Do you use insect repellant on baby?

Last week I posted lots of info on sunscreen, so I'm wondering if anybody has any info on insect repellant?

Which is effective, which is not, which are safer than others, etc.

Since we'll all be spending lots of time outside for the next few months, if anybody has good info or links to sites, please share with the rest of us!

Or, just post what you use and why you chose that one.

Message edited 6/25/2007 8:37:03 AM.

Re: So we all know about sunscreen now, what about insect repellant?

I use California Baby - and this is why i chose them

Age: Newborn and older

Scent: Lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass essential oils (known for their safe and effective bug repellent properties).

For Use: Face and body

Product description: Include California Baby® Natural Bug Blend™ Bug Repellent Lotion in your fight against bug bites! Non-toxic, DEET free, non-chemical, hypoallergenic formula repels bugs while it soothes existing bites and hydrates the skin. Non-staining formula. We use only the finest quality, traditionally recommended oils that are safe, gentle, and effective. Our essential oils are guaranteed pesticide free and sustainably grown. Our custom pump locks in the "up" position making this lotion perfectly portable in a suitcase or backpack without worrying about a mess.

A note from Jessica, developer of California Baby®:

For Grownups:

Hikers and campers will appreciate this convenient product

Benefits & Features:
Contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients

Non-toxic

Non-invasive bug repellent

DEET free

Non-comedogenic

Non-staining

Active percentages of vitamin E and aloe vera

Only vegetable and plant based ingredients

No nut oils, gluten, soy, oat or dairy

Non-irritating, non-chemical formula

Hypoallergenic

Safe and gentle

Custom locking pump eliminates accidents on the road or in the diaper bag

Re: So we all know about sunscreen now, what about insect repellant?

Anybody else use insect repellant?

Re: So we all know about sunscreen now, what about insect repellant?

I have the one that One Step Ahead sells. I don't remember the brand name.

Re: Do you use insect repellant on baby?

I use Family OFF spray in tropical scent

I spray it on my hands then rub in on DD arms and legs. I've used it since last summer on her since she was about 2 months old.

Re: Do you use insect repellant on baby?

We are going to Yosemite next month, my sister said that the mosequitos are really bad.

I ask ped. about the repellant, he said he doesn't recommend it at all till age one. That baby's skin is going to totally absorb repellant. To never put it on their hands or face.

So, looks like Josh is going to spend the vacation behind mosquito nets unless I absolutely must use it.

Re: Do you use insect repellant on baby?

I was just watching an episode of The Shopping Bags yesterday and they said that it shouldn't be used on children under 2 yrs.

Re: Do you use insect repellant on baby?

My PED ok'd it cause in his view the benefits far outweigh the risks of it and i do agree with him (same with sunscreen).

He would rather of course baby be covered and not out when mosquitoes are out, but he would rather me put bug spray on her if I am going to be out then have an infant with bug bite.

Of course no face, hands or feet have ever had it on.

Where I live is MUCH worse than LI with mosquitoes and they don't spray around here like LI does.

Re: Do you use insect repellant on baby?

I would only use something natural. The effects of the ingreidient " DEET" in these repellents is still so unstudied and sdooo many stories of babies /kids getting VERY sick when they touched their bodies and then put their hands in their mouths with repellent on.