To protect children from mosquitoes and midges, age-appropriate products are used. They are less toxic. As a rule, insect repellents are recommended for children aged 1 year and older. There are also natural sprays based on essential oils that are approved for use from birth. They are applied to the canopy of the stroller or to the baby’s clothes, or the mother uses them to create a shield for the baby.
Harm and danger of mosquito bites for babies
Although mosquitoes in Europe and Russia are not carriers of terrible infectious diseases, like their counterparts from tropical countries, their bites still pose some danger to small children.
The immune system in children under one year of age is still developing; the amount of antibodies produced is not able to cope with the consequences of the toxic substance that flying insects inject during a bite. And negative factors such as itching, redness and swelling or inflammation of the affected skin can cause a lot of discomfort for babies.
After being bitten by “bloodsuckers”, children may experience unpleasant symptoms:
- allergic reactions on the skin;
- itching and burning;
- when scratching the wound, infection may occur;
- deterioration of sleep and well-being.
On a note!
The use of various drugs against mosquitoes and midges for young children has its own nuances: many of the substances they contain can cause an allergic reaction and irritation of the skin in infants. Therefore, special children's products are recommended for them.
Indications for use
This drug is used as a means of protecting children from mosquitoes, however, the medication also has additional properties. This allows it to be used to solve a wider range of problems. In addition to protecting the skin, the product is used for:
- healing wounds, burns, eliminating bleeding;
- neutralization of the toxic effect upon contact with poisonous plants, poisons from snake bites;
- elimination of edema of various etiologies;
- protects the skin from UV, prevents photoaging, skin pigmentation, sunburn;
- preventing dryness, nourishing and moisturizing the skin;
- prevention of vascular bruises, mesh, normalization of vascular tone, capillaries of the epidermis;
- improving metabolic processes in skin cells, preventing cracks, dryness, burning;
- treatment of acne (acne), skin rashes that are triggered by changing climatic conditions;
- eliminating unpleasant odors caused by bacterial imbalance, preventing the development of pathogenic flora;
- In winter, the product is recommended to prevent frostbite, dry skin, and cracks.
Mosquito repellent methods
Methods for protecting infants from mosquitoes
In order to protect an infant from attacks by blood-sucking insects and ensure his safety, you can use various means:
- individual, which can be applied to skin or clothing;
- homemade, used only indoors;
- street ones that protect children while walking.
The most reliable and simple mosquito repellent for infants is a mosquito net or fabric that does not come into contact with the child’s skin, but blocks the access of insects to the child. In the room it can be installed on the windows; during a walk, such a veil can be used to cover the stroller.
Modern industry produces many different types of such nets from high-quality fabrics, the small cells in which prevent even tiny insects from flying through. They not only protect the baby from bites, but also from city dust and fluff.
Review
For infants, the most reliable protection is a mosquito net. I have one hanging on the window and the net also covers the stroller before going out into the fresh air. When there are a lot of mosquitoes, I also spray essential oil on the veil, it helps a lot.
Svetlana, Moscow
Choosing clothes for a walk
Clothing plays a crucial role in protecting a child. The fewer exposed areas of the body remain, the safer the child will be. For a walk, you should choose clothes that cover not only the body, but also the arms and legs. This can be a jumpsuit made of knitwear or light fabric.
Preference should be given to light-colored clothing because dark colors are more attractive to mosquitoes.
Feet should be covered with socks and put on any summer shoes. For infants, a long-sleeve bodysuit is suitable, and the legs can be covered with a light diaper. In the shade of a forest or grove, mosquitoes also attack during daylight hours. Therefore, when going for a walk in the forest, you should not wear short shorts, skirts or T-shirts.
Fumigators for children
Fumigators against mosquitoes
The operation of electric fumigators is based on heating a removable plate or liquid in a bottle when the device is plugged into the power supply; the “bloodsuckers” fly away from the emitted smell.
Ultrasonic repellers
This device is as safe as possible for young children. Its action is based on the reproduction of ultrasonic signals that scare off attacking “bloodsuckers”. They come in several forms:
- repeller-night light, which not only allows you to save a child from the attack of “bloodsuckers” at night, but also provides light;
- Battery-powered keychains are designed for personal protection while walking in the fresh air.
Important!
However, you should be aware that ultrasonic repellers are not registered as safe by the federal authorities Rospotrebnadzor.
