10 Best Baby Bug Sprays, According to a Texas Mom Whose Been Keeping Swarms Away for 12+ Years

This bug spray from Avon is a worthy option, especially for parents wanting a DEET-free formula. It contains 10% picaridin to ward off mosquitos for eight hours and other bugs for up to six hours. Parents share it’s an incredibly effective formula. “I am a mosquito magnet … Avon Skin So Soft bug spray is the only thing that works for me,” writes one WTE mom. Plus, the spray won’t leave skin parched thanks to the addition of aloe and vitamin E, which keeps both adults and little ones moisturized. (The same can be said of its wipes!) Not to mention, the scent is very subtle, so you won’t have to worry about it bothering babies. Just remember to wash it off once you get home.

“Babyganics has the best and most effective bug spray,” says one WTE mom. The aerosol-free spray uses rosemary, citronella, peppermint, lemongrass and geranium oils as a natural way to ward off unwanted bugs (although these types of botanicals are not fully proven to repel all insects).

WTE staffers swear by this spray, too. "I like that this repellent is made with natural essential oils so I feel ok about slathering it on my kids' skin. The scent is pretty pleasant, too. It does help to reduce bites if you continue to reapply," offers Shelley Gingrich, Executive Director, Brand Solutions at What to Expect.

Just note that it’s not meant for babies younger than 6 months, and all oils in the formula give it a greasy quality that some parents don’t always enjoy (a few also mention that it can stain porches and other materials, so it's best to spray in a grassy spot). And if you’re in an area with a high risk of insect-transmitted diseases, the AAP recommends using DEET or picaridin formulas instead for more reliable protection.

When your baby is squirming every which way, you may find bug spray wipes more convenient to apply. Since there’s no spray involved, you can hold your little one and deliver a more targeted application, no matter how much they wiggle. The wipes are oil-free and don’t leave behind a greasy feeling on your baby’s skin. And since they’re only 7.15% DEET (well within the range recommended by the AAP), they're perfectly safe for your little one. Each wipe promises up to two hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, making them ideal for shorter outings.

If you’re looking for a bug spray you can pack in a carry-on, check out this natural formula by California Baby — a favorite baby care brand among the WTE community. This is DEET- and picaridin-free, relying instead on essential oils like lemongrass, cedar and citronella to ward off bugs. “It’s our favorite because it actually works and doesn’t smell horrific like the store brand ones,” raves one WTE parent tester.  

It’s sold in a 2-ounce bottle — perfect for TSA! — and the sprayer locks with a twist to avoid unwanted leakage in your bag. (Just remember that the AAP does not recommend natural formulas if there’s a health concern for insect-borne diseases in your area.)

When my family goes hiking, this is our go-to bug spray. Off! Deep Woods is made with 25% DEET to provide up to eight hours of protection from mosquitoes. (It also repels ticks, biting flies and other annoying pests). The smell is strong, but I only have to spray everyone down once a day, thanks to the long-lasting formula.  

Better yet, you get a lot of product for what you pay for (typically under $10 for 6 ounces), and it’s easy to find at many retailers. Just be sure to buy the spray pump, not the aerosol version, as the latter is not recommended by the AAP for children.

Some parents find that an insect repellent lotion is easier to apply, ensuring full coverage against bug bites. Enter the highly-rated Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent lotion, which is also recommended by WTEt staffers. "I found this lotion a couple of years ago after researching mosquito repellent ingredients,” says Stephanie Porter, Creative Director. “I’m a mosquito MAGNET and they don’t get me with that lotion on, and it works great on my kids too."

This formula is 20% picaridin to ensure up to 14 hours of protection from mosquitos and ticks, and up to eight hours of protection from biting flies and other pests. Parents love how easy it is to apply. “It's not greasy, and absorbs really well. It also doesn't have a smell to it, which is nice,” adds Porter.

This easy-to-use anti-bug balm from Badger is perfect for tucking in your diaper bag or purse. It’s made from plant-based, certified organic ingredients, including citronella, lemongrass and cedarwood essential oils. The concentration of essential oils in the balm is safe for toddlers and babies 6 months and up, but it’s not meant for younger babies. You don’t have to slather it across every exposed inch of your baby’s skin, either. Dabbing the stick on the ankles, wrists and neck can help keep bugs at bay without using a ton of product or making any sort of mess. I love that it won’t take up too much room in a hiking pack, and it’s also sized perfectly for TSA checks. 

If your baby has eczema or allergies (like mine!), an unscented bug spray can help keep them protected without risking an adverse reaction. But don’t just take my word for it — Off! Family Care Insect Repellent comes highly recommended by other parents of sensitive skin kiddos in the WTE community. It works when sprayed on clothing, so you don’t necessarily have to get it directly on your baby’s skin to keep the bugs away if you don’t want to. Though fragrance isn’t added, it does feature aloe vera, which gives it a pleasant smell while keeping skin soft and dry.

A helpful mom tip: If you decide to try this bug spray, be aware that there are multiple versions, so be sure you pick the “soft spray” or “spritz” version, as aerosol sprays are not recommended by the AAP.

If you’re looking for a baby bug spray with 100% organic ingredients, Hello Bello is the brand that comes most recommended by parents in the WTE community. They appreciate how well it works compared to other natural sprays. Per ounce, it’s more affordable than other all-natural options, is made with organic, plant-based essential oils, and is free from common allergens, synthetic fragrances, parabens, and phthalates. Lab-tested for efficacy, you can expect up to four hours of protection for your little one with this spray.

The AAP notes that until about 2 years of age, baby skin is more sensitive compared to those of an older child or adult. However, my two sons have skin that is still just as susceptible to reactions. And I can vouch for this particular repellent’s ability to keep them protected without causing a rash or eczema flare-ups now that they’re older. We mainly use this plant-based spray when we aren’t in a heavily wooded area — it’s our go-to for beach days and the backyard. It has a very light and fresh scent and doesn’t feel as greasy on their skin as other natural, essential oil-based options I’ve tried. But my favorite part? The formula contains skin-soothing ingredients without any dyes or fragrances and also comes in a lotion form if you prefer that over a spray pump.

Reminder: The active ingredient here is p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), which is not recommended by the AAP for children under 3 years old. PMD is the synthetic version of OLE, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While comparable to DEET in effectiveness, both should be avoided for younger children.

Freelancer writer Brigitt Earley originally contributed to this article.