10 best mosquito bite remedies for kids

A normal reaction to insect bites is manifested in the form of slight redness and swelling, the child feels pain. But problems disappear after a few hours (1). Complications or the so-called insect allergy are much more dangerous for children’s health (2). There may be heavy breathing, perspiration, pale face, rapid pulse, and urticaria all over the body (3). 

To avoid problems and not spoil your summer vacation, you need to prepare in advance – purchase a suitable repellent. KP, together with pediatricians, has selected the top 10 safe mosquito repellents that are ideal for children. And in the article you will find answers to popular questions related to the use of repellents.

Rating of the top 10 effective and inexpensive mosquito repellents for children

The active ingredients DEET and IR3535 are most commonly used in repellent formulations for children. 

DEET (diethyltoluamide) is a chemical used to repel blood-sucking insects and can be applied to clothing and skin. Initially used by the US military, and then got into civilian circulation. Today, many companies produce repellents based on DEET. 

IR3535 (ethylbutylacetylaminopropionate) is a substance synthesized from the amino acid beta-alanine. In large quantities, it can mask the natural smell of a person. The substance is safe, so it is often used in repellents for children.

In addition, to protect babies from mosquitoes, products based on essential oils of plants are used.

Below are some of the best repellants that are suitable for children.

1. Picnic Baby

Delicate protection against midges, mosquitoes and mosquitoes is guaranteed by a spray consisting of natural, safe ingredients. Thanks to chamomile extract, the repellent has an anti-inflammatory effect. When applied to the skin, the effect lasts for two hours, and when applied to clothing, the effect lasts up to a week. At the same time, clothes after use should be stored in a plastic bag.

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2. Spray Aqua “For the smallest”

DETA is the first brand that appeared on the domestic market of insect repellents. Repellent with a light orange scent is intended for application to exposed areas of the body, strollers and clothing. It is important that the substance does not leave stains on the fabric. 

It not only protects the child from mosquitoes, but also helps in case of a bite. Thanks to aloe vera, the spray soothes the skin, relieves itching, swelling, eliminates pain and redness.

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3.OFF! Kids Mosquito Repellent Cream

For walks in the woods and outdoor games in the summer, you can purchase a cream from a well-known manufacturer of insect repellents – the Off brand. The company has been leading its history since 1957. 

The active substance DEET at a concentration of 7,5% provides protection for two hours. The cream is applied in a thin layer, without rubbing, on exposed areas of the body. Attention: the manufacturer does not recommend applying the product to the hands of young children.

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4. Spray “My sun”

Budget mosquito repellent for children in a bright design. The repellent is suitable for pregnant women and toddlers. This is not just a defense against the attack of blood-sucking: D-Panthenol in the composition helps to restore damaged skin and increases the strength of collagen fibers.

The children’s spray has been tested and approved by the Moscow City Center for Disinfection and the ILC FBUN Research Institute of Disinfectology of Rospotrebnadzor (4). 

As much as you would like, the product should not be applied more than twice a day.

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5. Mosquitall Hypoallergenic Protection

The family blood-sucking insect repellent contains orchid extract, which provides protection for the most sensitive skin. A small concentration of the main active ingredient IR3535 – 4% – allows the use of the product for both adults and children. Thanks to a convenient sprayer, the spray is easy to apply to skin and clothing. The duration of the effect depends on how you use the repellent: two hours of protection for skin and up to five days for clothing.

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6. Drago KIDS spray

Effective baby repellant helps against mosquitoes, midges and mosquitoes. This is the “little brother” of the Drago family repellent: the substance has been improved to better protect babies. The tool is approved by Roskachestvo (5). 

According to the manufacturer, when applied to the skin, it repels 100% of insects, and when applied to clothing – 93%. The action lasts up to two hours.

The spray is non-toxic, but experts recommend using it so that the substance does not get on the mucous membranes.

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7. Citronella Anti-Bug Spray

Natural spray from the domestic manufacturer Levrana saves from mosquitoes, ants, ticks and midges. Reliable insect barrier provides a bouquet of essential oils: citronella, lemongrass, tea tree, geranium, lavender, cedar and rosemary. The smell repels bloodsuckers, and the action of the repellent is based on this. 

Spray is used before going outside. It is easily applied to the skin without leaving a sticky feeling.

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8. Mommy Care Mosquito Repellent Oil

The Israeli brand was created in 2004, today its range includes a lot of cosmetics for mothers and babies. One of them is an organic oil with a delicate aroma that dulls the sense of smell of insects. In addition to the protective effect, the product due to vitamin E in the composition helps to moisturize the skin.

The oil does not contain harmful chemical components, does not cause burning and irritation.

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9 Chicco Insect Bite Remedy

Safe Italian cosmetics made from 100% natural ingredients are suitable for delicate and sensitive baby skin. In the composition of vegetable oils of lemon balm and crab tree – andirobes. Small and handy roller bottle allows you to quickly apply the product to the skin.

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10. Aerosol Gardex Baby 2 in 1 from mosquitoes and midges with vanillin

From the name it is clear that the product protects against blood-sucking insects. All Gardex products, including the Baby line for children, are certified and approved by Rospotrebnadzor of the Federation (6). 

The matte yellow aerosol can is pleasant to hold, and the vanilla smell is pleasant for children and adults.

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How to choose a mosquito repellent for children

– Repellents for middle-aged children should have a low DEET content (less than 10%). For younger children, use products based on IR3535, which are also suitable for pregnant and lactating women, advises Vladislav Zyablitsky, pediatrician, head of the children’s clinic of the maternity hospital No. V.V. Vinogradov.

– The label of the insect repellent should indicate the age for which it can be used and the time of protective action. When applied to the skin, the duration of exposure is usually 2-3 hours. By the way, there are no approved products that last more than four hours. The packaging of the repellent should also indicate how to apply it: for example, spray only on clothing or on skin, and so on. It is good if the number of the certificate of state registration with numbers and the letter “U” is indicated on the package. This means that the repellent has been tested and does not pose a threat to the health of children.

General rules that are relevant for any age: 

• it is necessary to test a new repellent for the presence of an allergic reaction (since the composition contains various excipients, fragrances, etc.); 
• the agent is first applied to dry clothes, and then put on the child; 
• choose a repellent should be in accordance with age;
• do not apply the product near wounds, on burns, abrasions and cuts;
• avoid contact with food; 
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying repellent.

Popular questions and answers

Answers questions from readers of Healthy Food Near Me pediatrician at the clinic of evidence-based medicine DocDeti Ekaterina Kiryushina.

Sources of

1. N. Trushenko. Rampant stinging and bloodsucking. Whom to fear and what to do. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/razgul-zhalyaschih-i-krovososuschih-kogo-boyatsya-i-chto-delat
2. N. V. Yukhtina, A. V. Lyapunov, I. V. Ryleeva. Insect allergy in children. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/insektnaya-allergiya-u-detey
3. D. R. Mildzikhova, Z. A. Nevozinskaya, I. M. Korsunskaya. Hypersensitivity reactions of insect genesis in children. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/reaktsii-giperchuvstvitelnosti-insektnogo-geneza-u-detey
4. URL: https://msbaby.ru/catalog/detskiy-zashchitnyy-sprey-ot-komarov/
5. The best mosquito repellents – 2021. Roskachestvo rating. URL: https://rskrf.ru/tips/obzory-i-topy/luchshie-sredstva-ot-komarov-v-reytinge-roskachestva/
6. Certificate of state registration. URL: https://nevacert.ru/reestry/gos-reestr/ru-77-99-88-002-%D0%B5-004846-12-21-438832