Review
We use Citytek ultrasonic, I think this is the safest method, because no chemicals are used, and there are no mosquitoes.”
Anastasia, Bryansk
Mosquito repellent bracelets and clothespins
mosquito bracelets for children
Anti-mosquito bracelets for children were invented recently and have already gained wide popularity among mothers who prefer safe mosquito protection for their babies. It is recommended to put such a device on the child’s arm or leg, or attach it to a stroller or crib; the range of action on insects is 40-60 cm.
The most popular scare bracelets:
- BugSTOP, Farewell Squeak - are a microfiber tape impregnated with citronella oil, there are no toxic substances. Protection lasts 170 hours. However, it is recommended to use it only from 3 years of age. Price 140-290 rub.
- Gardex Baby is a mosquito repellent bracelet with a removable cartridge; geranium, lavender, citronella and mint oils are used for impregnation; it is used in children from 2 years of age. Price for a set with 3 plates – 300 rub.
- Clothespin or clip Gardex Baby with a removable plate - fastens to the baby’s clothes or stroller, helps protect the child from the attack of blood-sucking insects in the open air, repelling with the smell of essential oils. Price 300 rub. For children from 2 years old.
- Green luck (China) with citronella oil - will help protect your baby from insects for up to 480 hours, sold in several colors, price 200 rubles.
Review
I bought 2 bracelets for my daughter specifically for a trip to the forest, attached one to the leg, the other to the side of the stroller. However, I was disappointed, because in nature they did little to help against mosquitoes; I also had to save myself from the bloodsuckers manually, swatting them with newspaper.
Alina, Moscow
Natural repellents from iHerb
The famous organic products website has many natural remedies for children from birth. It’s not a fact that clove oil from a pharmacy will do a worse job than an environmentally friendly repellent with a price of 600 rubles. But if you are interested in what products you buy on IHerb based on recommendations and with a proven composition, then two are mentioned more often than others: All Terrain Kids Herbal Armor and Badger Company Antibug Shake & Spray.
Folk remedies for infants
To protect your baby from “bloodsuckers”, it is not at all necessary to buy expensive products; mosquito repellent liquid or cream for children under one year old can be made independently at home. To prepare it you need: water, vegetable oil and a few drops of various essential oils (cloves, lemongrass, citronella and tea tree). It is better to pour the mixture into a cosmetic spray bottle, wash it well and dry it first.
What are the advantages of straps?
Let's consider the positive properties of anti-mosquito bracelets.
- They are safe. The silicone from which the accessory is made is hypoallergenic. If the strap is fabric, then the material will be natural. The bracelets are soaked in oil, which is also a natural product that cannot harm a person (with the exception of allergies).
- They are easy to use. Simply put the bracelet on your hand and fasten it with Velcro or a button. It is better not to cut off the excess, since there is impregnation there.
- They are durable. Provided proper storage and use, such a protective agent will be enough for the entire season of activity of blood-sucking insects.
- They are comfortable. A person simply puts on the strap and calmly goes about his business without feeling any discomfort. Now you can easily go with your family and friends for a picnic in a forest plantation, for a walk with the dog in the park, or for a bike ride.
Advice! After removing the bracelet, you should immediately put it in a container, where it should remain until the next time. This is necessary to prevent unnecessary evaporation of the impregnation.
Preventing mosquito attacks on children
For mothers taking walks with their babies in the fresh air, it is recommended to follow the rules that will help not attract blood-sucking insects to themselves and their child:
- mosquitoes fly towards the scent of perfume, dark clothes or bright lipstick, so using them is not recommended;
- there is no need to apply a large amount of anti-mosquito agent to the skin; it would be optimal to use clothes or a stroller visor for this, which is safer for the child;
- You cannot use protective medications too often; it is better to apply them immediately before going outside;
- You must follow the instructions for storing the drug and monitor its expiration date.
Protective agents against “bloodsuckers” for young children, especially infants, must be highly effective and as safe as possible. For children under 6 months, it is better not to use cosmetic products at all, but only folk remedies for mosquitoes for newborns, made at home.
Features of straps
Bracelets are made from different materials. Textile and silicone are especially popular, but their effectiveness does not depend on the structure of the product or design.
It is important to use the product correctly, and for this you must first read the instructions. It is best to store the strap, as recommended by the manufacturer, in a special convenient container.
Bracelets for children and adults differ in length and size. For the latter, they are wider, which is completely natural. The color and design can be chosen to suit your taste.
