10 Best Bug Sprays for Babies Reviews
10 Best Bug Sprays for Babies Reviews
One of the most irritating things in the world is being bitten by bugs. It becomes much worse when they attack your baby. These bugs not only make both of you uncomfortable but can also leave you with serious diseases like Dengue, West Nile, Zika virus, Chikungunya virus and Lyme disease.
Yes, you could constantly dress you and your kid in pants and long-sleeved polo necks but who wants that? It would be greatly inconveniencing. The only reasonable option you have is to get a baby safe bug repellent.
The problem is that there are so many to choose from, each claiming to provide impressive results. So, which one do you go for? How will you know it’s effective? Which ingredients do you look out for? This is where we come in. Our detailed review is aimed to provide you with all the information you need to choose the best insect repellent for babies.
Each baby safe insect repellent featured in this review is both safe and effective. These baby-safe bug repellents are in the form of sprays, wipes, balms and even bands. They boast of hundreds of customer reviews and come highly rated by sites such as consumer reports.
You will also be happy to know that each of them adheres to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations on the appropriate concentration of chemicals such as DEET and Picaridin in bug repellents
Best Bug Repellents At A Glance
Before we delve into a detailed discussion of the best bug repellents, below is a brief overview of the ones we think you might want to take a quick look at.
Cutter All Family Mosquito Wipes
The Good
We all know how squirmy babies can be. This makes it very easy to mess up and get repellent into the eyes. Since this bug repellent for babies is applied by the use of wipes, you can reduce the chances of this happening. You simply need to wipe it on your child’s skin.
With 7.15% DEET, this insect repellent for babies effectively protects your little one from ticks and mosquitoes that transmit Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and West Nile viruses. It also helps that it’s suitable for use by the whole family.
This mosquito repellent for babies is also known for having a clean cooling scent. Additionally, it isn’t greasy or oily. This ensures your child doesn’t experience any discomfort.
- Cooling clean scent
- Not greasy or oily
- Easy to apply
- Easy to control application so as to avoid eyes
- Repels mosquitoes that transmit Dengue, Zika, West Nile and Chikungunya
- Come in a resealable pouch
The Bad
The fact that this insect repellent for infants has such a low DEET percentage means that it won’t last long. Due to this, you will need to reapply it every two hours. Also, it’s kind of sticky. Finally, the wipes aren’t very moist. This forces you to use at least two wipes to get a full body wipe.
- Needs to be reapplied every 2 hours
- A little sticky
- You will need more than one wipe for every application
Final Thoughts
All things considered, the Cutter All Family Mosquito Wipes are a good investment.
Avon Skin so Soft Bug Towelettes
The Good
With 10% Picaridin, this bug repellent for babies is potentially less irritating than its DEET based competitors. This makes it especially suited for babies with sensitive skin. It protects your little one from deer ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, sand flies, biting midges and no-see-ums.
Apart from Picaridin, this mosquito repellent for babies also contains vitamin E and Aloe Vera that give it a moisturizing quality. It is also non-greasy and is available in spray foam.
- Good for sensitive skin
- Protects against mosquitoes, deer ticks, gnats, sand flies and biting midges.
- Contains vitamin E
- Contains Aloe Vera
- Nongreasy
- Available in spray foam
The Bad
You will need to wash off this baby safe mosquito repellent eventually. Also, it’s pricey considering that you only get 8 towelettes. Finally, there have been some complaints that it has a strong smell.
- Pricey
- Strong smell
- You will have to wash it off later on
Final Thoughts
Although this insect repellent for toddlers is a bit pricey, the protection it provides is definitely worth every penny.
Bug X Insect Repellent Towelette
The Good
With 30% DEET, this baby safe bug repellant offers 7+ hours of protection against fleas, ticks, chiggers, gnats, red bugs, mosquitoes, no see-ums and flies. This makes it effective against Lyme disease, West Nile virus and human dranulocyctis among other ailments.
It is also both non-greasy and non-staining. Another advantage of this tick repellent for kids is that it is water and sweat resistant. Additionally, it has very little odor and is quite affordable.
- Non-greasy
- Non-staining
- Low odor
- Water and sweat resistant
- Affordable
- Protects against many insects
The Bad
First of all, several people have experienced an allergic reaction upon using this bug repellent for kids. It is therefore unsuitable for people with sensitive skin. Secondly, it also hurts plastic so you should wait until it dries on your skin before touching any plastic material.
Finally, it is so potent it will even remove nail polish from your nails.
- Unsuitable for sensitive skin
- Hurts plastic
- Removes nail polish
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this mosquito repellent for infants does all that it promises to do.
