As adults get bitten by different types of insects so can babies too. The insect bites do not cause any major medical complications in babies and can be easily treated with topical creams and ointments.

In this article:

How Common are Insects Bites on Babies?
Symptoms of Insect Bites in Infants
How to Treat your Baby for Insect Bites?
Home Remedies to Treat Insect Bites in Babies
How to Prevent your Child from Getting Insect Bites?

All You Need to Know about Flea Bites on Babies

How Common are Insects Bites on Babies?

Insect bites are very common on babies which majorly depends on the time the baby spends indoors or outdoors. Babies who remain most of the time indoors with tightly shut doors and windows are less likely to have insect bites as compared to those who spend more time outdoors. Another major factor is the weather. The insect bites are more common during hot and humid weather than in cold weather and therefore bites the babies.

Symptoms of Insect Bites in Infants

The insect bite symptoms may vary according to the type of insect, place of bit, whether or not the toxins or irritants have been injected. Also, some babies may not cry or show any signs unless the parents notice it, on the other hand, some babies may cry frantically also. Following are some of the symptoms which may be noticed –

• Raised red bumps on the skin
• They may be itchy or painful
• Some insect bites appear like blisters

How to Treat your Baby for Insect Bites?

Following are some of the treatment for insect bites in babies –

• Move the baby to a safer place to avoid more insect bites
• If there is a stinger lodged in the skin, try to pull it out with tweezers or fingernails
• Use soap and water on the bite
• Give ibuprofen or paracetamol for pain and antihistamine for itching to treat ant bites on baby
• Apply ice pack on the affected area to soothe itching, it works well in case of bed bug bites
• Use hydrocortisone cream or other topical creams which help to cure various insect bites such as for flea bites on babies
• Apply a paste made from baking soda and water to affected area which soothe itching from gnat bites on babies

These all work really well for treating insect bites. But if the bite becomes red or there is increase in swelling go to the doctor.

Home Remedies to Treat Insect Bites in Babies

Following are home remedies to treat insect bites in babies –

• Honey – it works really well on insect bites. It can be applied directly on the bite. The soothing properties of honey will help ease the itching and prevents any kind of infection.
• Aloe vera – it is great for any kind of skin related problems. The fresh aloe vera gel provides relief from the discomfort and itching of an insect bite. It is also very safe for a baby’s skin. Fresh aloe vera can be applied or may procure natural aloe vera gel from a good source.
• Apple cider vinegar – it can be used in treating mosquito bites in babies. Apply this liberally on the affected area. The only caution need to exercise is, to keep it away from the baby’s eyes to avoid burning sensation.
• Lemon juice – it is a very good disinfectant. Take a few drops of lemon juice and apply on the affected area. Also, rub the lemon peel on the site of the bite can be done.
• Toothpaste – it also works in treating insect bites. Do not use the gel-based ones, instead use the ones with natural Apply a small amount of it on the affected area to provide relief from itching and swelling.
• Baking soda paste – take baking soda and add a few drops of water to make a paste-like consistency. Also, apply this solution to mosquito bites to cure swelling and itching.

These home remedies may help in treating insect bites on babies. Make sure to consult the doctor before adopting any home remedial measures to treat insect bites on babies.

How to Prevent your Child from Getting Insect Bites?

The following are some of the measures which may reduce the child’s chances of getting stung by insects –

• Do not let the child roam barefoot on the grass
• Cover the child properly for any outdoor trips
• Use a mosquito net when sleeping outdoors or with windows close
• Make use of screens to cover windows and doors
• Use mosquito and insect repellents
• Avoid taking the child to insect prones areas such as beehives, wasp nests, trash cans etc

FAQs

Here are a few FAQs that will help to know more about insect bites on babies and how it can be handled effectively –

Should I be Concerned if the Child has Been Bitten or Stung by any Insect?

Insect bites are very common in children. Fleas, mosquitoes, spiders or ticks often have milder symptoms whereas fire ants, bees, wasps and hornet botes can be very painful and discomforting for the child.

What to do if the Baby is Allergic to Insect?

Some insect bites like wasps, hornets, bees etc may cause a severe allergic reaction in babies and these may cause serious complications. Make sure to keep a watch for the below symptoms –

• Abdominal pain or vomiting
• Trouble in breathing
• Rashes on the body
• Increased heartbeat
• Swollen lips or throat

How to Treat Sting if the Baby Doesn’t Have any Allergic Reaction?

If there is a stinger in the baby’s skin, it may be pulled out with fingernails, tweezers or try scraping it out with a credit card. After washing the area, apply ice to reduce swelling and itching. Baking soda solution or calamine solution can be applied to relieve itching. If all these do not help, seek the doctor’s advice immediately.

Will Insect Bite or Sting Cause an Infection?

Insect bite or sting may become infected in a few days if the child scratches it with nails. If there is bite-site becoming redder, more swollen or the child has a fever, take the child to the hospital. The child may need a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. Apart from these, of any unusual symptom is registered, talk to the doctor.

Do you Need to be Concerned if you are Travelling Outside the Country?

If travelling to a country where files, mosquitoes or other insects are responsible for spreading life-threatening diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever, talk to the doctor. It may be advised to give a shot or take medicines to help the child fight with these ailments.

Conclusion

Insect bites are very common and 100 % prevention is impossible. Make to minimise the exposure of the body through careful planning and infections can be swiftly handled. Prevention is best for fighting fleas.

References

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/insect-bites-on-babies-symptoms

https://pestseek.com/flea-bites