Only in these cases apply insect repellent to your baby

• May 1, 2024

If you are a mother, you will surely be worried about the increase of cases of Zika in Mexico, a disease transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, and maybe you wonder if it's good apply insect repellent to babies.

Most of these contain a pesticide called DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and there are many doubts about whether or not you should apply it to your children's skin.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (APA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC for its acronym in English) do not recommend its use in children under two months of age, although it is best to ask your pediatrician.

To take into account ...

The concentration of DEET in the product is related to the duration of the protection, that is, the time it will keep the insects away: A low dose does not mean less protection, but the effect will last less.

For example, a repellent with this 7% substance will keep the insects away for approximately two hours; instead, one at 20% will only last up to 4 hours.

As this product is not soluble in water, it should only be used once a day. It is preferable to apply it to your baby's clothes and not on your skin.

If you decide to use an insect repellent with DEET, take into account the following recommendations:

1. Avoid applying them on or near the eyes, mouth or hands.
2. Check if you have any reaction. If so, call the doctor.
3. While applying the repellent, remove the bottle.
4. As with medications and general household cleaning materials, be sure to keep the bottle out of reach of any child.
5. Wash your skin as soon as possible if you applied it to it.

These tips and preventive measures help you prepare to have a nice time outdoors with your baby without risking being bitten by mosquitoes.

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