Now that it’s summertime, you and your baby are spending a great deal of time outdoors; going for walks, sitting in the garden under a big, shady tree and playing in the park!

Now, since they’re in the sun rather a lot, you always pop a little sun hat on their head, dress them up in light clothing, and keep a bit of baby suncream on hand, so you know they’ll be safe in the sun. But the suncream and hat don’t keep all the bugs that are constantly flying around from pestering you and your baby. They’re itchy, they leave painful bites, and worst of all, they seem to be everywhere!

After a recommendation from a friend, you’ve invested in some bug spray containing a substance known as DEET. This chemical is supposed to repel the bugs, not kill them, and it certainly seems to be effective, but you’ve heard some conflicting advice on whether or not it’s safe for babies.

So, let’s explore these differing views!

What keeps some parents from using DEET bug sprays on their kids?

Some parents believe that sprays contain potentially dangerous chemicals that might enter your baby’s bloodstream through their delicate skin. Therefore, they’ll choose to cover their baby with light, protective clothing or simply keep them indoors when necessary.

Right about now, you may be thinking, this bug spray doesn’t sound at all safe, why do some parents use it?

Why do others use bug spray on their children without hesitation?

On the other hand, insect repellents go through rigorous testing by government oversight agencies to make sure they’re entirely safe for use on adults and children. So, if used correctly, not only will they keep bugs from irritating your baby’s skin, they’ll also prevent bites that may cause diseases.

So, which is the correct view?

How do I come to a decision on the use of bug spray?

The science is pretty clear on insect repellents, especially those using DEET. So long as they are used as instructed by the bottle, bug spray is safe for use on babies over 2 months old, children and adults. Those containing DEET are said to be the gold standard of bug sprays.

Read the bottle’s instructions and use as directed. Always read the instructions carefully, and make sure no bug spray enters the mouth or eyes.

There is one exception. We’d like to reiterate that babies under the age of 2 months shouldn’t have bug spray applied to the skin. During those first 2 months, use protective clothing or place a mosquito net around your baby’s buggy.

Can I use bug spray on my baby?

When is it safe to apply insect repellant to your newborn's skin? Unii explains.