Seven simple ways to protect your baby from mosquito bites

 

Mosquitoes can bring with them all sorts of illnesses. Dengue, chikungunya and malaria are among the more common mosquito-related diseases in India.

Fortunately, they are preventable. Follow these simple steps to protect your baby and your family against mosquitoes.

1. Dress to protect

One of the most effective ways of protecting your baby is to minimise the area of exposed skin. Dress your baby in full-length garments. Shorts, skirts, dresses, capris, shorts, sleeveless tops and dresses are best avoided during the mosquito season.

Choose lightweight knits and cotton garments that allow the passage of air while covering the body. Clothes should also have a loose fit, as mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothing.

Younger babies can be dressed in onesies or bodysuits that cover as much of body as possible. If you're dressing your baby in a two-piece set, ensure her tummy is well covered with a light inner vest. Or, if possible, tuck the top in the lowers.

The colours you choose also play a part. Dark colours and floral prints tend to attract insects. It is best to dress your baby in light-coloured clothing. Light colours also keep your baby cool.

2. Use the right mosquito repellent

Chemical repellents are considered the most effective mosquito repellents available. Most of them are effective for about two to five hours after application, depending on the concentration of the chemical in the product.

However, do not use repellents on babies less than two months of age. For babies over two months of age, experts recommend that parents choose the lowest concentration of chemical possible.

The most common chemical in Indian mosquito repellents is N, N-diethyl-benzamide (DEB). Some repellents contain DEET as well. Don't use a repellent with more than 30 per cent DEET, picaridin or IR3535 on your baby.

Learn more about how to select the right mosquito repellent.

3. Bring out the nets and screens

Mosquito nets
Mosquito nets can be very effective if used well and the advantage is that, they have no negative health effects. If you share your bed with your baby, you can use a big net over the entire bed. Just make sure to keep nets securely attached. Check to see that no mosquitoes are caught under the net.

If your baby sleeps in a cot next to your bed, you can use a separate cot net. However, keep in mind that cot nets can become ineffective if you are taking your baby out of her bed to feed or change a nappy several times a night.

Keep your baby's cot, pram, stroller, and baby carrier covered with mosquito netting at all times, both indoors and outdoors.

Mosquito screens on doors and windows
To keep mosquitoes out of your house, install mesh screens on doors and windows.

Nylon insect screens are another good option. These screens are attached to the windows with Velcro and can be regularly removed and washed.

These measures will prevent mosquitoes, bugs and insects from entering your home. And will let you enjoy the benefits of fresh air, day in and out.

Check for holes regularly. Close any gaps in the window or door frames as well. Attach door stopper brushes on doors so that insects and bugs don’t find their way in from under the doors.

4. Try mosquito-repelling fragrances

You'll find a range of products, from incense sticks to scented candles and essential oils, that repel mosquitoes and can also help to keep your house mosquito-free and smelling nice.

Some scents such as lemongrass, citronella, cedar, neem, lavender, eucalyptus, and soybean can help repel mosquitoes. On the other hand, floral and fruity scents perfumes tend to attract mosquitoes and insects.

Keep in mind that lit candles, incense burners, agarbattis, dhoop or mosquito repellent coils can all look very attractive to a young child. If your baby touches any of these, she can get a burn. Always make sure it's kept well out of your baby's reach. Read more about protecting your baby from burns.

Some products may contain synthetic compounds or a mixture of fragrances that might attract mosquitoes. So, as far as possible, try to use fragrance-free lotions, soap, oils, shampoos and toiletries.

5. Don't rely entirely on home remedies and natural repellents

Many mums swear by home remedies and natural methods of repelling mosquitoes. Some mums prefer to use homeopathic treatments, while some may choose to use cloves (laung) in lime (nimbu). However, there's not enough evidence to prove how efficient they are.

If you want to try home remedies, take care to always use other ways of repelling mosquitoes alongside. Use repellents that are applied to the skin, protective clothing and/or mosquito nets.

6. Clear mosquito breeding grounds

It's important to get rid of any places where mosquitoes thrive. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and can lay their eggs in very small amounts of water.

Make sure that any water tanks, drums and buckets are covered so the mosquitoes can’t get in. Don’t leave water in coolers, plant pots, flower vases, indoor plants and pet dishes for too long.

It takes seven to 10 days for mosquito eggs to hatch. So, change the water in containers often. Clean all water containers once a week. Make sure to scrub the sides well.

Add a few drops of kerosene oil to open drains, small ponds and other places where stagnant water remains. The oil forms a thin film over the water and stops mosquitoes from breeding.

In many areas, there will be pest control, spraying or fogging organised to get rid of the mosquitoes, but you could do a check around your own house or your own building to make sure that there's no standing water or areas where mosquitoes could breed.

Remove any dry or rotting leaves, old tyres, tin cans, jars, bottles or empty flowerpots around your home. They can all collect rainwater.

7. Learn to recognise and prevent mosquito-borne diseases

Mosquitoes thrive in warm and humid weather so be cautious during the mosquito season. To keep your family safe, learn about the symptoms, treatment and preventative measures of mosquito-borne diseases.

• Dengue in babies and toddlers
• Chikungunya: how to protect your child
• Malaria in children: symptoms and treatment
  

If you’re worried about your child's health, or if you’re concerned that you’re unable to do enough for her while she’s unwell, you should call your doctor. It's important for you to get peace of mind, and it never hurts to check with your doctor.