baby bug spray???

[KMH1]

Hi everyone,

We're looking for advice on what kind of bug spray to pack to protect Alyssa (she'll be six months old) during our October trip.

Thanks!
Amy

 

[Amirah95]

I get my DD children's repellent from Avon and it works very well. You can order it through Amazon if you don't have your own Avon rep.

 

[KMH1]

Thanks Tanya!

 

[storybookmum]

and they don't have to touch skin. you stick em in a pocket and they work amazingly well.

I am NOT sure if they work with the no-see-ums.

HTH,

Kris

 

[Rapunsel]

I was at WDW last October and FYI we did not have any problems with bugs at all. Just maybe the ones that walk on the ground. But not mosquitoes or anyting.

 

[KMH1]

Never heard of that one Kris...we'll have to try that! Thanks!

Thanks for the info Rapunsel...We didn't notice a problem a few years ago in October either, but with all the storms coming through lately, we were worried the mosquitos might be attracted to the standing water.

We figured it would be better to be safe than sorry!

Thanks again!

 

[alecam]

Also, OFF makes bug repellant in Wipes,too. No messy spray,won't get in eyes,etc! They work great, especially for small children.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Off also make a botanical version...fewer chemicals. It is plant based. If you go to any health food store you will also find any number of non DEET bug spray options.

 

[KMH1]

Thank you alecam and CarnotaurDad!

We really appreciate everyone's suggestions and input!

 

[AnnetteF]

Thank you for posting this question, KMH1. We will also be going in October for our first trip with our 7 month old DD and I was wondering the same thing. See you there!

 

[Lollipop Mom]

just one note on the Avon stuff. I use theirs too. I thought I had a great find in the combination sunscreen and bug repellent they have. I mentioned it to a friend who is a pediatric nurse and she recommended I bring it to our pediatrician and run it by him first. He didn't like the idea because while bug spray really only needs to go one once, twice at most in 24 hours, sunscreen should be reapplied often. If you used reapplied that often you would be using too much of the bug repellent chemicals on your child.

 

[Princess Steph]

Our pediatrician told us to use a DEET based product. Right now, we have had a child in our community die from EEE (encephalitis) spead by mosquitoes, and only DEET products have been proven to keep the bugs away. We were also told to only apply once per day, and not use a sunsceen based product. I found OFF! Skintastic Family- it is 5% DEET. Some products are 95% DEET. The longer you plan to be outside the higher the % you should use, because you shoulder try to avoid applying more than once. Last year we were in WDW mid-September and we recieved a notice in our room telling us that there was an increased incidence of encephalitis. I quess this is common for FL., but it scared me. Have a great trip

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Burts Bees makes insect repellent that is recommended by pediatricians. It is all natural and safe to use to babies and pregnant women. No Deet. All natural and I use it all the time. It works better than anything else my husband has tried. The kids never get a bite when they have it on and it smells nice (lemons!)
Hope this helps!

 

[justhat]

We got that notice about encephalitis last October when we stayed at AKL. We use Off Family (clear spray bottle with a pink top) and just got the Burts Bees stuff last night so I haven't tried it yet, but it's nice to know it works. The Off Family works well too and I just spray it on my daughter's clothing and it seems to work fine and doesn't get on her skin directly. Also, we have a ladybug clip on thing that makes a noise that repels bugs. We used that in WDW in May and it seemed to work, but I have since lost it and not gotten a new one. They sell the ladybug at Babies-R-Us and Buy Buy Baby, if they have those where you live.

PS, my daughter's middle name is Alyssa, I think it's such a pretty name!

 

[jel0511]

I have also used Burt Bee's insect repellent, and I can't stand it. It smells like lemon pledge, and everyone within 10 feet can also smell it. It has a slightly greasy feel, and for us, it didn't work. We all got bit up, and felt like it was a waste of money. We brought both on a trip, and when we had on the "lemon pledge" we all got bit, but when we used the Off Skintastic, not a bite to be found.

 

[Amirah95]

Avon's children's repellent smells nice and it doesn't leave a trail. We've used waterproof Off and it didn't work as well around the pool area in the evenings. DD didn't like the smell of it either so that's why I switched over to Avon.

 

[KMH1]

Thanks everyone for your responses! (I've been out of town, so I apologize for this late thank you.)


Amy

 

[Cailin'sMom]

DD's pediatrition recommends the Off Skintastic Family. She said that I needed to keep the DEET amount less than 10%. Otherwise, you will be fine. Also, she gave a thumbs down to the sunscreen/bug repellant combos.

 

[HopperFan]

I would never use DEET on a child that young. Even my older kids use spray that is less than 5%. You can die from DEET poisoning. A friend of my SIL died from it, it was absorbed into her bloodstream. I would look at all the other natural options. MY SIL even had a little thing that buzzed ever so quietly she would lay in the stroller. Supposedly mosquitoes hear it and think it is bigger bugs that will eat them and stay away.

ps We have been at WDW when the mosquitoes were at a "high" level and DISNEY closed all pools at dusk. No swimming. They stay on top of the bug situation.

 

[KMH1]

Thanks everyone. It seems like we're all on the same page...my pediatrician also recommended using a very low percentage of deet and spraying clothes rather than Alyssa's skin...and of course, staying away from her hands and feet, since those are ALWAYS in her mouth!

Thanks again...our trip is only 18 days away!