Hi Moms, Well the mosquitos are here. I have a 17 month old and a 4 year old and I'm wondering what is the most effective and safest repellent to use on children. I hate to use chemicals on the kids, but I also don't want to stay in the house all summer.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
D.
I used Avon Skin So Soft Original Scent Bath Oil. It's citronella based. Their bug products are good.
I personally love the Avon repellent. I have heard that lavendar repels them. I have planted several Lavendar plants around the yard and it does seem to cut down on them.
I too love the avon repelent, but when money is tight i use the skintastic family spray it has a not so unpleasant smell like some of the others. For outside protection you can get the tiki torches for around the yard, or the foggers. They are chemicals but it will protect your yard and anyone in it for a while (a few hours i think). Good luck enjoy the wheather.
Check health food stores. They have many chemical free alternatives.
My pediatrician suggested Cutter Advanced.
D.,
Try Burt's Bees bug spray. It's all natural. It's a little greasy so you don't need a lot. We used it up north (Minocqua) this past weekend and not a bug bite in site. Walmart carries it. It's about $7 or so. Good luck!
T.
That is a good question,my kids are 14,15 and 4.I have hardly ever used repellent,because years ago I saw on 20/20 that some kids just die from the deet,of course it is not very common,but it made me never use it on them.
So I tried natural stuff,but it never works on them.
If people feel comfortable with deet,I would say use it,I just was never ok with it.Espechially when the children are so young.
Laundry sheets from downy suppose to work very well,skin so soft from Avon spray mixed with some alcohol,
Good luck and let me know if you found some more.
D.,
We buy a high quality DEET product from REI. However, unlike most people, we DO NOT put it on our skin. I learned years ago from river rafting guides to put the oil on either hat brims, jacket hoods, shoes, etc. Just a drop on your clothes works wonders. Then every time we go out, we ensure that we grab one of those hats, jackets, etc. We almost never reapply it.
Beware - it is so strong, it can actually interact with certain fabrics and melt them (it's a chemical reaction).
We love not having to put chemicals on our kids skin!
Good luck.
Your best bet will be a citronella based product. You can find these at a health food store.
i have not tried this yet but just was told that listerine works great! i guess you put it in a spray bottle and spray the yard/area where you'll be, spray your clothes and they stay away. i wonder if its true??!
I use the Renew lotion from Melaleuca with a few drops of Tea Tree Oil. We apply that on our skin and it works great. Completely natural.
I use shaklee's non-toxic all purpose cleaner. When mixed 4 parts water to 1 part soap, and put in a spray bottle, it is very effective as a bug repellant and no chemicals!
I heard vinegar in a spray bottle. It smells for just a little bit but the smell goes away.
I just used California Baby Bug Spray on my 2 year old and myself actually. It worked GREAT on huge mosquitoes! I was hesitant that it wouldn't work as well b/c it doesn't have the harsh chemicals like OFF but it worked great and I feel safer using that on my kids... and me. =)
