5 Simple Tips To Make Mosquito Protection Easier For Your Kid
10 Aug 2022 | 4 min Read
Reema Shah
Author | 740 Articles
Mosquitoes can bring all sorts of illnesses like dengue, chikungunya and malaria. Parents are in a constant dilemma as to how to make mosquito protection easier for their kids. Children love the outdoors but often because of the fear of mosquito bites, especially during the monsoons, parents tend to keep their kids indoors to protect them from mosquito-caused diseases and illnesses.
What if we told you there are some simple ways to protect your child and yourself from mosquito bites? Don’t believe us? Take a look.
5 Easy Ways To Protect Your Child From Mosquitoes
1. Use the Right Mosquito Repellent
There are many chemical repellents available which are considered effective against those pesky mosquito bites. However, most of them are only effective for about two to five hours and are not safe to use on children as many of them contain DEET. Any insect repellent with over 30 per cent deet is not safe to use for babies and kids.
Repellents like the BabyChakra Natural Mrepellent Spray are safe to use on babies and kids and provide protection for up to twenty hours. The spray is made with safe and natural ingredients like citronella oil and lemongrass oil.
2. Stop Using Perfumes and Scented Wipes, Lotions, Soaps
Mosquitoes are attracted to many different types of fruits and floral perfumes. Hence, you should avoid using them. Go for natural repellent sprays, creams or organic natural wipes that have a subtle smell.
3. Protect Strollers and Carriers with Mosquito Nets or Mosquito Repellent Patches
You can cover your child’s stroller with a mosquito net or stick natural and safe mosquito repellent patches when outdoors. Mosquito nets prevent mosquitoes from biting your little one. The mosquito repellent patches are waterproof and can easily be stuck on strollers and carriers.
4. Clothe Your Child from Head to Toe
During the monsoons, when the mosquitoes are more active, ensure that you dress your child to protect him/her. Choose clothes that minimise the areas of exposed skin for your little one. You can choose cotton garments and lightweight knits that don’t just cover your child’s entire body but also keep him/her comfortable. Long pants, full-sleeved shirts and shoes can protect your little one when they step out.
5. Check for Mosquito Breeding Grounds
Stagnant water is where mosquitoes can lay eggs easily. Hence, ensure that any buckets, water tanks and drums that you use are covered so that the mosquitoes can’t get in. Don’t let water stay in plant pots, flower vases, coolers and indoor plants for too long.
This is because it takes about eight to ten days for mosquito eggs to hatch. So, changing the water in containers often can help. Ensure that you clean all water containers by scrubbing the sides too once a week. You can also add a few drops of kerosene oil to small open drains or other places where there is stagnant water. The oil formed in the water prevents the mosquitoes from breeding.
Remove any old tyres, empty flowerpots, tin cans or jars from your house which have chances to collect standing water or where mosquitoes can breed. From using mosquito repellent for kids to using other natural ways to drive away mosquitoes, ensure that you take your child to the doctor immediately if he/she is unwell and has a fever. To be on the safer side, it never hurts to check with your doctor.
Cover image credit – Children’s Medical Group
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