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Nothing will send you running inside on a nice summer night faster than pesky, persistent mosquitos. Although a good bug spray can help protect you from masses of itchy bites, you may wonder if it’s suitable for your baby’s sensitive skin.
The short answer: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says you can use bug spray on your baby — as long as she’s at least 2 months of age and the formula doesn’t contain more than 30 percent DEET (an ingredient used in lots of bug sprays used to ward off mosquitos, ticks and chiggers). Also important to know: Insect repellents that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol / p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) are not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children under 3 years old.
But the specifics on using bug spray on babies gets a little complex from there. Here’s everything parents and caregivers need to know.
How we chose the best bug sprays for babies
- We spoke to Leah Alexander, M.D., F.A.A.P, a pediatrician based in New Jersey, and Tina Feeley, M.D., M.P.H., a pediatrician based in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board, to learn the benefits of bug spray for babies, how to properly apply it and what ingredients to look for (and avoid) when shopping for baby bug sprays. Per their advice, as well as guidance from the AAP and the CDC, the bug sprays on our list:
- Are not in pressurized cans
- Contain DEET concentrations of 30 percent or less
- Don’t contain OLE or PMD, which are not safe for kids under 3 years
- We combed through reviews and comments from What to Expect Community parents, who have shared intel about the bug sprays for babies that have worked well for them.
Factors to consider when choosing bug sprays for babies
- Application type: There are lots of different types of bug spray, but the AAP says parents should use sticks, lotions and unpressurized sprays. Sticks and lotions are more targeted, but you’ll need more for full coverage. Sprays are easier to apply, but if you’re not diligent, you may miss some spots. Avoid using them in enclosed areas so you don’t breathe them in.
- Duration: The concentration of DEET directly correlates to how long the product is effective. A higher concentration works for a longer amount of time. According to the AAP, you can expect 10 percent DEET to provide about two hours of protection, while 30 percent DEET provides about five hours of protection. Meanwhile, 20 percent picaridin translates to about 12 hours of protection.
- Size: Some families may need travel sizes that are easier to transport, while others will need a larger supply for more frequent application. Think about your lifestyle: Do you live in an area that has a high concentration of mosquitoes, ticks and other insects? Does your family spend a lot of time outdoors? If yes, you may want to invest in a larger product.
How to protect babies from bug bites
Bug bites aren’t just itchy and irritating — they can also transmit diseases like Lyme disease and the Zika virus, which means it’s important to keep your baby protected in buggy areas. Dressing your little one in lightweight long sleeves and pants, using mosquito netting over strollers and carriers and avoiding scented soaps or sprays (because they can attract insects) are all good ways to ward off bites.
However, infants may bug spray from Avon is a worthy option, especially for parents looking for a DEET-free formula. It contains 10 percent picaridin to ward off mosquitos for eight hours, and other bugs for six hours. Parents say it’s an incredibly effective formula. “I am a mosquito magnet… Avon Skin So Soft bug spray is the only thing that works for me,” says one WTE mom. The spray won’t leave skin parched thanks to aloe and vitamin E, which rehydrate and keep skin smooth. It also has a nice, gentle smell that won’t bother babies. Just remember to wash it off once you get home.
Recommended age: Ask your doctor before using on babies under 6 months
Type: Picaridin
Size: 4 ounces
Avon Skin So Soft also does a nice job of repelling them. I haven’t been bitten in almost six years…”
“I’ve always used skin so soft from Avon. …The smell is good and it seems to work pretty good”
Many What to Expect parents rely on the Babyganics brand for diaper cream, lotions and other baby care needs — and they love the brand’s bug spray, too. “Babyganics has the best and most effective bug spray,” says one mom. The aerosol-free spray uses rosemary, citronella, peppermint, lemongrass and geranium oils as a natural way to ward off unwanted bugs (although as mentioned earlier, these types of botanicals are not fully proven to repel insects).
What to Expect staffers swear by this spray, too. “I like that this repellent is made with natural essential oils — so I feel ok about slathering it on my kids’ skin. The scent is pretty pleasant, too. It does help to reduce bites if you continue to reapply,” says Shelley Gingrich, Executive Director, Brand Solutions at What to Expect. “Definitely agree that the smell was a lot more pleasant than other options, and I felt good about putting an all-natural repellent on my small child. It definitely kept away mosquitoes, which was our main worry when we were camping in the Sierras,” adds Joyce Slaton, Commerce Editor for What to Expect.
