Are Mosquito Repellents Safe for Children? Parents’ Guide

Insect repellents are a necessity for keeping kids protected from bug bites and vector-borne diseases, but parents have concerns when it comes to safety. Most repellents are made with active ingredients like DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus, which pose few health risks when used as directed on the product label. The trick is selecting a formulation that’s safe for children, and applying it gently to avoid sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth and broken skin.

Lower concentration repellents or natural plant-based products are advised for infants and young children. Adults should apply the repellent to their own hands first and then apply to children’s exposed skin. Don't over apply, reapply every 2 hours, particularly after swimming or prolonged exposure to the sun (when your skin feels dry or is reddened).

Parents can also double or triple up on preventive measures in addition to topical repellents. Preventing bites means dressing children in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito nets over cribs or beds and getting rid of standing water near the home. By using them carefully and taking other steps as well, parents can safely and successfully apply mosquito repellents to their kids.