How to Protect a Baby From Mosquitos

Mosquitos -- irritating with their buzzing and bites -- can also cause serious diseases, such as West Nile virus. If mosquitoes threaten your baby, it̵7;s prudent to protect him from bites to keep him healthy and comfortable. With protective measures in place, you don't have to hibernate indoors to stay mosquito free.

Things You'll Need

  • Protective clothing
  • Lightweight blanket
  • Mosquito netting
  • Mosquito repellent with less than 10 percent DEET

Instructions

    • 1

      Dress your baby in protective clothing that covers his arms, legs, feet and head. Choose loose clothing over tight to keep mosquitos from biting through the fabric. Covered skin is less vulnerable to bites.

    • 2

      Cover your baby with a lightweight blanket to serve as another barrier against mosquitos.

    • 3

      Sit your baby in a stroller or car seat and place mosquito netting over her to keep bugs away. Netting with an elasticized edge will conform to the stroller or car seat to seal out mosquitos, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    • 4

      Spray mosquito repellent onto your hand and apply it lightly over your baby̵7;s clothing to add another layer of protection as long as your baby is over 2 months of age, according to the CDC. If your child is younger than 2 months, use protective clothing and mosquito netting only. Avoid spraying mosquito repellent on the skin of a baby under age 1, advises the Victorian Government, Melbourne. Do not spray the repellent directly onto your child as he might inhale the chemicals.

    • 5

      Remove your baby̵7;s clothing when you go back indoors if it has been sprayed with mosquito repellent. This will reduce your baby's exposure to chemicals.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • School Bus Safety Rules
      School Bus Safety RulesBrought to you by National PTA® School bus safety starts with you, every morning and every afternoon. Take a few minutes to make sure your kids understand the rules of the road. Most school bus fatalities occur when children
    • How to Teach Kids About Emergency Rooms
      You are calmly watching a soccer game and suddenly your child falls on her arm and can’t move her wrist. Your little wrestler just banged his forehead on the coffee table and may need stitches. You cringe when you think of taking your little on
    • Do You Know How to Practice Safe Swimming?
      "Swimmin'! Mama, I swim!" my son, an exuberant 22-month-old screamed into my ear on Saturday as I carried him toward the backyard pool at my dad's house. "You have to hold onto Mama and follow directions," I to