8 Home Remedies to Treat Mosquito Bites in Babies

Introduction

Babies have very sensitive and delicate skin and the degree of itching and discomfort due to mosquito bites is much higher in new born babies babies and infants due to increased sensitivity. Taking precautions against mosquitoes and keeping babies and infants well protected, is the first line of defense.

Even after that if the baby gets any mosquito bite, we can’t use commercial products like anti-histamines, calamine lotions, corticosteroids, etc. It is not advisable to use such products on the delicate skin of a baby. You must try natural home remedies for mosquito bites in babies, that are safe and effective.

Home remedies for mosquito bites in babies

The following home remedies are safe for babies, either new born babies, infants or toddlers and will give relief and help in soothing itchiness and irritation due to mosquito bites:

1. Cold compress

Cold compresses reduce swelling, redness and itching to a great extent. It gives instant relief from skin irritation. It makes the skin numb and helps in distracting the babies focus from the irritating mosquito bite.

How to Apply: Use a cold damp wash cloth or take few ice cubes in a cloth and wrap it multifold. Gently dab on the mosquito bite for 20 to 30 seconds and take 5 to 10 seconds of break in between. Do it at least 10 times.

2. Aloe Vera gel

Aloe Vera is a natural coolant and gives a cooling sensation. It helps in soothing the itching, irritation, redness, etc. due to mosquito bites. In addition to this, Aloe Vera has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti septic properties. It is quiet safe for babies, and it is also recommended to use for baby rashes due to diapers and nappies.

How to Apply: Take freshly cut Aloe Vera leaves, split them and scoop out small quantity of gel with the help of a spoon. Apply this gel directly on mosquito bite. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes approx. and then wipe it off using cloth or wipes.

3. Cucumber slices

Cucumber slices gives a cooling sensation to the skin and instantly relieves any skin irritation, itching and redness. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in soothing the mosquito bites. It may also reduce swelling, if any. It is very simple and safe for babies.

How to Apply: Take a fresh cucumber and cut into slices. Rub this cucumber slice over the mosquito bite for 5 to 10 minutes. This will ease your baby with instant relief from irritation.

4. Coconut oil

Coconut oil has been used since ages for babies skin. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti fungal properties and also moisturizing effect on baby’s skin. It reduces the itching and irritation in babies due to mosquito bites and also prevent from any infections.

How to Apply: Always use pure virgin coconut oil. Take a cotton ball or cotton buds and dip it in coconut oil and apply on bite area. Repeat multiple times as it is safe and beneficial for your baby.

5. Oatmeal paste

Oatmeal contains avenanthramides which are anti-inflammatory compounds that soothes irritation in skin and also reduces skin swelling. Oatmeal can cause allergic reactions in some babies, so observe clearly for any changes in skin or skin reactions.

How to Apply: Prepare a colloidal paste of finely ground oatmeal by mixing it with water. Apply the paste on baby’s skin and let it dry for about 10 to 15 minutes. Than rinse it off using lukewarm water.

6. Breast milk

Breast milk has the ability to nourish as well as heal and protect your babies body. It is also the safest and most beneficial way of treating babies for mosquito bites. It contains lauric acid which has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Even if you are not sure about whether the redness is due to mosquito bites or acne or any wound, you can apply breast milk which will help in healing.

How to Apply: Apply few drops of breast milk on the bite area and let it dry. Repeat as required.

7. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea can be used to calm and relieve itching and irritation in babies due to mosquito bites. It is being used since many generations and recommended by our ancestors. It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. You should take care and use it with caution, as it may cause certain allergies in some babies. However, it should not be given orally to infants below 6 months of age.

How to Apply: Boil chamomile tea bag in water and let it steep for few minutes. Let it cool down and place the cooled tea bag on the bite area. Or you can soak a wash cloth and gently dab on the bite area.

8. Calendula cream

Calendula cream is very useful in treating skin irritations in babies. It soothes and moisturizes baby skin and it has healing properties too that helps in healing skin chafing and wounds due to excessive scratching. It promotes faster healing and growth of healthier skin tissues.

How to Apply: Clean the area with mild soap and dry. Apply a thin layer of calendula cream to the affected area 3 times a day.

NOTE: Honey should not be used on baby’s skin under 12 months as it may be containing certain bacteria that causes botulism, which is rare and quiet serious in infants.

Preventing mosquito bites in babies

The following action plan will help you to protect your babies from mosquito bites:

1. Use mosquito nets and window screens

Always use a mosquito net over your baby’s crib, stroller or a cot. This will give complete protection in day during outdoor activities as well as in night. It is a physical barrier, hence chemical free and very effective in keeping mosquitoes away.

2. Completely cover with no skin exposed

Cover your baby from head to toe using hats, socks and mittens. Keep the skin unexposed by completely covering with clothing. This will increase the protection and reduce the chances of mosquito bites.

3. Use light colored clothing

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors like navy, black, maroon, brown, etc., and therefore you must avoid them and choose light colored clothing like whites, cream, beige, fawn, etc. Use light colored pants, socks and hats as well

4. Use baby safe mosquito repellents

Avoid commercial synthetic mosquito repellents for your babies. Avoid essential oils that are high in 1,8 cineole like eucalyptus, OLE, peppermint, rosemary, sage, etc. You can use baby safe essential oils as well diluted in form of sprays and should avoid direct application on baby’s skin.

Avoid picaridin and DEET based mosquito repellents with newborn and infants.

5. Use protective clothing and gears

You will get mosquito repellent clothing for your babies that will deter mosquitoes without using any chemicals or nets. There are also certain protective gears like head nets, mosquito repelling bracelets, ultrasound repeller, UV mosquito traps, etc., that keep mosquitoes away.

6. Limit outdoor activities at peak mosquito hours

Limit your outdoor activities and come inside in evening time as the mosquitoes are most active in evening. For going outside away from home you should come back before the sun go down, to avoid mosquito attacks.

7. Use essential oil diffusers for mosquito repelling

The essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint can be used after proper dilution in diffusers. Also, never use essential oils directly on baby’s skin.

8. Eliminate standing water

Controlling the infestation of mosquitoes around your home like garage, ponds and water features, toilets etc., will reduce the mosquito population. You should check and eliminate any standing water bodies like uncovered tanks and containers, rain water barrels, pond edges, toilet bowls, etc. for any thriving mosquito larvae. If found, kill these mosquito larvae before they emerge as adult mosquitoes.

Conclusion

Seeing your baby crying continuously non stop due to severe itching from mosquito bites is very painful for you as well. You should treat mosquito bites in babies with baby-safe methods only like Coconut oil, Aloe Vera, Chamomile tea, Cold compress, Cucumber slices, Breast milk, etc. This will soothe and relieve itching and irritation in your baby.

Mosquitoes are quiet dangerous and responsible for transmitting many vector borne diseases. Therefore, preventing mosquito bites is the very first option we should consider. “Prevention is better than cure”, very well said.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)