- Make sure to keep as much of her skin covered with clothing as possible, including a long sleeve shirt, long pants, socks, and a hat.
- Wear light colored clothing, so as not to attract bugs.
- Avoid using any scented soaps or other products on your baby, since the fragrances can also attract insects.
- Use an insect repellent regularly. Commonly used insect repellents that can usually be safely used in children include those with less than 10% Deet, or others with citronella or soybean oil.
- Apply insect repellents to clothing instead of to skin so that it won't be absorbed.
- Wash off insect repellents as soon as possible.
- Follow the instructions, including age restrictions on any insect repellent you are considering using.
- Avoid areas where insects nest.
- Do daily tick checks of your child's body when he has a possible exposure, especially when camping or hiking, so as to prevent tick borne diseases, such as Lyme disease.
- Remember that insect repellents do not protect against most stinging insects, including wasps, bees and fire ants.
- Use window and door screens to prevent insects from getting inside your house.
Insect Bites and Stings
Part 2: Prevention of Insect Bites and Stings
By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com
Created: November 22, 2003
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
To help prevent your child from getting bitten or stung by insects, you can:
Pediatric Resources
West Nile Virus InformationSummertime InfectionsSun Protection
Avoiding Bug Bites
Insect Repellents with DEETInsect RepellentsAbout Insect Allergies
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