Brian's Question:

Dad Brian and little Kira enjoy a day at the beach

If DEET isn't to be used on children under age two, what should I do for my 18-month-old on a weekend car camping trip?

Brian Escobar
San Francisco, CA

Alice's Answer:

	Alice Cary Alice introduced her oldest child, Will, to the outdoors at a very early age by climbing New Hampshire's Mt. Washington—in winter—while pregnant. And she and her family haven't stopped experiencing the joys of outdoor adventure, even with newborn twins. Meet Alice Answer Archive Family Forums

Start with as much chemical-free protection as possible:

		Clothing: Long pants and sleeves if the weather isn't too hot, and tuck your child's socks over the pant leg for added protection. Hats help too.
		Netting and nylon: You can keep your daughter in the tent or a screen house if the mosquitoes are really biting, and use netting if she's in a stroller, child carrier, or port-a-crib.

Next, bring out the citronella, the most effective natural repellent:

		Burn citronella candles.
		Use a citronella-based repellent, such as Naturapel. Citronella isn't as effective as DEET, but it isn't toxic and it does offer some protection.

Finally, if mosquitoes are making your camping trip miserable, pack up and go home, and wait for a better time of year.

Bug Jackets, Anyone?
One final note: I've seen plenty of bug jackets for adults, but none small enough for a toddler. Someone's missing the boat here. With increasing concern in the Northeast about the West Nile virus, and with young children and the elderly being most at risk, I think there would be an increasing market for such a product.

If anyone knows of bug jackets for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, let us know in the GORP Family Forums. Thanks!

Return to Top