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Mosquitoes: from what age can they be used for a baby?
Skin mosquito repellents are authorized from 2 months. But on an ad hoc basis and not systematically. In addition, mosquito repellent lotion or spray products are not recommended before the age of 2 and a half years. Indeed, this type of product contains DEET, chemicals which, in contact with the skin of toddlers, can also pass into the blood. In addition, these products are allergenic and irritating to the delicate skin of infants.
In young children: the best solution is to install an already impregnated crib mosquito net. Great care should be taken to ensure that infants cannot catch or put the mosquito net in their mouths. And we have to go hunting for mosquitoes.
What products are effective against mosquitoes in babies?
Here are some tips and remedies for mosquito bites in babies. As far as possible:
- do not use electric mosquito diffusers or spray cans;
- avoid repellents to be applied directly to the skin, to limit any sensitization, especially if the child has very sensitive skin, and respect the indicated age limits;
- prefer insecticides that spray on clothes;
- favor mosquito repellent products of natural and / or organic origin and carefully read the composition of the repellents to avoid allergenic chemicals as much as possible;
- remember to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the mosquito repellent and before touching a baby. Likewise, avoid placing the child against you if you are covered with these products;
- use a diffuser in the baby’s room before bedtime, remembering to ventilate the room during the diffusion by leaving the door open.
Mosquito repellent bracelet for baby
What about the mosquito repellent bracelet for the baby? What should we think of it? A recent study, carried out in June 2020 by ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety), showed that mosquito bracelets intended for children could be dangerous for them. Indeed, these insect repellent bracelets, most often made of plastic, have been accused of many ailments in children. There are burns after prolonged contact with essential oils, convulsions, probably due to the product passing through the blood through the skin, a generalized rash after oral contact, etc.
For ANSES, although wearing these bracelets is not recommended by most manufacturers before the age of 3, the case of infants who have had convulsions raises the question of an absolute contraindication in children.
Are chemical mosquito repellents dangerous for babies?
Chemical mosquito repellents contain DEET, chemicals known since the 1940s and 1950s, most often used as repellents. These substances pose a major problem because, on contact with the skin of toddlers, they then pass into their blood. In addition, these products are allergenic and irritating to the fragile skin of infants.
Any tips to protect baby from mosquitoes?
Some practical tips can limit mosquito bites:
- avoid doing outdoor activities with your baby when mosquitoes are most active (at the end of the day) or going out with them at night;
- dress your baby in light, loose-fitting long-sleeved clothing and favor light pants rather than shorts. Also prefer closed shoes;
- install a mosquito net above their bed or at their bedroom window;
- install a fan near his bed or cradle (but not directed directly at the child), its action limits the number of mosquitoes;
- place repellent plants, such as lavender, lemongrass, geranium or lemon verbena, near windows or terraces;
- if possible, avoid choosing a holiday destination where mosquitoes are common;
- ban the use of essential oils in babies. These should not be used in children under 3 years old;
- test the ultrasonic plug. Its range and efficiency are slightly less than that of an electric diffuser, but it is effective in a small room.
Taking all of these tips into account, unwanted injections should soon be a distant memory.
What to do in the event of a mosquito bite in a baby?
If a baby has been bitten, the area of the bite is washed first with soap and water. Then put ice wrapped in a damp cloth to the place where he was bitten in order to relieve the pain, no more than 15 minutes. The inflammation and itching will decrease with the cold.