Summer fun, outdoor playdates, and family camping trips – they’re all fantastic, right? Until those pesky mosquitoes and other biting insects decide to join the party uninvited. Finding the best bug sprays for kids can feel like a real challenge, especially when you want something effective yet gentle enough for their sensitive skin. You’re looking for peace of mind, knowing your little ones can explore the great outdoors without coming home covered in itchy, irritating bites.
We get it! As parents, we prioritize safety and comfort above all else. That’s why we’ve rounded up and reviewed some of the top insect repellents designed specifically with children in mind. We’ll dive into what makes each product stand out, helping you pick the perfect one for your family’s next adventure. Let’s make sure those outdoor memories are filled with laughter, not scratching!
Our Top Picks for the Best Bug Sprays for Kids
Here are our detailed reviews of the top choices to keep your kids protected:
1. OFF! Kids Insect Repellent Spray, 100% Plant Based Oils
Looking for a gentle, plant-based solution for your little explorer? This OFF! Kids spray is a fantastic choice, harnessing the power of nature to keep bugs at bay. It’s specially formulated for young children, offering protection without harsh chemicals, making it ideal for everyday use when you need reliable insect protection. Its pump spray makes application a breeze, ensuring your child is covered and comfortable.
- Key Features:
- Safe for use on kids 6 months and up (when used as directed)
- Pump spray for easy, controlled application
- 100% Plant-based protection with no added fragrance or dyes
- Effectively repels mosquitoes for up to 90 minutes
- Designed for everyday use, emphasizing prevention
- Pros:
- Gentle and natural ingredients
- Suitable for very young children (6 months+)
- Free from added fragrances and dyes, reducing irritation risk
- Easy to apply pump action
- Cons:
- Shorter protection duration (90 minutes) may require frequent reapplication
- Effectiveness might vary in areas with very high insect populations
- User Impressions: Parents love how gentle this formula is on their children’s skin, often praising its lack of strong scent. Many find it effective for backyard play and short outings, appreciating the plant-based peace of mind, though some wish the protection lasted longer.
- See it on Amazon here
2. OFF! Insect Repellent Aerosol for Adults & Kids
When you need reliable, long-lasting protection for the whole family, including children aged one year and up, this unscented aerosol from OFF! is a go-to option. It offers a balance of effectiveness and comfort, with a non-greasy formula that feels breathable on the skin. This bug spray is a practical choice for various outdoor activities, ensuring everyone stays protected from mosquitoes and ticks.
- Key Features:
- Non-greasy, unscented, and breathable formula
- Protects children ages 1 and up, along with adults
- Provides up to 6 hours of effective mosquito protection
- Offers effective protection against mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus
- Continuous aerosol spray for easy and uniform coverage
- For kids 1-10 years, apply no more than twice daily
- Pros:
- Good balance of protection duration and comfort
- Unscented and non-greasy for a pleasant feel
- Effective against various biting insects, including ticks
- Aerosol makes for quick and even application
- Cons:
- Contains DEET, which some parents prefer to avoid
- Limited application frequency for younger children (twice daily max)
- User Impressions: Families appreciate the convenience of an aerosol that can be used by both adults and children. Users frequently mention its non-greasy feel and the reliable 6-hour protection, making it a staple for general outdoor use. The lack of scent is a big plus for sensitive noses.
- See it on Amazon here
3. OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Aerosol with 20%
For those seeking a DEET-free yet powerful bug spray, the OFF! Clean Feel is an excellent contender. This formula offers robust protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies for up to 8 hours, all while feeling light and non-sticky on the skin. It’s a great option for active kids who need long-lasting protection during longer adventures, making it one of the best bug sprays for kids who are sensitive to traditional repellents.
- Key Features:
- Fragrance-free and DEET-free formula
- Dries quickly and is not sticky
- Long-lasting protection for up to 8 hours
- Proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies
- Easy-to-apply aerosol spray
- Feels good on skin and provides maximum protection when spread evenly
- Pros:
- DEET-free formula for parents who prefer alternatives
- Exceptional long-lasting protection (up to 8 hours)
- Clean, non-sticky feel on the skin
- Fragrance-free, ideal for sensitive skin and noses
- Cons:
- Requires spreading evenly with hands after spraying for maximum effect
- Not explicitly labeled for babies under 6 months (though DEET-free formulas are generally preferred for young kids)
- User Impressions: Customers rave about the “clean feel” – noting that it really doesn’t feel like you’re wearing bug spray. The DEET-free aspect combined with its long-lasting effectiveness is a major selling point for parents looking for strong yet gentle insect protection. Many report successfully fending off various bugs during extended outdoor activities.
