Summer brings warm, sunny days and blooming flowers, but unfortunately pesky mosquitoes love to prey on anyone they can find, including young children and babies. In this post, we will be telling you a bit more about identifying mosquito bites on young babies and sharing some useful home remedies for mosquito bites for baby.
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How To Identify Mosquito Bites on Babies
Babies that have been bitten will seem fretful, even clutching at their sensitive skin. When you look closely, you will notice a small bump appearing after the bite happens. It might turn red or pink shortly after and harder and darker in colour after a day or two. And then the itching will begin.
But keep in mind, according to the CDC (centers for disease control and prevention), kids can be susceptible to more severe reactions of mosquito bites.
This might include:
- More severe swelling, and even some blistering or bruising.
- Swollen lymph nodes, a low-grade fever or hives.
- Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
It is not always easy to identify mosquito bites since they can look similar to other types of insect bites, like chigger or flea bites that can also lead to itchiness. Bed bug bites are also itchy and red, but they are usually grouped in lines or clusters which makes them easier identifiable. Mosquito bites are not usually painful, therefore a bite that is painful and swollen might be the result of a fire ant, horsefly, or deer fly bite, or sting from a wasp or bee.
Your baby’s skin is sensitive, which is why it is always advisable to prevent the use of chemically-based topical ointments or creams whenever possible to maintain healthy skin. Here are a few natural remedies for treating mosquito bites on babies.
10 Home Remedies For Mosquito Bites For Baby
Lemon
Lemons provide fantastic anti-inflammatory as well as anaesthetic benefits and are among the most basic and natural home remedies for mosquito bites on babies. Simply cut a lemon into two halves and rub the juice from the lemon gently over the affected areas. You can also use a few drops of lemon juice that you have in your pantry, to apply to the bites.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is effective for restoring PH levels, and just one spoon that is dissolved in a cup of water can instantly reduce itchiness. Use a clean cloth to apply it on the bites and wait ten minutes before washing it off. However, keep an eye on your baby. If you notice any reaction or itchiness on his skin, discontinue using it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Adding two to three cups of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath can help with treating multiple mosquito bites on your little one’s body. Try not to use it continuously as it can lead to dryness.
Toothpaste
Toothpastes that are free from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Fluoride can be useful in treating mosquito bites on your baby’s delicate skin. Just dab a tiny amount directly onto the bites to get rid of swelling and itchiness.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an excellent natural remedy to treat symptoms of swelling, pain and itchiness since it contains natural antiseptic properties which can be used on babies. Keep it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before gently applying it to the affected areas.
Ice Cubes
Ice cubes can help with reducing swelling and preventing pain in areas with mosquito bites. Simply wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and dab it onto the bites for around fifteen minutes.
Tea Bags
Teabags contain natural tannins that are astringent agents. Place a tea bag in boiling water and allow it to cool down before applying it to affected areas to drain fluids from the bites.
Honey
Honey is not only an excellent home remedy for treating mosquito bites, it also has an amazing shelf life. Honey is useful for eliminating inflammation and soothing itchy and painful areas.
Sea Salt
Sea salt contains natural anti-inflammatory as well as antiseptic properties, which is why it is a basic but effective remedy for treating mosquito bites on babies. Mix sea salt with warm water and then use it to clean the affected areas and to rid it from inflammation and to reduce swelling. Be sure to steer clear from sensitive areas and eyes.
Garlic
Garlic has been used since ancient times to treat inflammation and swelling. It is also a useful home remedy for treating mosquito bites. Simply rub garlic on the bites, wait a few minutes, and then rinse it off with water.
Bonus: Tips for Preventing Mosquito Bites For Baby
Dressing Your Little One Appropriately
Dress your baby in clothing that covers as much skin as possible when you are outside. Dress him in long sleeve pants and a shirt.
Using Insect Repellent
You can use insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on babies that are older than two months. However, choose a product that contains less than 30 percent of DEET. Do not use products that contain PMD (para-menthane-diol), or lemon eucalyptus oil.
Also pay extra attention when you apply insect repellent to your baby’s skin. Avoid the eyes, mouth, or nose areas. Spray the repellent onto your hands and then gently apply it to his face. When you’re going inside again, wash the repellent off, using a gentle soap and water. If you are not sure about which products to use, ask your pharmacist for advice.
Click here to buy Pure Beginnings insect repellant spray.
Using Mosquito Netting
Drape mosquito netting over the top of the stroller when you go outside with your baby or drape it around his sleeping area at night to keep those pesky critters out.
You can also buy one of these super cute baby sleeping tents to keep your sleeping baby safe from mosquitoes when camping or at home.
Keeping Windows Closed
Make sure all windows in your baby’s rooms are closed or install screens in front of the windows to keep the mosquitos out at night.
Conclusion
Mosquitos are bound to infiltrate your home during hot, humid nights, but there are some things you can do to try and keep them out. We hope these home remedies for mosquito bites for baby have been useful and that you will try some of them to help reduce swelling and itchiness from affected areas if your little one has been bitten.
Lynne I am just so happy that this year we haven’t really had mosquitoes. So the children of nowadays are lucky.
I’ve noticed that too that there are not so many mosquitoes the last two summers! I hope it stays like that since I always get bitten but my hubby doesn’t. Clearly I’m tasier than him LOL
We are having it bad with mosquitos this side. JHB. I don’t normally get bitten but this time around we are all being attacked. Insane.
I’m so sorry to hear it is so bad with mozzies this year Natasha!
We had it alot but this year not to much it’s worse in summer and I always have look at my kids bodies if there is no bites thank you so much needed this
Thank you so much Lynne for sharing these home remedies,i will definitely give them a try since my baby reacts badly to insect repellent
It is a pleasure, I react so badly myself to mozzie bites! So unpleasant
i use the insect repellant spray, i spray the room whilst everything is closed and it lasts for 8 hours