Soothing Solutions for Dealing with Mosquitoes Around Babies

Nobody wants a bothersome and potentially disease-spreading mosquito bite, especially not babies and their caretakers. Babies have fragile skin and immune systems, and you shouldn’t simply slather them in bug repellents formulated for adults. Understanding how to prevent and treat bites is crucial for your baby's comfort and to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Babies?

Yes, a mosquito will bite a baby. Unfortunately, mosquitoes don’t pick and choose their next bite based on the host’s age or size. A baby can be just as attractive to these pests as any adult is.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from a Baby

To prevent mosquitoes from biting a baby outdoors, cover the child with something such as long clothing and a bug net over their stroller. Be aware of when and where mosquitoes are present to avoid places where they thrive. If you must go to a “buggy” area, be prepared with the following tips.

Here are the detailed measures you can take to prevent your little one from getting a bite:

• Pick the right outfit. Dress your baby in loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin. Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics. Avoid dark-colored clothing, as it tends to draw in more heat and attract mosquitoes.
• Utilize nets and coverage. When your baby is spending time outdoors, keep their stroller, playpen, or baby carrier covered to provide a physical barrier against mosquitoes. Ensure that the netting or cover has small enough holes to prevent mosquitoes from entering while still allowing your baby to feel comfortable.

Stay inside during peak mosquito hours. Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Limit your baby's outdoor activities during these times by hanging out on a screened-in porch or a well-ventilated indoor space instead. Also, know how to keep your home mosquito-free. For help keeping your home clean and mosquito free contact The Cleaning Authority for professional house cleaning services.

• Pick a safe repellent. Consult your pediatrician to choose a safe mosquito repellent for babies, keeping in mind that your doctor may advise not using repellents on young infants. Be sure to apply approved topical repellents sparingly to a baby’s exposed skin and to avoid their mouth, eyes, and hands.
• Keep windows and doors screened. Ensure that your home has properly fitted screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering. Promptly repair holes or tears in the screens.
• Use a fan. Mosquitoes are weak flyers. Using fans indoors and outdoors can create enough airflow to make it difficult for them to land on your baby.
• Avoid certain scented products. Strong sweet and floral fragrances from perfumes, lotions, and soaps can attract mosquitoes. Avoid using heavily scented products on your baby.
• Get professional mosquito treatment. A professional barrier treatment spray effectively kills mosquitoes on contact and keeps them away. Mosquito Squad’s treatments last for up to 21 days! Our experts strategically target areas where mosquitoes are likely to thrive and breed.
• Stay informed about local mosquito activity. Be aware of the mosquito activity in your area, especially if you live in regions where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent. Stay updated on local health advisories or alerts and take extra precautions during peak mosquito seasons and times of the day.

Remember that no method for mosquito prevention for babies is 100% foolproof. That’s why it's essential to monitor your baby for mosquito bites and properly soothe the bites if they get them.

How to Treat Mosquito Bites on Babies

When caring for a mosquito bite on a baby, make itch relief a priority, whether you do this by washing the area or applying creams and natural remedies. This will calm your baby and keep them from scratching the area. Treating mosquito bites on babies requires gentle care to avoid further irritation.

Here’s how you alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

• Wash the area. Gently clean the affected area with mild soap and water on a soft cloth or cotton ball.
• Apply a cold compress. To reduce swelling and itching, apply a cold compress (or an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth) to the mosquito bite. Hold it against the skin for a few minutes at a time, with breaks in between.
• Use over-the-counter creams or ointments. Consider applying a mild hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the bite. Follow the instructions on the package and consult a pediatrician before using any medicated products.
• Avoid scratching. It's crucial to discourage your baby from scratching the affected area. Scratching can lead to further irritation, infection, and scarring. If necessary, trim your baby's nails and distract them with gentle activities and toys until the itch subsides.
• Provide relief with natural remedies. Some natural remedies may relieve itching and inflammation. You can try applying a paste made of baking soda and water; an aloe vera gel; or a 1:2 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. However, test a small area of your baby's skin first to ensure they don't have an adverse reaction.
• Seek medical attention if necessary. If your baby develops a severe reaction to mosquito bites, such as excessive swelling or blistering, fever, difficulty breathing, or severe discomfort, consult your pediatrician promptly.

Mosquito Safety for Babies Made Easy

Protective clothing and other simple precautions keep babies safe from mosquitoes most of the time, but some mosquitoes are too persistent! If you want extra peace of mind that your baby is safe from mosquitoes in your yard, contact Mosquito Squad for mosquito control services. To get started contact us for a free quote or call us at (877) 332-2239 today!