California Baby Natural Bug Repellent Spray
The Good
This California Baby Bug repellent is natural, vegan and entirely non-invasive. It has no DEET or any other toxic chemicals. Due to its abundance in lemongrass, citronella and cedar pure essential oils, it possesses a sweet scent.
It is safe for children of 6 months and above and repels ticks, fleas, biting flies and mosquitoes. Another advantageous quality of this California Baby Bug repellent is the fact that it has been allergy-tested.
It is dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, oat-free and nut-free (except for coconut).
- It’s completely natural and organic
- Sweet scent
- Repels a variety of insects
- Easy to apply due to spray nozzle
- Suitable for babies of 6 months and older
- Allergy-tested
The Bad
This California Baby Bug repellent is watery and should be shaken before it is applied to ensure it works well. Also, it requires several reapplications. Finally, it is a bit pricey, especially if you decide to buy it at your local retail store instead of online.
- Watery
- Requires several reapplications
- A bit pricey at local stores
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a natural, gentle product for your baby, this California Baby Bug repellent is just what you need.
Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
The Good
This bug spray for kids repels mosquitos for a period of up to 6 hours. This protects your baby from diseases such as Chikungunya, Dengue, West Nile and Zika viruses. It also comes with a cool soothing lemon scent.
You will also be happy to know that this lemon eucalyptus oil mosquito repellent is neither greasy nor sticky. Since it contains no DEET, it also hurts neither your clothes nor any plastic thing you touch. It also helps that it doesn’t stain your clothes.
- Completely natural
- Up to 6 hours of protection
- Non-greasy
- Non-sticky
- Doesn’t stain clothes
- Affordable
The Bad
Unfortunately, this lemon eucalyptus oil mosquito repellent has been known to attract bees. This is highly inconvenient. Also, its scent can be overpowering. Finally, there are those who are allergic to this product.
- Overpowering scent
- Attracts bees
- Several people are allergic to it
Final Thoughts
This lemon eucalyptus oil mosquito repellent is undoubtedly an impressive choice of baby safe bug spray.
Babyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen + Insect Repellent
The Good
This Babyganics bug spray is made up entirely of essential oils such as peppermint, lemongrass, ycedarwood, citronella, and rosemary. Being 100% natural, it contains no DEET or any other toxic chemicals.
The non-greasy nature of this Babyganics natural insect repellent also makes it highly attractive. It also has a pleasant smell and is easy to apply.
- 100% natural
- Non-greasy
- Easy to apply
- Pleasant smell
- Protects against a variety of insects
- Affordable
The Bad
First of all, this Babyganics insect repellent needs to be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours, especially when you are outdoors. Secondly, it leaves behind a sticky film. Finally, it tends to stain clothes.
- Leaves a sticky film
- Stains clothes
- Needs to be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours.
Final Thoughts
Needless to say, this Babyganics bug spray has proven to be both efficient and safe.
Badger Anti-Bug Balm
The Good
This natural mosquito repellent for babies is completely organic, DEET-free and petrolatum-free. It employs the use of citronella, lemongrass and cedar essential oils to repel both mosquitoes and stable flies.
Interestingly, this formula has been used for centuries to repel insects. This mosquito repellent for toddlers also contains castor oil and organic extra virgin oil that soothe and soften your child’s skin. Moreover, it’s really moisturizing and smells great.
- Completely organic
- Moisturizing
- Smell great
- Lasts for hours on skin
- Repels both mosquitoes and stable flies
- Easy to apply
The Bad
Several parents have complained that this mosquito repellent for kids attracts bees. Additionally, it is pretty greasy. Finally, it needs to be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours.
- Greasy
- Attracts bees
- Requires reapplication every couple of hours
Final Thoughts
Due to its many advantageous qualities, the popularity of this natural mosquito repellent for babies is not about to decline anytime soon.
If you are one of those parents who aren’t into the spray, lotion or balm repellents, this is for you. This Bugout adjustable bracelet effectively repels mosquitoes and comes with the added advantage of being waterproof.
The Good
This baby safe mosquito repellent is made using the highest quality of silicone and can be comfortably worn by babies and adults alike. It is DEET-free and is infused with natural eucalyptus oil that repels mosquitoes for up to 120 hours.
It also helps that this mosquito repellent for babies has a cute, stylish design and a refreshing scent.
- Completely natural
- Stylish design
- Refreshing scent
- Effective for up to 120 hours
- Waterproof
- One size fits all
The Bad
Unfortunately, this mosquito repellent for toddlers repels only mosquitoes. Also, there are those who claim that it isn’t efficient in areas with a high population of mosquitoes. Finally, it would be better if this bracelet could fit on ankles too. This would offer maximum protection.
