7 Tips to Keep Mosquitoes Away from your Baby

Mosquitoes can be quite a nuisance, especially when you’re trying to enjoy some peaceful outdoor time with your little baby. And it’s not just their itchy bite that can make baby uncomfortable. Mosquitoes also carry harmful diseases like dengue, chikungunya and malaria. Protecting baby from mosquitoes is thus extremely important. However, since babies have extremely delicate skin, it’s definitely not advisable to use mosquito repellents that are designed for adults.

So, how do you protect your delicate baby from pesky mosquito bites? We’ve got all the tips to help you keep baby safe no matter where you are. Let’s take a look at 7 easy ways in which you can keep mosquitoes away from your baby.

1. Dress baby from top to toe in loose, lightweight clothing
   Try and leave as little skin exposed as possible when dressing baby. Choose loose, lightweight clothing as mosquitoes tend to bite through tight clothing. Pro tip: pull baby’s socks over the pant legs so that mosquitoes can’t find their way in. Mosquitoes and other pests also seem to be attracted more to bright clothing and less to neutral colours.

2. Cover strollers and cots with a breathable net
   Another method to protect baby from mosquitoes is by covering their cot or strollers with a light breathable mesh net that doesn’t allow mosquitoes to pass through. Make sure it’s safe for babies.
   
   
3. Avoid taking baby out at peak mosquito times
   This includes dawn, dusk and anytime after it rains.
   
   
4. Look for a mosquito repellent that is safe for babies 
   While it is not recommended to apply any repellent to babies under the age of 2 months, you can start using a gentle, baby-safe mosquito repellent on baby’s skin afterwards. A lot of mosquito repellent products contain DEET as an active ingredient, but this can be harsh on a baby’s sensitive skin. We recommend using natural and DEET-FREE mosquito repellent products that can be used without any worries on baby’s skin. The Softsens Natural Mosquito Repellent Range was designed specifically with this in mind. It has 3 natural, safe & DEET-free mosquito repellent products. The mosquito repellent gel and spray provides protection from commonly transmitted diseases including malaria, dengue & chikungunya, for up to 8 hours and the after-bite roll on helps to soothe itchy and inflamed skin. Our formulas are also enriched with botanical essential oils of eucalyptus, lemongrass, citronella & lavender that naturally repels mosquitoes & bugs. Get these baby-safe mosquito repellent essentials here. Note: never apply mosquito repellent into a child’s eyes, mouth or hands, or any cut or irritated skin.

5. Keep away from mosquito infested areas
   While this may seem obvious, it is important to note. Stay away from mosquito breeding grounds such as forested areas, dense gardens, anywhere stagnant water collects or places where garbage is collected,

6. Avoid using any products with a strong fragrance on baby
   While certain natural fragrances can repel mosquitoes, many products with strong fragrances can actually attract them. So, avoid using any heavily-fragranced products on yourself and especially on baby.

7. Control mosquitoes inside and outside your home by keeping your surroundings clean
   Keep mosquitoes away from your home by cleaning well, both inside and outside your home. Do not keep stagnant water lying around and check your surroundings to see if there are any places that water could possibly collect. Keep outdoor water storage containers covered. Clean and sanitize your home regularly.

Do you have any other tips on how to keep mosquitoes away from babies? Leave your thoughts and suggestions below.