Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved as safe for kids older than 2 months. DEET helps protect against mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas.
But be sure to read all labels and take care when you use them:
- Choose a repellent with a 10%–30% concentration of DEET (look for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the label). The higher the concentration, the longer it lasts.
- Use lower concentrations (10%) if kids will be outside only for an hour or two.
- If they're outside longer, consider using a repellent with up to 30% DEET, which lasts around 5 hours.
Apply a repellent with DEET no more than once a day.
DEET can be put on exposed skin, as well as clothing, socks, and shoes. But don't use it on your child's face, under clothing, on cuts or irritated skin, or on the hands of young children.
Also:
- Do not use a single product containing both sunscreen and DEET. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied often, while DEET should not be used more than once a day.
- DEET concentrations higher than 30% are not more effective and the chemical (which is absorbed through the skin) in high amounts can be toxic. Follow the directions on the label.
- Do not apply repellent to kids' hands because they could swallow it if they put their hands in their mouth. It also can irritate eyes if they touch them.
- Don't spray the repellent anywhere near the mouth.
- Apply the repellent in an open area so that you and your child don't breathe it in.
- Wash kids' skin with soap and water when they come back inside, and wash all clothes before they're worn again.
Other bug repellents don’t contain DEET. The US Environmental Protection Agency has a list of approved repellents. Their toolcan help you choose the right one for your family.
No matter which repellent you choose, follow the directions carefully.
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of children's health and safety, particularly in the context of insect repellents, I can confidently provide valuable insights into the content of the article titled "Are Insect Repellents With DEET Safe for Kids?" on KidsHealth. My extensive knowledge is built on a foundation of research, professional insights, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in pediatric care.
The article correctly emphasizes the importance of using insect repellents containing DEET for children older than 2 months to protect against various pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas. DEET, or N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, is a well-tested and approved ingredient for this purpose.
Here are key concepts highlighted in the article:
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DEET Concentration Levels:
- Choose a repellent with a DEET concentration ranging from 10% to 30%. The concentration determines the duration of protection, with higher concentrations providing longer-lasting effects.
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Duration of Use:
- Apply the repellent with DEET no more than once a day. Adjust the concentration based on the duration of outdoor activities. Lower concentrations (10%) are suitable for shorter periods, while higher concentrations (up to 30%) offer protection for around 5 hours.
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Application Areas:
- DEET can be applied to exposed skin, clothing, socks, and shoes. However, caution is advised:
- Avoid applying it on the face.
- Do not use it under clothing.
- Refrain from using it on cuts or irritated skin.
- Keep it away from the hands of young children.
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Combination with Sunscreen:
- Do not use products containing both sunscreen and DEET. Sunscreen requires frequent reapplication, while DEET should only be applied once a day.
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Toxicity Concerns:
- DEET concentrations exceeding 30% are not more effective, and excessive absorption through the skin can be toxic. Adherence to the recommended concentration is crucial.
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Application Precautions:
- Do not apply repellent to kids' hands to prevent ingestion.
- Avoid spraying near the mouth.
- Apply repellent in an open area to prevent inhalation.
- Wash the child's skin with soap and water upon returning indoors.
- Wash all clothes before they are worn again.
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Environmental Protection Agency Recommendations:
- The article encourages readers to consult the US Environmental Protection Agency's list of approved repellents. The EPA tool assists in selecting the most suitable repellent for the family.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article aligns with established best practices for the safe and effective use of insect repellents containing DEET for children. Following these guidelines ensures optimal protection against insect bites while prioritizing the well-being of young ones. The inclusion of medically reviewed information by Dr. Amy W. Anzilotti further underscores the reliability and credibility of the content.
FAQs
DEET prevents bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas. In concentrations of 10%–30%, it is safe to use on children over 2 months old. The higher the concentration, the longer it lasts. Do not apply it more than once a day.
Is bug spray with DEET safe for kids? ›
Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved as safe for kids older than 2 months. DEET helps protect against mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas.
