Summer means more time outside, and with it come mosquitoes, ticks and blackflies.
If you have ever stood in the bug spray aisle wondering, Can I actually use this on my baby? Is DEET okay? What about icaridin? Is “natural” safer?, you are definitely not alone.
The good news is that Health Canada provides age-specific guidance, and there are several ways to help protect little ones from bites.
The key is choosing a Health Canada-registered insect repellent that is appropriate for your child's age, following the label carefully and combining repellent with simple physical protection when it makes sense.
What Bug Repellent Can Babies and Toddlers Use?
Here is the quick version.
Babies Under 6 Months
Health Canada says not to use insect repellents containing DEET or icaridin on infants younger than 6 months.
Instead, focus on physical barriers such as:
light, loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs
fine mesh netting over a stroller or outdoor playpen
well-maintained window and door screens
avoiding areas with heavy insect activity when practical
Any netting should be securely fitted and kept away from your baby's face. Avoid loose or draped material that a baby could pull into their sleep or play space.
If you are travelling somewhere where insect-borne illness is a significant concern, speak with a health-care provider or travel clinic about the safest protection plan for your baby.
Babies and Toddlers 6 Months to 2 Years
Health Canada permits DEET concentrations up to 10%, applied no more than once per day for this age group.
Icaridin is also an option from 6 months of age. The Canadian Paediatric Society notes that repellents containing up to 20% icaridin can be used in children 6 months and older.
Protective clothing, stroller netting and other physical barriers can still be useful, especially when you are trying to reduce how much exposed skin needs repellent.
Children 2 to 12 Years
Children between 2 and 12 years can use products containing up to 10% DEET, with a maximum of three applications per day.
Icaridin is also an option for this age group.
One detail that is easy to miss: Health Canada advises that children younger than 12 should not use a DEET product daily for more than one month.
Whatever product you choose, the label matters. It tells you the appropriate age, how often the product can be applied and which insects it actually protects against.
DEET vs. Icaridin: What's the Difference?
DEET and icaridin are both effective insect repellents.
DEET can protect against mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies. The percentage primarily affects how long the protection lasts, which is why Health Canada limits the concentration that can be used at different ages.
Icaridin, sometimes called picaridin, also protects against mosquitoes and ticks and can be used in children 6 months and older.
For parents, this means DEET is not the only evidence-based choice.
If your child is old enough for either product, you can look at the age directions, insects listed on the label, duration of protection and the type of application that works best for your family.
What About “Natural” Bug Sprays?
This is where marketing can make things confusing.
“Natural” does not automatically mean safer, gentler or more effective for a young child.
Health Canada registers insect repellents containing several different active ingredients, including DEET, icaridin, soybean oil, PMD and certain mixtures of essential oils. But they do not all have the same age restrictions or provide the same protection.
For example:
PMD, also called p-menthane-3,8-diol or oil of lemon eucalyptus, hydrated and cyclized, should not be used on children younger than 3.
Specific registered essential-oil mixtures should not be used on children younger than 2.
Health Canada lists registered soybean-oil repellents without an age restriction, although you should still follow the directions on the individual product.
The Canadian Paediatric Society also notes that some natural repellents may not work as well or last as long as DEET or icaridin, and they may not protect against ticks.
Rather than choosing a product because the front says “natural,” flip it over.
Look for a Health Canada Pest Control Product, or PCP, registration number and check the age and application instructions.
What About Bug-Repellent Bracelets, Stickers and Clips?
These products can look appealing because nothing has to be sprayed onto your child's skin, but they are not all the same.
Health Canada says wristbands, neckbands and ankle bands containing repellent do not protect people well from insect bites.
Some metofluthrin clip-on devices, on the other hand, are registered as personal insect repellents in Canada. Health Canada notes that children should not be allowed to replace or handle the refill discs.
The takeaway is simple: do not assume something works because it is marketed as a mosquito sticker, bracelet or clip.
Check for a PCP registration number and make sure the product is labelled for your child's age and the insect you are trying to avoid.
How to Apply Bug Repellent Safely to Children
A little repellent is enough. More does not mean better protection.
When applying insect repellent to a child:
read the entire product label first
use only a small amount on exposed skin or on top of clothing, as directed
do not apply it underneath clothing
do not apply it to irritated, sunburned or broken skin
do not put repellent on a child's hands, where it can easily reach their eyes or mouth
never spray directly toward a child's face
for the face, spray the product onto your own hands first, then carefully apply it while avoiding the eyes and mouth
apply sprays in an open, well-ventilated area
reapply only as often as the label permits
wash treated skin with soap and water once protection is no longer needed
Children should be supervised when insect repellent is being used.
Sunscreen or Bug Spray First?
If your child needs both, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
Health Canada says sunscreen and insect repellent can safely be worn at the same time, but combination sunscreen-and-repellent products are not approved in Canada.
The Canadian Paediatric Society suggests applying sunscreen first and waiting about 20 minutes before applying the insect repellent.
Other Ways to Help Prevent Bug Bites
Repellent is only one layer of protection.
Long pants, socks, long sleeves and light-coloured clothing can reduce exposed skin.
Fine mesh netting can help protect babies in strollers or outdoor playpens.
Around home, repair damaged window and door screens and empty standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
After time in wooded areas, tall grass or along trail edges, check children and pets for ticks. A bath or shower and a clothing change after outdoor activities can also make a tick check easier.
And remember that different repellents protect against different insects. A product labelled for mosquitoes may not necessarily provide the protection you need against ticks or blackflies.
Want Product Suggestions?
We have curated some family-friendly insect-repellent and summer-safety options to make shopping a little easier.
Before purchasing, always double-check the product's Health Canada PCP registration number, age restrictions and label directions, even when it appears on a recommended-product list.
The Bottom Line
You do not have to choose between covering your child in bug spray or avoiding the outdoors altogether.
For babies under 6 months, physical barriers are the starting point.
From 6 months onward, both DEET and icaridin may be options when used according to Canadian age recommendations and the individual product label.
And if you prefer another type of repellent, the best question is not simply, Is it natural?
It is: Is it registered by Health Canada, appropriate for my child's age and effective against the insect we are trying to avoid?
A little planning goes a long way. Then we can get back outside and enjoy summer.
You've got this!
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