best all natural bug repellents for kids

Summer's here, meaning long, warm, sunshiny days... and just about anywhere you live, that also means it's mosquito season!

Those pesky, blood-sucking insect pests are more than an annoyance. In some areas, mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile virus or encephalitis. Insect repellents containing DEET may be effective and deemed safe by the Center for Disease Control, but many parents living cleaner, greener lifestyles don't want such chemicals in their child's body.

There are natural bug repellents you can use (test for allergic reaction first) that are a good safe alternative to products containing DEET. Although they may not provide coverage for the same length of time as DEET, re-application will generally extend coverage time. Pregnant women should always be cautious about exposure to essential oil products; if you're unsure if it's safe, ask your doctor.

So what are these natural mosquito repellents? Well, you can forget about wristbands-they don't work well. What you want are sprays and creams. Here are some suggestions:

BITE BLOCKER
An all-natural soy-based blend with plant extracts that the New England Journal of Medicine has endorsed as an effective mosquito repellent.
Bite Blocker

HERBAL ARMOR
Uses essential oils and all natural ingredients. Products include mosquito repellent, a repellent with sunscreen, and soothing bug bite spray.
More information about Herbal Armor

NATRAPEL
Contains citronella and aloe, but also the chemical picariden, a supposedly safe DEET alternative. Not 100% natural because of that, but I include it in case you feel comfortable trying it out.
More information about Natrapel

ECOSMART
Carries an all-natural insect repellent based on essential oils like rosemary, cinnamon, lemongrass and wintergreen.
More information about EcoSMART

BADGER ANTI-BUG BALM
U.S. certified organic, and based on essential plant oils like citronella and lemongrass. In addition, it moisturizes the skin.
More information about Badger Anti-Bug Galm

Any of these products will provide protection against mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, ticks and other undesirable insects, and help keep your little one safe.

Information sponsored by
Kidzart
For Cool Mommies and Cooler Kidz