Waking up to see your little one covered with red-coloured mosquito bites all over their face and body can be unnerving for sure. These tiny little red bumps may cause itching and irritation on your child’s skin, and make them uncomfortable and fussy. While they may only last for a few hours, protecting your munchkin from mosquito bites is crucial as these insects carry several pathogens that can cause allergic reactions on your child’s skin.
Moreover, mosquitoes also pose the risk of transmitting several illnesses, such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, and hence, you should proactively observe precautionary measures to prevent mosquito bites on your little one.
We have created an all-in-one guide on identifying mosquito bites on kids, treatment methods, and simple ways to prevent them.
Identifying Mosquito Bites On Your Baby
To ensure proper treatment, you need to first understand how to identify mosquito bites on babies. The common symptoms of a mosquito bite include small, puffy bumps all over your baby’s face and body. Also, there’s a general symptom timeline that can help you identify these bites better.
- At first, you will notice a small bump that appears pretty quickly after a bite occurs.
- The bump may turn red or pink shortly after and may appear darker in colour a day later.
- And of course, the mosquito bite will start to itch as your baby’s body reacts to the proteins in the insect’s saliva.
However, note that according to the Centres for Disease Control And Prevention, babies are prone to more severe reactions to mosquito bites, and may experience extreme swelling or bruising in the affected area. In some cases, the baby might also experience a low-grade fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Treating Mosquito Bites On Your Baby
Mosquito bites can make your little one fretful, and you may even notice them clutching and scratching at their skin. But since their skin is already delicate, too much scratching can cause their skin to peel and that may again pose a risk of infection.
You can follow these strategies to treat and soothe mosquito bites on your little one:
- Apply an ice pack to the affected area: Mosquito bites can cause the affected area to become warm. Hence, apply an ice pack/cold compress to provide relief and soothe your baby’s skin. Make sure to wrap the ice over a piece of cloth to prevent your munchkin from getting chilly.
- Use an after-bite roll-on: A natural after-bite roll-on can help reduce irritation of mosquito bites on your baby’s skin and reduce pain and inflammation. Opt for an after-bite roll-on gel with organic ingredients like lavender oil, nutmeg oil, chamomile oil, and calendula oil which have healing properties and help prevent the affected area from getting infected.
- Apply aloe vera gel: Aloe vera exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and applying it on the site of a mosquito bite can help reduce itching and swelling.
- Dab vinegar to the affected area: Vinegar has natural disinfectant properties that help relieve redness and swelling caused by mosquito bites. Dip a clean washcloth in vinegar and cold water solution and apply it to your baby’s skin for relief.
- Use calamine lotion: It is a safe first-aid for mosquito bites and offers a cooling effect on your child’s skin. Additionally, it makes your little one’s skin less prone to itching and also reduces inflammation caused by the bite.
5 Ways To Prevent Mosquito Bites On Babies
Dress Your Baby Appropriately
This is one of the most effective ways to protect your little one against mosquito bites. Act smart and dress your baby right to minimise the area of exposed skin. Opt for bodysuits or onesies that cover as much of their skin as possible. If you are dressing your munchkin in a two-piece set, ensure that their tummy is fully covered, and the inner vest is loosely-fitted as mosquitoes tend to bote more through tight clothes.
The colours that you choose for your baby’s dressing also play a crucial part. Floral prints and dark colours tend to attract more insects. Hence, dress your baby in light colour clothing to keep them cool, comfortable, and protected from nasty mosquitoes.
Use A Mosquito Repellent Body Spray
A natural mosquito repellent body spray can also provide full-proof protection to your child from mosquito bites. All you need do to is apply the spray on their skin or over their clothes to ensure maximum protection against insects. Opt for a repellent that is blended with natural protective ingredients like lemongrass oil, neem leaf, aloe vera, and tulsi that act as natural mosquito repellents, providing long hours of protection and hydration to your baby’s skin.
Bring Out The Mosquito Nets And Screens
Make sure to keep your baby’s bed covered with a cot net when they are asleep to provide protection. Also, when you are outdoors, ensure to cover your baby’s pram or stroller with mosquito netting at all times.
In addition to this, install mesh screens on your window and door in your house. Nylon insect screens are a good option as they prevent any kind of insect from entering your home while allowing the inflow of fresh air throughout the day.
Try Mosquito Repellent Patches
You can also opt for mosquito repellent patches to provide long-lasting protection to your child. Just attach a patch over your child’s clothing before heading outdoors, or at night to keep the mosquitoes away. Use a mosquito repellent patch formulated with organic actives, such as citronella oil and lemongrass oil that exhibit antifungal and antibacterial properties and serve as strong mosquito repellents.
Clear Out Mosquito Breeding Grounds
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and hence, it is essential to get rid of such places around your home, where they can thrive. Keep all the water tanks, drums, and buckets at your home covered, and don’t leave water in plant pots, vases, or indoor flower pots for too long.
You can also add a few drops of kerosene oil to any open drains near your house to help form a thin layer of fil over the water and prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Don’t panic at the sight of a mosquito bite on your baby’s skin. Instead, use the treatment methods we have mentioned above to soothe and calm their skin and observe precautions to prevent mosquito bites on your baby. Apart from dressing your baby appropriately and using mosquito nets at your home, use mosquito repellent patches and body spray to provide maximum protection to your baby and keep those nasty insects at bay.
Also read:
Remedies for mosquito bites on kids: Read this post to know helpful home remedies for mosquito bites on kids.
Best baby skincare products: Mums and dads, check out this list of skincare products that are a must-have for every baby.