Just note that it’s not meant for babies younger than 6 months, and all oils in the formula give it a greasy quality that some parents didn’t enjoy. And if you’re in an area with a high risk of insect-transmitted diseases, the AAP recommends using DEET or picaridin formulas instead for more reliable protection.
Recommended age: 6 months and up
Type: Natural
Volume: 6, 8 ounces
I bought the babyganics… It works BUT it’s crazy greasy. I had to shower before I got in bed”
This is the one I used with my first son when he was under a year and I still do , I even use it because it doesn’t smell bad it smells like lemongrass, it’s made with organic ingredients and it really works!! I took it to Mexico during the summer and mosquitos are crazy over there but I didn’t get bitten.”
When your baby is squirming every which way, you may find bug spray wipes more convenient. Since there’s no spray involved, you can hold your little one and deliver a more targeted application, no matter how much he moves. The wipes are oil free and don’t leave behind a greasy feeling on your baby’s skin. And since these wipes are only 7.15 percent DEET (well within the range recommended by the AAP), they’re perfectly safe for your little one. Each wipe promises up to two hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, ideal for short outings.
Recommended age: Not specified (but AAP says 2 months and up for bug spray in general)
Type: DEET
Size: 3 ounces, 15 wipes
I use Cutter Family Wipes. They’re easy to apply and dry quickly.”
If you’re looking for a bug spray you can take in a carry on, check out this natural formula from California Baby — a favorite baby care brand among the What to Expect community. The insect repellent is DEET- and picaridin-free, using instead essential oils like lemongrass, cedar and citronella to ward off bugs. “It’s our favorite because it actually works and doesn’t smell horrific like the store brand ones,” raves one WTE community mom. Another mom reports that she always uses this brand on her kids.
It’s available in a 2-ounce bottle — perfect for TSA! — and the sprayer locks with just a twist to avoid unwanted leakage in your bag. (Just remember that the AAP does not recommend these types of formulas if there’s a health concern for insect-borne diseases in your area.)
Recommended age: 6 months and up
Type: Natural
Size: 2 or 6.5 ounces
I use California Baby bug repellant on my kids, and it works great.”
I use the California Baby repellant. It’s essential oil-based and smells like lemongrass.
If you’re planning on hiking or traveling to places where insect-transmitted diseases are common, you’ll want something that will give you the best possible protection from bugs. Enter Off! Deep Woods, which is 25 percent DEET to provide up to eight hours of protection from mosquitos. (It also repels ticks, biting flies and other annoying pests). You get a lot of product for what you pay for (typically under $10 for 6 ounces) and it’s easy to find at lots of retailers. Just be sure to buy the spray pump, not the aerosol version, as the latter is not recommended by the AAP for children.
Recommended age: Not listed (but 2 months and up, per the AAP)
Type: DEET
Size: 6 or 9 ounces
I live in Louisiana and our mosquitoes are ridiculous. Anything with DEET should be fine. I use Off Deep Woods during peak mosquito season.”
Off deep woods spray always works for us. She’s gets eaten up without it”
Some parents find that an insect repellent lotion is easier to ensure full coverage against bug bites. Enter the highly-rated Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent lotion, which is recommended by What to Expect staffers. “I found this lotion a couple of years ago after researching mosquito repellent ingredients,” says Stephanie Porter, Creative Director, Brand at What to Expect. “I’m a mosquito MAGNET and they don’t get me with that lotion on, and it works great on my kids too.”
This formula is 20 percent picaridin to ensure up to 14 hours of protection from mosquitos and ticks, and up to eight hours protection from biting flies and other pests. Parents love how easy it is to apply. “It’s not greasy, and absorbs really well. It also doesn’t have a smell to it, which is nice,” adds Porter.
Recommended age: 6 months and up
Type: Picaridin
Size: 4 ounces
20% Picaridin Insect Repellent works great when I put it on my daughter. She never gets bites with it on.”
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The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and 
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