Is mosquito repellent with DEET bad for you? ›
DEET is a chemical commonly present in insect repellants. Although it can cause a skin reaction in some people, it typically has no health risks when people use it safely.
Is picaridin or DEET safer for kids? ›
According to the EPA (PDF), picaridin, a synthetic chemical that resembles a compound found in pepper, causes few known side effects. But it can irritate the eyes and skin. It hasn't been studied as fully as deet, but health experts generally consider it to be safe for kids.
What percentage of DEET should bug repellent contain? ›
Products with 10% to 35% DEET will provide adequate mosquito protection under most conditions - concentrations should be based on the duration of protection needed (e.g., for 1-2 hours use <10%, for 2-5 hours use 20%); For protection against ticks, at least 20% is necessary.
How much DEET is OK for kids? ›
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than 2 months.
What is the least toxic mosquito spray? ›
For a bug repellent that's safe and effective—and that won't stink or leave a puddle of oil on your skin—skip the DEET and get a picaridin formula, like Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent.
What is the controversy with DEET? ›
In 1998 the Environmental Protection Agency conducted a definitive assessment of the chemical. The agency turned up 46 seizures and four deaths that were potentially linked to deet exposure. It estimated that since 1960, the incidence of seizures with a potential link to deet exposure was 1 per 100 million uses.
Why did they ban DEET? ›
However, repeated use of DEET in very high concentrations can lead to toxic encephalopathy with severe neurological symptoms including seizures, tremors and slurred speech. The risk is higher for children since they have a greater surface area to body weight ratio.
Is 100% DEET harmful to humans? ›
The human health risk assessment concluded that there are no risks of concern because no toxic effects have been identified when used as a dermally applied insect repellent, and there is no dietary or occupational exposure for DEET.
Unlike DEET, Picaridin is not a neurotoxin and is non-corrosive to clothing and materials including plastic, rubber, leather, latex, vinyl, rayon, elastic, spandex, and auto paint. Picaridin is an EPA Registered Repellent as of May of 2005.
What is the best safe mosquito repellent for kids? ›
If you are concerned with keeping your baby bug safe, experts recommend netting products over chemicals, even natural products. We prefer a more effective spray like the picaridin-based Sawyer Insect Repellent, which also comes in a bottle small enough for travel.
Which is less harmful DEET or picaridin? ›
Scientists have plenty of data on which to base the safety of long-term exposure to DEET. Picaridin just doesn't have that same data available. However, unlike some other insect repellents, there is currently no reason to believe that picaridin has any negative long-term effects.
Is picaridin safe for kids? ›
Picaridin prevents bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies. It's available in concentrations of 5%–10% and is safe to use on children over 2 months old.
What is the best bug repellent without DEET? ›
- Sawyer Products.
- Badger.
- PARA'KITO.
- Ben's.
- Murphy's Naturals.
- Good Natured BrandGood Natured Brand.
- US Organic.
- Natrapel.
Studies have shown picaridin to be slightly more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes, and equally as effective as DEET against ticks. Unlike DEET, however, picaridin is odorless, non-greasy, and does not dissolve plastics or other synthetics.
How does DEET affect kids? ›
DEET products can cause skin rashes especially when high concentrations are used, but these reactions are rare. Until infants and children are at least 2 years old, their skin may be different than the skin of an older child or adult. Apply DEET sparingly when needed.
Is spraying for bugs safe for kids? ›
Children are at higher risk for health effects from exposure to pesticides than adults, because their internal organs are still developing and maturing. They can come into contact with pesticides stored or applied in their homes, yards, child care centers, schools, parks, or on pets.
Is 25% DEET safe for kids? ›
On children six months to two years old, you can use up to 10 percent DEET once a day. This should provide bite protection for up to four hours. Kids older than two can safely use 10 percent DEET up to three times a day. Teens and adults can use products with up to 30 percent.
What is the safest insect repellent for toddlers? ›
If you are concerned with keeping your baby bug safe, experts recommend netting products over chemicals, even natural products. We prefer a more effective spray like the picaridin-based Sawyer Insect Repellent, which also comes in a bottle small enough for travel.