- Unsuitable for areas with a high mosquito population
- It couldn’t hurt if they fit on ankles too
- Repels only mosquitoes
Final Thoughts
This mosquito repellent for infants has proven that you don’t need to cover yourself with layers of repellent to protect yourself from pesky mosquitoes.
Mercola’s Bug Spray
The Good
This bug repellent for babies contains natural ingredients such as citronella oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil and vanillin that help in the repelling of bugs. These ingredients also give it its pleasant smell.
Dr. Mercola’s Bug Spray is effective in repelling biting insects such as ticks, fleas, chiggers, and mosquitoes. You will also be thrilled to know that this bug spray for babies can be used by the whole family and even works in the rain.
- Completely natural
- Easy to carry around
- Pleasant smell
- Repels a variety of biting insects
- Works in the rain
- Can be used by the whole family
The Bad
First of all, you will need to reapply this bug spray for kids every 2 to 3 hours. Secondly, to ensure maximum protection, you will have to shake it before using it each time. Finally, it is more expensive than most of its competitors.
- Must be shaken before use each time
- Needs to be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours
- More expensive than other options
Final Thoughts
It goes without saying that this bug spray for babies is perfect not only for people who love the indoors but also for those eager for adventure.
Skedattle Natural Insect Repellent
The Good
If you have a pet, this is the baby safe bug spray for you. Apart from babies, it is also safe for adults and pets. This is attributed to its natural ingredients which include citronella, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils.
These essential oils are also responsible for the pleasant smell of this insect repellent for babies. The Skedattle natural insect repellent can be used to protect your little one from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Moreover, its packaging is biodegradable.
- Completely natural and organic
- Easy to apply
- Biodegradable packaging
- Protects from a variety of insects
- Pleasant smell
- Light, small and easy to carry around
The Bad
Unfortunately, several customers have complained that this bug spray for babies has a leaky bottle design. Also, you will need to reapply it after a couple of hours. Finally, you will have to apply it generously for maximum results.
- Requires generous application
- Requires reapplication every couple of hours
- Leaky bottle design
Final Thoughts
This bug spray for babies is undoubtedly one of the best natural insect repellents on the market.
What To Look For In A Bug Repellent
If you are in the market for a bug spray for babies, there are several things you will have to consider before making a choice. Let’s give you the rundown.
- Nature of the repellent
When looking for an insect repellent for babies, the first thing you will have to decide is whether you want a natural or synthetic one. While natural baby safe bug repellents are usually less effective than their synthetic counterparts, they have always been considered safer.
This is because they don’t contain any toxic chemicals that could leach into the body and cause health issues.
- Active ingredients
DEET
If you choose to go with a synthetic bug repellent for babies, you will have to decide which chemical active ingredient you are comfortable with. Most chemical baby safe insect repellents contain DEET.
This chemical has long been recommended for use in insect repellents by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). These organizations, however, recommend that DEET should never be used on children of less than 2 months. Additionally, you should never use products with more than 30% DEET.
Although higher percentages of DEET don’t lead to higher effectiveness, they do lead to a longer time of protection. For instance, while a repellent with 10% DEET offers about 2 hours of protection, 30% offers approximately 5 hours.
Picaridin
A popular substitute for DEET is Picaridin. It is present in several baby safe bug repellents and has been proven to be just as effective as DEET. Moreover, it offers a longer time of protection and doesn’t dissolve plastic like DEET. It is also safer, less irritating and smells better.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
If you decide to go the natural way, there are several active ingredients that make a repellent effective. By far the most effective one is the oil of lemon eucalyptus. Extracted from the gum eucalyptus tree, it can offer protection of up to 7 hours.
Essential oils
Most natural bug sprays for babies are made from essential oils such as citronella, cedar, lemongrass, peppermint, and rosemary. Although these repellents are safe, soothing, moisturizing and have a refreshing scent, they are way less effective than their competitors.
This is why they need to be applied liberally and usually need to be reapplied every few hours.
- Type of repellent
As we have mentioned before, there are several types of baby safe insect repellents. These include wipes, sprays, balms, creams, lotions, patches and even bands. You have to choose one that is suitable for you and your baby.
Some parents prefer wipes because they are easy to apply while other prefer patches or bands because they don’t involve any type of bodily application. At the end of the day, this is a personal choice.
The Bottom Line
Although no bug repellent for babies is 100% effective, the ones in this review come pretty close. We selected them after thorough research and have found them to be the best that money can buy. They have proven to be both safe and effective. It is therefore up to you to choose the best one for you.
While one parent may consider the best bug spray for babies to be DEET-based, another may prefer one with oil of lemon eucalyptus. So choose the best one for you and take extra precautions such as using mosquito nets over strollers. In this way your baby will always be safe from pesky bugs.
