And at 50%, it is recommended for adults to spray exclusively on clothing. But for children, the standards have been significantly reduced - from 5 to 10 percent. At the same time, with a 10 percent content of this substance, it is recommended to apply the repellent more to the baby’s clothes or shoes than to the skin. Let us remind you again that until a small child turns 3 years old, it is generally prohibited to apply any repellents to him. It’s better to keep your baby on walks in a stroller pre-treated with gentle repellents and covered with a canopy net.

Despite the fact that children's products take less time to act than protective substances for adults, nevertheless, the child's health remains safe. Repellents for adults last longer for 8 hours (containing 50% DEET), and repellents for children last about 2 hours (10% DEET). Children's products are of the following types:

• in the form of a cream;
• produced by aerosols, sprays;
• balms, milk, lotion;
• dry repellent pencil.

Small babies can only use specialized repellents that are specially made for newborns or those under 3 years of age. Typically, these products do not contain DEET, but only plant-based essential oils and other extracts that can repel ticks.

The most effective repellents

There are many repellents available on the market. But children are only allowed to use those that are marked “children’s” or have a specified age. These are repellents from Picnic, Mosquitall, Gardex, “Moe Solnyshko”.

Chemical based

Chemical-based products are considered the most effective. But they can be toxic, so they are not recommended for children under one year old.

DEET is most often used in such products. This is an effective but toxic substance. It repels not only mosquitoes, but also flies, midges, horseflies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Not recommended for use in children under 3 years of age. The concentration of this substance is important. Typically, no more than 30% is used in children's products. When combined with dimethyl phthalate, the toxicity of DEET is reduced. A more modern and safer substance is IR3535. But it can also be used only for babies over a year old and no more than 2 times a day.

Naturally based

Children's insect repellents are often plant-based. Mosquitoes and other pests cannot stand the smells of cloves, geraniums, lavender, citronella, and eucalyptus. They are mainly used as part of clips or bracelets, but there are sprays and creams. They are not as effective as chemical agents and do not provide good protection against ticks. Some babies cause allergies.

Ineffective

Research by scientists has determined that some popular products are not effective against mosquitoes. These are ultrasonic repellers, bracelets with chemicals and some folk remedies.

How to use it correctly

Almost all repellents are chemicals. They should be used only as a last resort, when it is not possible to protect the child from bites in other ways. When using such products, you need to follow several rules that will help avoid poisoning or an allergic reaction:

• use the product strictly according to the instructions, without exceeding the dosage;
• if possible, apply repellents to clothing, stroller canopy, and blanket;
• use such products only while walking, use barrier methods or fumigators at home;
• You cannot apply them to your palms and fingers, as the baby may lick them;
• for this reason, it is recommended to put bracelets on the child’s legs;
• It is not advisable to apply products to the face, especially around the eyes, mouth and ears, when the child sweats, chemicals may flow down with sweat;
• Do not apply such products to areas of the skin where there are scratches, wounds or inflammation;
• If any allergic reactions occur, immediately wash off the product and do not use it again, ventilate the room;
• After returning from a walk, be sure to wash off the repellent from your skin and wash the treated clothing.

Important! Repellents for children can only be purchased in special stores or pharmacies. It must be indicated that the product is for children.

Folk remedies

There are also effective folk remedies that protect your baby from insect bites. The most commonly used essential oils are lavender, clove, eucalyptus, chamomile, geranium, and basil. They cannot be applied to the skin in its pure form; it is better to use it in an aroma lamp or drip it onto a cotton swab and place it next to the baby. If there is no allergy, you can add it to baby cream.

There are several more folk recipes:

• heat the valerian tincture over a candle so that it evaporates;
• spread mint or elderberry herbs around the room;
• mix vanillin powder with vegetable oil or baby cream;
• cut a lemon, stick a few clove buds into the pulp.

Repellents for children will help avoid bites from blood-sucking insects. They will provide your child with sound sleep and comfortable rest. And parents will be calm that the baby will not develop skin irritation. You just need to choose the right product.

Moms recommend

When choosing protective equipment for children, the main thing is to be sure of their safety. When purchasing repellents, as a rule, you are faced with the note “use for children over one year old.” Experienced mothers recommend using Chicco insect bite wipes. This is a mosquito repellent for infants, the reviews of which are only positive. In addition, you can purchase cream, spray and other repellents of this brand.

These products are made on a natural basis and do not contain toxic or chemically harmful substances. The composition is quite simple. The main components are Indian lilac and citronella. These odors are not tolerated by mosquitoes, which provides complete protection for the baby.

The mosquito repellent for infants "Chiko" has no disadvantages, the only negative is the price and the problem of purchasing. Such protection is found on sale in large retail chains; in small towns there are practically no such products.

Rating

Best up to a year

Levrana spray against mosquitoes and insects Citronella Anti-Bug Spray

Advantages

• Effective
• Nice smell
• Natural

Flaws

• Individual effect, may not work

Best of the Year

Mosquito repellent Picnic Baby spray, 120 ml

Advantages

• Effective
• Natural composition
• Good size

Flaws

• Consumes quickly

DETA AQUA spray for little ones 2 in 1

Advantages

• Contains soothing aloe vera
• Price
• Works
• Good smell
• Convenient to take with you

Flaws

• Small volume

Aerosol Gardex Baby 2 in 1 against mosquitoes and midges for children from 1 year

Advantages

• Qualitative
• Price
• Works

Flaws

• The smell is not very pleasant

Best from 2 years

Spray My sun from mosquitoes

Advantages

• Qualitative
• Price
• Works

Flaws

• Small volume

Best for allergy sufferers

Picnic Hypoallergenic mosquito repellent spray

Advantages

• Possible from 1 year
• Effective
• Unobtrusive smell

Flaws

• No

Best Safe

Mommy Care oil for repelling mosquitoes

Advantages

• Effective
• Nice smell
• Safe composition

Flaws

• Need to update frequently
• High consumption

Best by reviews

Cream OFF! Kids mosquito repellent

Advantages

• Helps
• Nice smell
• Price

Flaws

• High consumption
• Short duration

Spray Mosquitall Universal protection

Advantages

• Action time 3 hours
• Works
• Price

Flaws

• Suitable for children from 5 years old

Comparison table of children's mosquito repellents

We have presented you with the safest products for babies and older children, but you can never rule out the possibility of allergies even to the most natural ingredients. If allergic reactions occur, stop using any products, give preference to mosquito nets and insect killers as an alternative to any repellent for babies.

Pay special attention if the manufacturer recommends on the packaging or in the instructions not to use the repellent for children under 6 months, this is important! If you have any doubts about the use of the product, contact your child's pediatrician.

Even if there is no allergy to the components of repellents, scientists also recommend not to forget about protective measures when your child uses repellent:

• If possible, dress him in clothes with long sleeves and pants;
• It is better to take your child indoors after dark, because mosquitoes are especially active at night.