Mom-Approved Bug Repellents

Ashley Mayer
May 28, 2020
3 min read

After spending two spring weekends in upstate New York with a newborn, it became very apparant that I needed to do something about the incessant mosquito problem! At the first sight of a mosquito, I sprayed myself down with that all-familiar, strong-smelling Off!. Not a minute passed before I wiped it off of my skin and changed my clothes out of fear that this toxic, poison-filled spray would be transferred to babe. Despite my efforts to keep his skin completely covered, it didn't spare him of every hungry mosquito that came his way. I knew I needed a healthy, natural solution for my baby and I.

I took this mission to my mama friends in search of bug repellents that they use and trust. These suggestions have been tried and tested for even the most sensitive of baby skin. I compiled the recommendations into this list in hopes that it can help other moms out there with a similar problem. Us mamas (especially the new ones) have got to stick together!

There is no guarantee that each of these options will work perfectly for every babe; these are simply suggestions.

Doterra's Terrashield

This was the top suggestion for a natural solution to the bug problem. It is made with a combination of essential oils that are proven to keep those nasty skeeters away, including Cedarwood, Lemon Eucalyptus, Ylang Ylang, and Catnip. I recently signed up for a Doterra account and can hook you up if you would like to give this (or other E.O.s) a try!

Young Living's Bug Repellent Spray

This was another popular suggestion for a plant-based insect repellant. Similar to Terrashield, this repellent is made from a mixture of essential oils along with sesame oil as the carrier oil. Citronella, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Clove, and others are the stars of this plant-based bug repellant. I do not sell YL but know many mamas who do and could hook you up!

California Baby Bug Repellent

This is another plant-based bug spray that was highly recommended. Similar to the previous sprays, this one is 100% natural and made with a mixture of essential oils. Citronella, Lemongrass, and Cedar are some of the oils used to fend off those pesky bugs. This spray is linked in the picture above.

Target's Babyganics Bug Repellent

Another spray like the previous, this plant-based, natural, essential-oils-filled spray can be found at your nearest Target location. Safe for babies and their mommies!

Non-Spray Repellents

Thermacell

Aside from the good ole fashioned citronella candle, I never thought to explore repellents that were of the "non-spray" variety. This fancy machine uses heat to create an invisible mosquito net around you and others, with up to 15 feet of protection! Though I am not quite sure how it works, I do know that it is a Best Seller on Amazon and is around $20 - worth trying out for sure.

Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Like most of the natural bug sprays, these bracelets are made with oils like Citronella, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, etc. to protect you while you wear them. On Amazon, you can get 24 individually wrapped bracelets for less than $20. Each bracelets lasts up to 10 days to provide you with a week and a half of protection per bracelet! Safe for kids as well, though I'm not sure how well these would fit (or stay on) my newborn.

Nuby Mosquito Repellant Clips

These seem more baby-appropriate as they clip right onto a child's clothing. Made with similar ingredients to the bracelets, these are 100% safe for little babes and eliminate the need to douse them with spray!

Mosquito Repellant Patches

There are many brands out there for repellant stickers like these. This pack (shown and linked above) seem to be the most bang for your buck and have a money-back guarantee. Right now they are on sale and are around $6 for 60 stickers. They are all-natural and can be applied to directly to the skin or to clothing.

Thank you to my mama friends for helping to compile this list of recommendations. This new mommy is always looking for natural ways to protect baby.

You can view all of my mom-approved bug repellants here.

Check out my recent motherhood blogs like My Father's Day Gift Ideas and Gabriel's Birth Story.

Stay Happy Campers. xoxo