Mosquito bites are a big nuisance for young children. Not only are they very itchy, they can also transmit diseases, such as fever triggered by the West Nile virus, and skin infections if the baby scratches himself. However, there are many solutions to prevent it from being stung. There are many remedies that prove useful: repellents, appropriate clothing and some judgment as to where and when the child can play.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Take Protective Measures
Step 1. Apply mosquito repellent
For babies from two months of age to three years, you should choose a DEET-based product. However, be careful that the substance does not come into contact with the baby's face or hands. First spray the repellent on your hands and then rub it on the baby's body; alternatively, you can take a cream product; a moderate amount is enough. Apply repellent only to exposed skin. If there are no specific reasons, you shouldn't put it under your clothing. Use warm soapy water to rinse the skin once the baby is home for that day or evening.
- Products suitable for children should not contain more than 30% DEET.
- Make sure you don't use these repellents if your baby is less than two months old.
- Do not spray the product on open wounds.
- Products to prevent mosquito bites based on eucalyptus citriodora oil are not suitable for children.
- While it is important to apply both sunscreen and a repellent, Not you must use a product that contains both active ingredients. You absolutely must avoid it; instead spread a protective cream and then the repellent; follow the instructions on the packaging to know the correct use to reapply them.
Step 2. Cover the baby properly
On summer days, wear light, light-colored clothing. A long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt and a pair of long trousers of light fabric are fine. You should also put socks and shoes on him, as well as a wide-brimmed hat. The ideal is to use cotton or linen; in this way, you protect it not only from mosquitoes, but also from the sun's rays.
- Avoid over-dressing him so he doesn't get too hot. On particularly hot days, choose breathable clothing and put on a single layer of clothing.
- Clothing designed for sun protection and swimming are also great solutions.
Step 3. Use a mosquito net
If you are in a location where there is a massive presence of mosquitoes, you should protect the baby's bed with a mosquito net during the night and naps. If you take it outside at sunrise or sunset, or go for walks in the woods or in swampy areas, put the mosquito net over the stroller. Even so, he will be able to breathe normally, but you will avoid the risk of being stung.
Step 4. Treat clothing with permethrin
Spray your clothes with a repellent based on this substance to add an extra protective layer. In the best sporting goods stores, you can also find clothing that has already been pre-treated with an insecticide.
Make sure you don't spray the permethrin product directly onto the skin
Step 5. Keep the baby indoors during sunset and sunrise hours
Although mosquitoes can always bite, they are particularly active in these two phases of the day. If your baby is outdoors during these two times, have him put on appropriate clothing and use repellent.
Part 2 of 2: Creating Safe Environments
Step 1. Choose a dry area of the garden to install your play area
Do not place the sandpit, children's pool or swing in an area of the garden that is particularly prone to puddles or near a swamp and / or pond; Instead, look for dry, dry areas for your child to play. You will probably want to choose a shady spot, but make sure it is partially exposed to the sun as well.
- If you are concerned about sun exposure, reduce the amount of time you spend outside playing between 10am and 4pm.
- Don't let it play under the raised garden structures; these are particularly humid areas, where mosquitoes can settle.
Step 2. Change still water every week or more often
In children's pools and bird troughs the water tends to become stagnant, thus becoming ideal places where colonies of mosquitoes can proliferate. Make sure you change the water on a regular basis.
- Do not leave old flower pots in the garden, as they can easily fill with water.
- If you don't use the baby's pool constantly, try to use the water to water the flowers or lawn. you should always use it for other purposes, instead of just throwing it away.
Step 3. Do a good maintenance of the outdoor spaces of the house
Mow your lawn regularly and cut tall grass. It also eliminates any residue that accumulates on the gutters. If you have any cisterns or catch tanks, be sure to empty them regularly of standing water. The same is true if you use tarpaulins as swings, as they can house entire colonies of mosquitoes. Generally speaking, you should make sure that you always keep your garden grass at the correct height to prevent water from accumulating in unwanted places.
- Mow your lawn regularly.
- Also reduce the height of the weed or grass.
Step 4. Make sure you install suitable mosquito nets on the child's bedroom windows
If they have holes, you need to fix them as soon as possible, as even the smallest ones can let in a lot of mosquitoes. Especially during the night, these annoying insects try to penetrate through the holes to sting people.
Advice
Store the insecticide in a safe environment out of the reach of children
Warnings
- Do not spray repellent indoors.
- If your child experiences an allergic reaction to any repellent product, such as a rash, immediately wash the skin with soap and water and call your pediatrician or poison control center right away. Get prompt medical attention even if their face, body swells, or if they have difficulty breathing.
