Insect repellent for a baby

IM

I'll be taking the family to the Outer Hebrides in August - prime midge season...

My lad will only be 4 months then, and I'm looking for an insect repellent. The advice I've had so far is that none of the proprietary creams, lotions and potions are safe for infants under 2 years.

I've seen mention of an Avon cream on other threads. Can anyone confirm if this would be OK for use on a little'un (seeing as it's not actually designed as an insect repellent - presumably it just smells foul..!) and just as importantly, if it is still available anywhere.

If not, any other suggestions - beyond staying indoors for the week?

Trix

Try THIS from Boots. It has citronella oil in which has a lovely lemony fragrance and can be used for babies from 3 months old.

I make my own insect repellents using various essential oils mixed with water, alchohol (no not brandy, I have other uses for that :rolleyes:) or carrier oils depending on who it is for but wouldn't recommend doing it unless you're pretty confident with mixing oils. There are plenty of sites with 'recipes' if you wanted to try them out though - just double check the ages each oil is recommended for first.

Probably best to test whatever you choose out for a week or so long before going away to check for any reactions as babies skin is so delicate.

bylromarha

IM-The thing you've heard tell about is Skin so Soft by Avon. It was actually discovered to be a good insect repellant in Scotland to keep off the midges.

There are also citronella patches which you can stick onto clothing and release a vapour to keep the midges away. Nothing to touch baby's skin, but you have to beware of fingers which may pull the patches off the clothing. They're available from Boots too.

IM

Thanks to both of you for your help.

My mother-in-law is a bit of a dab hand at the old aromatherapy lark, so I'll see what she's got in her witch's bag.

Any thoughts on those things which claim to keep the bugs away using an electronic force-field (cue visions of a little Luke Skywalker and his light sabre, sat in the corner of the pram...)??

Savvy_Sue

No idea, but I saw in Boots wrist bands which are supposed to keep mozzies away for 100 hours continuous use. Not sure they'd be good for a baby, baby might try to eat them. But others might like to give them a try and report back!

RACHIE77

Saw those wrist bands in mothercare, special baby ones, they were on the counter where they had swim shorts, cossies, sun glasses etc...

Yoga_Girl

Havn't tried this personally but saw it reviewed in a magazine


www.alfresco.uk.com/index.html



Its not that cheap but does state suitable for babies and seems to be a natural insect repellent.

Clairog

Does anyone know what the name of the avon stuff is? I know its the dry oil spray and think its skin so soft, but I looked in a brochure and there's 2 different smells - anyone know which one, or does it not matter
Claire

Edinburghlass_2

Woodland Fresh it was called but I thought someone said there had been a name change??

Edinburghlass_2

Just had a look at the Avon site myself and I would say its the Soft and Fresh, but it might be wise to ask Avon or your rep if they know. I have plenty of the old Woodland Fresh myself and can guarantee that it does work with midgies and smells nice