Mosquitoes have been a recurring problem in many households and I am sure most of you will agree to it. Mosquitoes are not only dangerous because of their stings but also in regards to the bacteria and germs they leave behind in the body of the victim. These are responsible for multiple diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya and many more. In a home which is the abode to young kids and babies, the risk of infections and diseases become all the more alarming making the parent look into multiple aspects of protection from the disease. Diseases caused by these bacteria’s are extremely difficult to get rid of and therefore demands sensitivity.
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The market now meets the demand for protection by producing multiple alternative solutions to the problem of mosquitoes in the house such as mosquito net, repellent patches, plug in vaporizers and sprays. The only thing that strikes the mind of every parent while picking a mosquito repellent from the shelf is whether it is safe to use these in close vicinity with babies and kids. We all know children are extremely fragile and require proper care therefore it becomes quintessential to make sure that the repellents you are using cause no harm to your babies.
A Guide for Chemical Mosquito Repellent for Kids
Are chemical repellents safe?
Well, you will be happy to know that certain chemically produced mosquito repellents are completely safe for your child who may be as small as 2 months old. Going on a picnic no one wants these pesky bugs to ruin the fun-filled moments or sting the children making the activity dangerous. The American Academy of Paediatrics says that insect repellents containing deet are safe for children as young as 2 months. Bug repellents with deet come in varying strengths, some contain up to 30-percent deet.
A higher concentration of deet doesn’t mean a product is stronger, only that it lasts longer. This makes it extremely important that you check the labels and see for yourself the product and the quantity in which it is being used in the repellent before buying for your house. Other products like Picaridin an odourless synthetic ingredient found in some bug repellents is relatively new in the United States but has been used in Europe for more than 10 years. It is similar to deet and provides long-lasting protection against bugs. Products with Picaridin can be used on babies as young as 2 months.
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Although scientists have declared deet as safe for use on children still many parents prefer to use bug repellents that are deet-free. Natural repellents that are made with plant oils such as citronella, lemongrass and peppermint are more reliable. One can never tell what may cause an allergic reaction in the body of the child. Many children develop skin rashes when these chemical repellents are sprayed close by. Therefore it is always advisable for parents to substitute chemical repellents with natural alternatives.
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Precautions while using chemical repellents
It is important that you are extremely cautious while applying these mosquito repellents on the body of your child.
- Areas near the eyes and the mouth should be strictly out of limit and the repellent must never reach these body parts as it can cause serious injuries to the baby. From watering red eyes to nausea chemical repellents when come in direct contact can cause trouble for the baby.
- Make sure that you do not apply the repellent directly on the skin of the young one as it may cause skin allergies and rashes. Sprays must only be done on areas that are covered with proper clothes.
- Leave the hands and feet of the child free of any repellent spray as children have a habit of inserting their hands in their mouth frequently which will make the risk of a reaction in the body all-time high.
- The over use of the chemical deet can be highly toxic. It can lead to fever, nausea and severe headaches in the baby. Prolonged and excessive use of deet repellents can also lead to damage of the brain cells leading to seizures. So always follow all precautions when applying products containing DEET to babies and young children. Therefore one must make a limited and occasional use of these repellents only.
- Too much chemical repellent in the air makes it difficult to breathe even for the adults and leads to dizziness and headaches in individuals. Therefore it becomes important to take due care of our young ones and make their exposure to such chemicals minimal.
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You must be thinking of some natural remedies to get rid of these pests and avoid using chemical repellents at the same time. Here is a list of some of the most effective ways for you.
It is important to keep in mind that however safe we declare the chemicals to be they always pose some threat in regards to the health of the child. This aspect makes the parents look into safer alternatives for their children that ensure no reactions or any risk to the health of the child.
- Try to make the child wear onesies while going out of the house. Onesies cover most of the exposed skin that protects the child from mosquito stings.
- Use finely meshed mosquito nets available in the market to cover the area where the baby is playing, eating or sleeping. While going on a stroll in the pram the mothers can cover the pram with the net that will prevent the entry of any pest near the baby.
- A good way to limit the toxic effects of chemical repellents is to apply it to clothing, bed covers, window screens, mesh insect nets, tents, or sleeping bags. Wash treated clothes and items after use.
- Even though natural repellents are not as long lasting as these chemically available ones yet they are safer for the child. Plant oils easily accessible in the market or directly applying crushed leaves can also help you make a safe choice in regards with the health of your child.
Thus even though chemical repellents cause no immediate harm to the health of the child yet they may lead to severe problems and allergies in the future. An experienced parent and even the elders of the family will always suggest you to adopt a more natural approach while dealing with the health of the child.
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