Toddlers should use mosquito repellant with DEET.
Past studies have raised concerns about the safety of DEET for children, but the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control recommend DEET-containing mosquito repellent as the best way for toddlers to stay safe from the risks of mosquito-borne illnesses. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends three types of mosquito repellents: DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children three years old and under.
Expert Insight
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, mosquito repellents containing DEET should be used for all children over two months old because of its superior effectiveness. Children should use products with a DEET concentration of 10 to 30 percent. Toddlers should use the lower concentrations.
Considerations
Do not use products that combine mosquito repellent and sunscreen for toddlers. They need frequent applications of sunscreen to protect their sensitive skin while DEET mosquito repellents should be applied only when necessary. Repellents with a 10-percent concentration of DEET last two hours while a 24- percent concentration lasts five hours.
Warning
Do not use mosquito repellent on toddlers' faces, hands or on any injured or irritated skin. Do not let toddlers apply their own mosquito repellent; their fingers end up in their mouths too often.
Tags: mosquito repellent, mosquito repellents, Academy Pediatrics, American Academy, American Academy Pediatrics