Can I use bug spray on a baby under 2 months?

No. Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months. Protect young infants with lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs and with mosquito netting over the stroller or carrier.

How much DEET is safe for a child?

After 2 months of age, the AAP advises using DEET at a concentration of 30 percent or lower on children. About 10 percent protects for roughly 2 hours and 30 percent for about 5 hours, so choose the strength based on how long you will be outdoors.

Is oil of lemon eucalyptus safe for babies?

No. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD on children younger than 3 years old. For younger children, use clothing, netting, or an age-appropriate DEET or picaridin product.

How do I apply insect repellent to my child safely?

Spray repellent on your own hands first, then rub it onto your child, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and cuts. Do not apply it to a child's hands. Wash it off with soap and water when you come indoors.

Should I use a combined sunscreen and bug repellent?

No. Sunscreen needs reapplying every 2 hours, but repellent does not. A combination product would expose your child to more repellent than necessary. Apply sunscreen and repellent separately.

What is the right way to remove a tick from my child?

Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight up with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk. Clean the area with soap and water or alcohol afterward, and do not use petroleum jelly, heat, or nail polish.

What should I watch for after a tick bite?

Note the date and location of the bite and watch for a rash or fever over the next several weeks. If either appears, contact your pediatrician and mention the bite. A shower within 2 hours of coming indoors helps wash off unattached ticks.

Summer safety · All ages

Keeping Bug Bites Off Your Baby

Mosquitoes and ticks are part of summer, and the right protection depends on your child's age and the product you use. Some repellents are not safe for young babies at all, and a few have age limits that surprise many parents. This guide covers which repellents to use and when, how to apply them safely, and how to check for and remove ticks.

2 min read Seasonal Safety Updated June 2026

Repellent rules by age

Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months. For young infants, rely on physical protection instead: dress them in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs, and drape mosquito netting over the stroller or carrier.

After 2 months, DEET is an option. The AAP advises keeping the concentration at 30 percent or lower for children. About 10 percent DEET protects for roughly 2 hours and 30 percent for about 5 hours, so match the strength to how long you will be outside. Picaridin is another option. Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD on children younger than 3 years.

Under 2 months: no chemical repellent; use clothing and mosquito netting.
Over 2 months: DEET up to 30%, or picaridin.
Under 3 years: do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD.
Avoid combination sunscreen-plus-repellent products.

Apply repellent safely

How you apply repellent matters as much as which one you choose. Spray a little on your own hands first, then rub it onto your child, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and any cuts. Do not apply repellent to a child's hands, since young children put their hands in their mouths and eyes.

Skip combination sunscreen-and-repellent products. Sunscreen needs reapplying every 2 hours, but repellent does not, and reapplying the combination would expose your child to more repellent than needed. When you come indoors, wash the repellent off your child's skin with soap and water and launder the clothing before it is worn again.

Check for ticks and remove them correctly

After time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, check your child for ticks, paying attention to the scalp and hairline, behind the ears, the neck, the armpits, the waistband, and behind the knees. A shower within 2 hours of coming inside can wash off unattached ticks and lowers the risk of tickborne illness.

If you find an attached tick, remove it with clean, fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts behind. Afterward, clean the bite and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Do not use petroleum jelly, heat, or nail polish to remove a tick.

Treating bites and watching for reactions

For ordinary mosquito bites, a cool compress eases itching, and a pediatrician can advise on calamine or a low-strength hydrocortisone cream for an itchy child. Try to keep your child from scratching, which can lead to infection.

After a tick bite, note the date and where on the body it was, and watch for a rash or fever over the following weeks. If a rash or fever appears, contact your pediatrician and mention the bite. Seek immediate care for any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as widespread hives with swelling or trouble breathing.

Common questions

Can I use bug spray on a baby under 2 months?: No. Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months. Protect young infants with lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs and with mosquito netting over the stroller or carrier.
How much DEET is safe for a child?: After 2 months of age, the AAP advises using DEET at a concentration of 30 percent or lower on children. About 10 percent protects for roughly 2 hours and 30 percent for about 5 hours, so choose the strength based on how long you will be outdoors.
Is oil of lemon eucalyptus safe for babies?: No. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD on children younger than 3 years old. For younger children, use clothing, netting, or an age-appropriate DEET or picaridin product.
How do I apply insect repellent to my child safely?: Spray repellent on your own hands first, then rub it onto your child, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and cuts. Do not apply it to a child's hands. Wash it off with soap and water when you come indoors.
Should I use a combined sunscreen and bug repellent?: No. Sunscreen needs reapplying every 2 hours, but repellent does not. A combination product would expose your child to more repellent than necessary. Apply sunscreen and repellent separately.
What is the right way to remove a tick from my child?: Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight up with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk. Clean the area with soap and water or alcohol afterward, and do not use petroleum jelly, heat, or nail polish.
What should I watch for after a tick bite?: Note the date and location of the bite and watch for a rash or fever over the next several weeks. If either appears, contact your pediatrician and mention the bite. A shower within 2 hours of coming indoors helps wash off unattached ticks.

Sources & further reading

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This guide reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.