Bug Repellent OFF! 10 Month Old Baby

Updated on June 23, 2010
M.L. asks from Fillmore, CA
17 answers

I am going camping and wanted to know what some of you moms out there use as a bug repellent. I need something safe for my 10 month old baby girl. And any camping advice you have welcomed!
Thanks!

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R.G.

answers from Dallas on

Don't buy anything! Mix 4 drops of vanilla extract per ounce of water in a spray bottle and spray her down. She won't be sticky at all, no chemicals and the bugs will avoid her like the plague. Another mom posted this repellent a couple of weeks ago and I have been using it every day since. It really works!

2 moms found this helpful
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A.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

california baby makes chemical-free bug spray. it smells good too! you can get it at Target in the baby section with the soaps/lotions. watch out for the lanterns, campfires and the poison ivy. otherwise, enjoy the outdoors!

1 mom found this helpful

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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

California Baby has a bug repellent that has no chemicals, is non toxic, and is deet free. I have not had the chance to try it, but I would much rather use this than a product like Off which has a horrid amount of chemicals. Another option is to dress your baby in long sleeves, pants and socks if its in a cooler wooded area and only use the repellent on her hands and head.

2 moms found this helpful
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C.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

California Baby makes an organic bug repellent. You can find it at www.californiababy.com.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi there.

We've gone twice this year and we used California Baby bug spray. I also got these little bracelets that the kids can wear...my baby I put it on his ankle so he doesn't eat it that repel the bugs. No issues with either and no bug bites! Have fun!

-M

1 mom found this helpful
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D.G.

answers from Las Vegas on

A follow-up to Linda S --- put the dryer sheet near the baby where she can't grab it and try to eat it. Also works for adults, tuck a corner into your pocket leaving the rest hanging out.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.B.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Whole Foods has safe bug spray. But I would think clothing would be best bet. I would never use OFF on a baby! That kind of chemicals on baby have got to increase their cancer risk!

1 mom found this helpful

L.S.

answers from Dallas on

Anything that is deet free should be ok but you might ask her ped. I know that Bullfrog makes a spray that is sunblock and bug repelent in one for children. Maybe try that!

1 mom found this helpful
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K.D.

answers from Dallas on

They have come out with an "OFF" clip on thing, I would definitely consider that over smearing repellent on baby. I saw them at Walmart and Target but never read the package. I think that would be your best bet.

1 mom found this helpful
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V.F.

answers from Scranton on

I would recommend looking at Burts Bees or going online to Vitacost.com. My favorite site for all natural and organic stuff is www.bubbleandbee.com. You can find a lot of info about these types of products and their safety at
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/brand/Off!/

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Anything (even natural ingredients) that repels bugs is a chemical and could be toxic to the person using it.

Here's what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for all children and especially addresses those under the age of 2:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/cond...

"Insect repellents are generally available without a prescription, but they should be used sparingly on infants and young children. In fact, the most common insecticides include DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), which is a chemical not recommended for use in children under two months of age. Do not apply DEET-containing repellents more than once a day on older children.
The concentrations of DEET vary significantly from product to product—ranging from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent—so read the label of any product you purchase. Some products have concentrations much higher than 30 percent, and the higher the concentration of DEET, the longer the duration of action. Its effectiveness peaks at a concentration of 30 percent, however, which is also the maximum concentration currently recommended for children. The safety of DEET does not appear to be related to its level of concentration; therefore, a prudent approach is to select the lowest effective concentration for the amount of time your child spends outdoors. You should avoid products that include DEET plus a sunscreen, because sunscreen needs to be applied frequently while DEET should be applied only once a day. If you apply DEET more frequently, it may be associated with toxicity. Also be sure to wash off the DEET with soap and water at the end of the day.
An alternative to DEET is a product called picaridin (KBR 3023). While it has had wider use in Europe, picaridin has more recently become available in the US. It is a generally pleasant- smelling product without the oil residue associated with DEET, and is available in concentrations of 5 to 10 percent.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents used in children over six months of age have 30 percent DEET or 5 to 10 percent picaridin repellent, applied once before going outdoors. These repellents are effective in preventing bites by mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, and biting flies, but have virtually no effect on stinging insects such as bees, hornets, and wasps. Contrary to popular belief, giving antihistamines continuously throughout the insect season does not appear to prevent reactions to bites."

1 mom found this helpful
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V.G.

answers from Portland on

Probably citronella is the safest. All natural and safe. I'd still check with your pediatrician though... Better safe than sorry. Are you camping right next to water? If not, you probably don't need the bug spray at all!

1 mom found this helpful
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L.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sheets of Bounce fabric softener repels bugs!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Portland on

There are several chemical free insect repellents available now. Look on the Internet for brands.

I've used Avon's Skin So Soft and it works. It's intended as a lotion but has been recommended for years as a chemical free, safe insect repellent.

S.V.

answers from Dallas on

I buy products from a wellness company that sells items at wholesale costs. They have remedies for that, as well as sprays for ants, spiders, etc., all completely safe and very effective for your little ones and you. All items come with a 60 day guarantee. If you are interested, contact me at ____@____.com, and let me know it was about this site and the natural insect repellent. I will get back with you.

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A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

I would buy some sort of tent or netting to cover your daughter, and spray the bugspray on that. I would not put chemicals on my young baby.

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A.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

SSS Bug Guard from Avon. It is deet free and can be used on babies as young as 6 months. I am a representative but I have people call me all the time because their pediatrician has reccommended it. Check out my website www.youravon.com/autumnlugo or contact me direct at ____@____.com. Thanks!

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