Bites and stings are no fun—here’s how to choose a bug spray that’s safe for your little ones.
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Bugs aren’t just annoying—they can carry serious diseases like Lyme or West Nile virus that kids need protection from. A good kids’ bug spray should offer excellent protection against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other pests. Unfortunately, most adult sprays contain high concentrations of DEET or other strong chemicals, which, although effective, have the potential to irritate a child’s sensitive skin, cause rashes, or trigger allergies. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up some extremely effective kids’ bug sprays that keep the children safe without causing you worry. Check them out now.
1
California Baby Natural Bug Spray for Kids
Derived from natural essential oils (citronella, lemongrass, and cedar) this bug spray for kids has a fresh, appealing scent. The spray scent is appealing to kids but not to bugs at all — it does not let any bugs roam around. Plus, it is free of common allergens like gluten, soy, nuts (except coconut), and dairy. This makes it an excellent option for individuals with specific dietary or contact allergies. Additionally, you can use it around babies as young as 6 months without having to worry about their safety or exposure to harmful chemicals.
DEET-free and safe formula
Pleasant citronella fragrance
Allergy-friendly for sensitive skin
Requires frequent reapplications
2
Ranger Ready Picaridin Bug Spray for Kids
Use this bug spray once, and you’ll be rid of mosquitoes and ticks for 12 hours. Not only that, but it also provides 8-hour protection against biting flies, gnats, and other pests. This is one of the best options to use around babies since it has no scent. Plus, due to its non-oily and non-sticky formula, it absorbs quickly without leaving any residue on the skin. You can use it around babies as young as one year old. Additionally, its DEET-free composition makes it safer for the environment. It’s also stain-free, making it suitable for clothing and gear.
Safe for daily use
Effective against mosquitoes and ticks
Non-greasy and odorless formula
Pump is a little hard to press
3
YAYA ORGANICS Bug Spray for Kids
This bug spray for kids comes with a dual application option. It includes both a spray and a set of pre-moistened wipes. This dual option allows for flexibility—use the spray for broader areas and the wipes for quick application when on the go or for smaller spots. Aside from being safe for babies as young as 6 years old, you can also use it for toddlers, pregnant women, and individuals with delicate skin. Plus, this repellent is made with non-GMO, therapeutic-grade essential oils like geranium, which not only provide effective bug protection but are also gentle on sensitive skin.
All-natural ingredients
Safe for sensitive skin
Convenient bundle package
Strong scent
4
Stay Away Mosquitoes Bug Spray for Kids
This bug spray for kids is a budget-friendly option on our list. With this bug spray, you don’t need frequent reapplications — you will get rid of mosquitoes and ticks for 14 hours with a single application. Using Picaridin, derived from black pepper plants, this formula provides effective insect repelling similar to DEET but without a strong odor. Plus, this formula is designed to be non-irritating which means anyone with sensitive skin can use this spray.
Unscented and skin-friendly
Up to 14-hour protection
Plant-based formula
Oily texture
5
Wondercide Kids’ Bug Spray
Peppermint oil is the holy grail for insect remedies. That’s why this bug spray uses a peppermint scent that is not only incredibly refreshing but also acts as a natural repellent. Apart from peppermint, the spray also uses cedarwood oil that a variety of studies have shown to contain insect-repelling properties. The formula is entirely plant-based and does not contain the synthetic chemicals that are so commonly found in traditional bug sprays.
Peppermint-based formula
DEET-free and family-safe
Effective against multiple insects
Requires hourly reapplication
FAQ
Q: What makes a bug spray safe for kids?
A: A bug spray is safe for kids when it uses gentle, child-friendly ingredients like picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). These are effective but less harsh compared to stronger chemicals. If it contains DEET, make sure the concentration is no higher than 30%, as anything more can be too strong for young skin.
Q: Is it safe to use bug spray on infants?
A: Bug spray isn’t recommended for babies under two months old. Their skin is very sensitive, and even gentle sprays could cause irritation. For infants, it’s best to use alternatives like mosquito nets, lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs, or keeping them indoors during peak mosquito times (dawn and dusk).
Q: Can kids’ bug sprays be used on clothing?
A: Yes, many kids’ bug sprays can be used on clothing, but it depends on the product. Always check the label first to make sure it’s safe for fabric. Spraying on clothing can provide extra protection, especially in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are common. Focus on applying to areas like sleeves, pant legs, and socks—places where bugs often land or crawl.
Q: What should I do if my child gets bug spray in their eyes or mouth?
A: If your child gets bug spray in their eyes or mouth, stay calm and act quickly. For the eyes, rinse them immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes. You can use a gentle stream of water or have your child blink repeatedly to help flush out the product. If the spray is ingested, give your child a small amount of water or milk to drink, but avoid inducing vomiting unless directed by a doctor or poison control.
Q: How can I tell if a bug spray is expired?
A: Most bug sprays have a shelf life of 2-3 years, but if there’s no date, look for signs of changes in the smell, color, or texture. If the spray has a strange odor, looks discolored, or has become clumpy or watery, it may no longer be effective. You might also notice that the spray doesn’t feel as strong or doesn’t last as long on the skin.
Article Contributors
Ynet News Shopping Team
Ynetnews Shopping team provides authoritative advice and reviews, distinct from the editorial team, to inform your decisions. To guarantee the correctness of product sizes, availability, and prices, AI tools are utilized in the process.