- See it on Amazon here
4. California Baby Natural Bug Spray | DEET Free Mosquito
If natural ingredients and hypoallergenic formulas are at the top of your list, then California Baby’s Natural Bug Spray might be exactly what you’re looking for. This pediatrician-recommended natural mosquito repellent uses a blend of essential oils to deter bugs, offering a gentle yet effective solution that’s safe for babies 6 months and older. It’s truly a thoughtful choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Key Features:
- Effective, DEET-free bug spray
- Uses essential oils (citronella, lemongrass, cedar) to repel bugs
- Safe for babies 6 months and older; pediatrician recommended
- Beautiful citronella & lemongrass scent
- Free of common allergens (gluten, soy, sesame, oat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts except coconut)
- Pregnancy-safe formula with no risk of cross-contamination
- Pros:
- Completely natural and DEET-free
- Safe for babies (6 months+) and highly sensitive skin
- Allergen-tested and free from many common irritants
- Pleasant, natural scent (unlike harsh chemical smells)
- Cons:
- Requires frequent reapplication (every 30 minutes for best results)
- Effectiveness relies on scent, which might not be as strong as chemical repellents in dense bug areas
- Scent, while natural, might not be preferred by everyone
- User Impressions: Parents who prioritize natural and organic products absolutely love this spray. They frequently praise its gentle nature, pleasant scent, and the peace of mind knowing it’s free from common allergens. While acknowledging the need for frequent reapplication, many find it highly effective for everyday use and light bug situations.
- See it on Amazon here
5. OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol, Dry, Non-Greasy
For those deep woods adventures, serious camping, or areas with very high insect activity, OFF! Deep Woods offers powerful, long-lasting protection. While it contains 25% DEET, making it a robust option, its dry, non-greasy formula is designed for comfort. This is an ideal choice for older children or teens engaging in more strenuous outdoor activities where maximum protection against a wide range of biting insects is crucial.
- Key Features:
- Formulated with 25% DEET for long-lasting protection
- Ideal for camping, hiking, running, and other intense outdoor activities
- Offers effective protection from mosquitoes that may carry Zika, Dengue, or West Nile viruses, plus ticks (Lyme disease), biting flies, gnats, and chiggers
- Convenient aerosol spray bottle for easy application
- Goes on powder-dry, not oily or greasy, and doesn’t stain
- Pros:
- Extremely effective and long-lasting protection against a wide array of insects
- Goes on dry and non-greasy for comfort
- Strong protection against disease-carrying insects
- Convenient aerosol application
- Cons:
- Higher DEET concentration might be a concern for some parents, especially for very young children
- May be overkill for casual backyard play
- Requires careful application to avoid eyes and mouth
- User Impressions: Users relying on this for serious outdoor excursions consistently praise its unmatched effectiveness in repelling persistent bugs. They appreciate that it actually feels dry on the skin, a big plus for active individuals. While parents are mindful of the DEET content, they often choose this for older kids or adults when facing significant insect threats.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions About Bug Sprays for Kids
Q1: Is DEET safe for children?
A: DEET is approved by the EPA and recommended by the CDC for use on children over 2 months of age. While generally safe when used as directed, many pediatricians recommend starting with lower concentrations (10-30%) for kids. Always avoid applying it to a child’s hands (as they might put them in their mouth) and use just enough to cover exposed skin.
Q2: What ingredients should I look for in a kid’s bug spray?
A: For effective protection, look for DEET (in concentrations up to 30%), Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (for children over 3 years old). For natural alternatives, ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, and cedar essential oils are popular, though they often require more frequent reapplication.
Q3: How often should I reapply bug spray on my child?
A: Always follow the specific instructions on the product label, as reapplication times vary widely based on the active ingredients and concentration. Some natural sprays may need reapplication every 30 minutes, while others (like those with Picaridin or DEET) can last for several hours.
Q4: At what age can I start using bug spray on my baby?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against using insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. For infants between 2 months and 6 months, using very low concentrations of Picaridin or IR3535 is generally preferred over DEET, or sticking to plant-based options that are explicitly labeled as safe for that age range (like some reviewed above for 6 months+).
Q5: How do I apply bug spray safely to my child?
A:
1. Spray repellent onto your own hands first, then apply it to your child’s exposed skin.
2. Avoid their eyes, mouth, and any cuts or irritated skin.
3. Do not spray directly onto their face; instead, apply a small amount to your hands and gently rub it on.
4. Apply sparingly under clothing.
5. Reapply as directed by the product label, and wash off when returning indoors.
Q6: Are natural bug sprays effective?
A: Yes, many natural bug sprays containing essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, and cedar can be effective at repelling insects. However, their protection often doesn’t last as long as chemical repellents, meaning you’ll need to reapply them more frequently, especially in areas with dense insect populations or during prolonged outdoor activities.
Q7: Can bug spray be applied under clothing?
A: Generally, it’s not recommended to apply bug spray under clothing, as it’s designed to work on exposed skin. Most repellents don’t need to be applied directly to skin covered by clothing. If insects are biting through thin clothing, a light application to the fabric (not skin) might be considered, but always check product labels for specific guidance.