Mosquito bites are a big nuisance for toddlers. Not only itching, mosquito bites can also spread diseases such as West Nile virus infection and skin infections when scratched. There are many ways to keep your toddler away from mosquito bites. Among these are mosquito repellent, the right clothes, and the right thoughts about the time and place of the child's play.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Taking Protective Measures
Step 1. Apply insect repellent
For small children aged two months to three years, choose an insect repellent with DEET (diethyltoluamide) such as Autan. Be careful not to get the product you are using on the child's face or hands. First, spray the product on your hands, then rub it on the child's body. You can also use DEET in the form of a cream. You don't need to use a lot. Apply insect repellent only on exposed skin. Never put insect repellent on a child's skin that is covered in clothing. Use warm water and soap to rinse the insect repellent at night.
- Products used in children should not contain more than 30% DEET.
- Avoid using DEET in children younger than 2 months.
- Never spray DEET on an open wound.
- For children, do not use eucalyptus oil to avoid mosquitoes.
- Even if your child does need to use an anti-solar lotion (SPF) and insect repellent, do not use a product that is a combination of the two. Avoid using a combination of sunscreen lotion and insect repellent. Apply lotion, then insect repellent. Follow the instructions for use provided on the packaging label.
Step 2. Put closed clothes on your child
In summer, wear light, brightly colored clothes. You can combine a long-sleeved shirt with light trousers. Also, wear wide-sided socks, shoes, and hats. Good materials to use in summer are cotton and light linen. In this way, you not only protect your child from mosquitoes, but also from sunburn.
- Be careful: don't put too many clothes on your child until he overheats. When the weather is very hot, wear a light layer of clothing.
- You can also wear clothes designed for sun protection and swimming.
Step 3. Use mosquito nets
If the place you visit has a lot of mosquitoes, use a mosquito net on your child's bed at night and while he is napping. If you take him out at dawn or late in the evening, or through a forest/swamp area, attach the mosquito net over the stroller. He will still be able to breathe but you will still protect him.
Step 4. Apply permethrin to the clothes
Use insect repellent that contains permethrin on your clothes. Thus, you add another layer of protection. You can also buy clothing that has been coated with permethrin at certain sports shops.
Do not spray insect repellent with permethrin directly on your skin
Step 5. Keep your child indoors at dawn and in the evening
Although mosquitoes can bite at any time, they are active at dawn and in the evening. If children are outside during these hours, dress them appropriately and use insect repellent.
Part 2 of 2: Creating a Safe Living Space
Step 1. Place the play area in a dry area
Avoid placing litter boxes, small swimming pools, or swings in places that are close to puddles or swamps. Look for dry areas in your yard. You should still notice that the area is not too hot in the shade of the trees, but you should still leave some areas exposed to the sun.
- If you're concerned about sun exposure to your child, limit playtime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Keep your child away from the bottom of the wooden/plastic stage. These areas tend to be damp and favored by mosquitoes.
Step 2. Drain the stagnant water at least once a week
Children's pools and bathtubs are the most common places where water does not run. Mosquitoes use stagnant water to reproduce. Drain such water sources regularly.
- Don't leave unused flower pots in your yard. The pots can hold the water does not flow.
- If you don't use the children's pool regularly, use the water to water the plants in your yard. Use the water wisely.
Step 3. Carry out regular maintenance of the exterior of the house
Mow your lawn regularly and remove any growing weeds. Discard items that clog the gutters. If you have a bonfire pit, dry it out, so there's no running water in it. Also check the tire swing, which is a mosquito paradise. In general, try to keep your yard flat so that there are no holes/low sections that can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Mow the grass regularly.
- Cut weeds or weeds.
Step 4. Make sure the mosquito netting in your child's room is working properly
If there is a hole, fix it immediately. Even though the hole is small, mosquitoes can still enter. At night, mosquitoes can infiltrate through these small holes to bite humans.
Tips
Store insect repellent in a place out of reach of children
Warning
- Do not spray insect repellent in a closed room.
- If your child has an allergic reaction to insect repellent, with symptoms of inflamed and red skin, immediately wash the affected area with clean water and soap, then immediately take him to the doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if your child's face or body suddenly swells or he feels short of breath.
