Sting-Free Summer Days

Spring and summer bring the urge to get outside and enjoy the warmth and sunshine. But they can also come with an itch--one caused by bug bites. Whether they are playing in the yard or camping in the woods, your children are sharing space with thousands of playmates from the insect world. Mosquitoes, ticks and other insects are more than just pests; they can carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and the West Nile virus.

Shield your children with insect repellent

Using a low-concentration insect repellent can keep your children bug-free and safe from dangerous diseases as well as painful stings and bites.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin to keep your little one from being bitten. While the thought of putting chemicals on their children cause concern for some parents, experts say that the products are effective and safe as long as they are used according to directions.

How to use insect repellent safely

When using insect repellents, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

• Never put a chemical repellent on a baby under the age of 2 months.
• Use the lowest effective chemical concentration. A 10 percent concentration is recommended, but a 30 percent concentration is safe for both children and adults who are at greater risk of exposure.
• Do not apply products containing DEET and picaridin more than once a day, as they are not water soluble. For this reason, parents should avoid products that are a combination sunscreen/bug repellent, as sunscreen should be reapplied regularly.
• Be aware that applying a product containing DEET together with a sunscreen product will reduce the sun protection factor of the sunscreen.

When your baby is over the age of 2 months and can use a commercial insect repellent:

• Read and follow all directions and precautions on the product label to avoid over-application.
• For use on face, apply to adult hands and then rub on face (never spray directly on the face); avoid areas around eyes and mouth.
• Apply repellent sparingly to your baby's exposed skin, not to the skin under his clothes.
• Avoid cuts and skin irritations.
• Don't put repellent on your baby's hands, as they will inevitably find their way into his mouth.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
• Wash treated clothing before wearing it again.
• Don't allow your baby to handle the container while you're applying the repellent.
• Store repellents out of your baby's reach.
• If your baby develops any kind of rash while wearing the repellent, wash it off and call the doctor.
• When using a natural insect repellent, read the label carefully to make sure that it is safe for use on babies.

How to make your child unappealing to insects

Non-chemical ways of keeping the bugs at bay are:

• Dress your baby in light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible; avoid bright colors or flowery prints.
• Don't use scented soaps or lotions, as fragrance attracts some bugs.
• Avoid areas where insects congregate, such as stagnant water, flower gardens and uncovered food.
• Invest in mosquito netting for the baby's infant seat, playpen or stroller.