Are pesticides safe for babies?

Once you get out of the trenches with your newborn, you’ll probably be itching to get them outside and into nature. Maybe you’re looking forward to a picnic in the park, a family hike, or even a day at the lake. While spending time outdoors can provide wonderful benefits, sometimes nature can also provide some naturala pesky mosquito or a swarm of insects can ruin your day and even become dangerous.

You might think that covering your baby with bug spray is the best option, but not all bug sprays are made the same, and some aren’t even safe. So, what’s the best option?

The following experts explain which types of pesticides are safe to use on babies, how to use them, potential risks, and more.

Safety Guidelines for Using Pesticides on Babies

When choosing a repellent for your baby, be sure to read the product label and manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the insecticide is age-appropriate and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“EPA-registered products like DEET and picaridin have been thoroughly researched and are considered the most effective at preventing insect bites, and are also safe when used correctly,” says April Graham, a pediatrician at Atlantic Health System.

DEET is an insect repellent most widely used to combat mosquitoes and ticks. The EPA reports that an estimated one-third of Americans use DEET each year to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus, or malaria, as well as ticks like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever vector-borne diseases.

Once you’ve chosen a pesticide that’s right for your baby, do a patch test on a small area of ​​your baby’s skin to check for a reaction. If there is no reaction, apply the insecticide sparingly to exposed skin, being careful to avoid eyes, mouth, and hands.

Dr Graham added: “Using more than needed does not make it more effective and may increase your baby’s risk of skin irritation.” “If you suspect your baby is reacting to repellent, stop using it product, wash their skin with soap and water, and call your baby’s pediatrician or poison control center.”

Potential risks of using pesticides on babies

Like most things, there are some risks to be aware of when using pesticides on your baby.

• skin irritation: Babies have sensitive skin and are more susceptible to skin irritations, including redness, itching, and rashes, than older children or adults.
• lung irritation: When spraying repellent too close to your baby’s face or in a poorly ventilated area, it may cause lung irritation.
• Pesticide neurotoxicity: Finally, although extremely rare, pesticide neurotoxicity may occur through ingestion. This most commonly occurs when a baby touches their mouth with repellent-coated hands.

“But DEET and picaridin have a good safety record,” says Neha Pathak, MD, FACP. “Remember, these medications should not be used on infants younger than 2 months of age, and always follow guidelines to prevent overexposure. She recommends that younger children wear long, loose-fitting sleeves and pants so you only need to use the minimum amount of insecticide .

Types of pesticides that are safe for babies

Here are the top repellents that are safe to use on babies and toddlers:

DEET-based insect repellent

If you buy pesticides, you’re likely buying products that contain DEET. Originally developed by the U.S. Army in 1964, DEET is a chemical repellent that works by disorienting insects and making it difficult for them to smell humans.

“When you choose a repellent, look for one that contains DEET (less than 30 percent), IR3535 (20 percent) or Picaridin,” says Dr. Pathak. “Make sure it’s registered with the EPA and follow the instructions for safe use. These are key to protecting your child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using the lowest concentration of insecticide for infants based on the length of time protection is needed. For example, DEET concentrations can range from 5% to nearly 100%, providing 1.5 to 12 hours of protection, but for infants and children, the AAP recommends using insecticides with no more than 10-30% DEET.

While DEET is considered the gold standard, it makes many parents nervous because there have been few reports of seizures in children exposed to the repellent in the past. Experts say this may be because children are exposed to too many products.

Picaridin-based insect repellent

Like DEET, picaridin is an insect repellent that deters insects by forming a vapor barrier on the skin. It is a newer option on the market, but has been studied and considered safe for babies older than 2 months.

The EPA reports that a 20% solution of picaridin repels mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, flies, and chiggers for 8 to 14 hours, and a 10% solution for 5 to 12 hours.

Parents love Picaridin because unlike DEET-based products, Picaridin is non-greasy and odorless. However, because it is a newer repellent, there is little research on the long-term effects of using this product, which is why healthcare professionals and medical experts often recommend that babies use DEET-based repellent sprays.

natural insect repellent

There are some non-DEET options on the market, and natural repellents like oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) can also offer some benefits.

“Lemon eucalyptus oil (different from lemon eucalyptus essential oil) is a plant extract that is an EPA-registered insect repellent and has also been shown to be effective against insects,” Dr. Graham explains

Some people choose OLE because it protects for up to six hours, but it is unsafe and not suitable for children under three years old.

Other more natural options include essential oils such as peppermint, lemongrass, citronella, geraniol and soybean oil. They can provide some protection, but mainly only against mosquito bites and not against vector-borne diseases. Babies may also develop allergic reactions, especially if essential oils are not diluted or used incorrectly.

“It’s important to remember that natural doesn’t always mean safe or effective,” says Dr. Graham. “Natural alternatives are considered relatively safe but are not regulated.”

Alternative pesticides for babies

If you’re looking for ways to protect your child from bug bites that don’t involve any chemicals or oils, you can make sure your baby has as much skin covering as possible when they’re outdoors. This includes tucking your pants into socks, wearing long-sleeved breathable shirts, and even a wide-brimmed sun hat.

Dr. Pathak says you can also avoid using heavily scented soaps or detergents, as they tend to attract bugs. If possible, don’t stay still for too long if you’re near a body of water or large flowers, as bugs tend to stay around these areas.

Factors to consider when choosing an insecticide for your baby

Dr. Graham explains that when choosing a pesticide, it’s a good idea to consider how long your baby will be outdoors and whether they need insect protection.

“Higher concentrations of the active ingredient in a product, which is DEET, provide longer protection, but higher concentrations often come with greater risks, such as skin irritation, rashes, and even vomiting,” she said.

To protect your baby’s eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs from exposure to aerosol repellents, consider using a wand applicator, lotion, or non-pressurized spray. Don’t forget to read product labels thoroughly and be aware of any safety precautions.

If you’re not sure which option is right for your child, you can always call your pediatrician, and the EPA has an online repellent search tool to help you find the best product.

“Additionally, products claiming to repel insects and provide sun protection are not always the best products to use,” adds Dr. Pathak. Consider investing in baby-safe sunscreen and insect repellent, and use a combination of the two for optimal protection.

Alternative ways to protect your baby from bugs and insects

Dr. Pathak says no one insecticide is 100 percent effective in preventing all bug bites, so you should take other precautions.

“In addition to insect repellent, use mosquito nets where appropriate and avoid outdoor play at dawn and dusk, when some mosquitoes are most active,” she said.

Dressing your baby in printed or brightly colored clothing can make them more attractive to insects. Instead, choose light-colored pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.

If you want to deal with more than just mosquitoes, permethrin is an EPA-registered insecticide specifically for ticks. Dr. Graham said permethrin-treated clothing was a good option for older children and adults, but it was not recommended for babies because they were more likely to chew the clothing and accidentally ingest the chemical. substance.

Also, stay away from fancy repellent devices. “Chemical repellent wristbands and ultrasonic devices have not been proven effective against mosquitoes,” she added.

Finally, don’t forget to check the CDC’s travel website for any vector-borne disease updates in your area or anywhere you may travel, which can sometimes help you choose the best ingredients to prevent mosquito bites and tick bites.