What to Know About DEET Bug Spray
Alternatives to DEET Bug Spray
The Dos and Don’ts of Bug Spray
DO keep your infant and young child’s skin covered in lightweight clothing as much as possible, and try to cover exposed skin—for example, tucking pants into socks.
DON’T use fragranced products such as scented laundry detergent or lotions, which can attract biting insects.
DO consider using a mosquito net over your stroller or infant carrier.
DON’T use insect repellent on babies under 2 months old.
DO choose insect repellents approved for use on children and follow directions on the package.
DON’T use sunscreen and insect repellent combination products. “The DEET will lessen the effectiveness of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and can overexpose a child to DEET because sunscreen should be reapplied often,” Slaughter-Atiemo says.
DO spray bug spray on your hands before rubbing it onto baby; that way, it’s only going on baby’s skin and not in the air where you’ll both breathe it in
DON’T apply insect repellent near the eyes and mouth, and, for small children, hands, as they may put their hands in their mouth.
DO spray repellents in open areas, then quickly move away. This will help you avoid inhaling the products.
DON’T store products within children’s reach or let them apply their own repellent. Apply it for them, then make sure to wash your hands.
DO wash off the insect repellent with soap and water once you come back inside, and throw those clothes in the wash.
