Best Bug Sprays for Breastfeeding Moms: Safe and Effective Options
Photo by Jake Wilde
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Are mosquitoes making you their all-you-can-eat buffet? You're not imagining it! While it's well-known that pregnant women are prime targets (bitten twice as often!), postpartum moms face their own mosquito gauntlet. Hormonal fluctuations, the realities of new motherhood (dry shampoo, anyone?), and increased time spent outdoors with baby all contribute to attracting those buzzing bloodsuckers.
I remember those early days with my first. Terrified of using chemical bug sprays, I, like many new moms, turned to "natural" repellents. Big mistake. I became a walking mosquito feast! Those so-called natural remedies offered minimal, fleeting relief before the mosquitoes were back for seconds. Our solution most days was simply staying indoors. Hello cabin fever! Not exactly the ideal way to enjoy being a new mom.
So, what is safe and effective, especially when you're nursing? Are chemical repellents as dangerous as they're sometimes made out to be? Or should you stick with all-natural options? Or are you simply doomed to an indoor existence until the first frost?
The good news: When used correctly, chemical repellents are safe and offer the most reliable protection. They undergo rigorous testing before hitting the market, and their potential side effects are well-documented. It's important to remember that "chemical" simply means a substance has been purified. Many chemical repellents are actually derived from natural plant compounds, then synthesized for greater effectiveness and, ironically, reduced toxicity.
The same can't always be said for "natural" products. Many haven't been thoroughly tested for either effectiveness or safety. While some plant-based essential oils (like allspice, basil, cedar, cinnamon, citronella, eucalyptus, garlic, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, pine, rosemary, and thyme) are said to have some repellent properties, their protection is typically short-lived (less than two hours). This means frequent reapplication, which can also be a concern, especially for nursing mamas.
What are the Different Types of Bug Sprays and How Do They Work?
Bug sprays work in two main ways: repelling or killing.
Most bug sprays are repellents. These products deter insects, like mosquitoes, by emitting a scent or taste that bugs dislike. Odorant repellents are generally the most effective at preventing bites.
Pesticides and insecticides, on the other hand, kill bugs. They work by interfering with the insect's nervous system upon contact or ingestion. While pesticides can target a range of pests (including fungus and bacteria), insecticides are specifically designed to kill insects.
Best Mosquito Repellents for Skin: (Picaridin, IR-3535, and DEET)
Picaridin:
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Picaridin is a plant-derived chemical repellent that's a safe and effective option for pregnant and nursing women, as well as children. It offers several key benefits:
Long-lasting protection: Effective for up to 8-14 hours against mosquitoes.
Broad-spectrum repellency: Repels ticks, mosquitoes, and some flies.
Gentle and odorless: Nearly odorless and doesn't typically cause skin irritation.
Mimics nature: Inspired by piperine, a compound found in peppers that repels various insects.
Safe for babies: Can be used on babies aged 2 months and older.
Versatile use: Safe for use on clothing, backpacks, synthetic fibers, sunglasses, watches, and more.
Well-researched: In use internationally since 1998 and registered with the US EPA since 2001, Picaridin has a strong safety record. (Also known as KBR 3023 or Icaridin outside the US).
Considerations:
Not for dogs: Do not use Picaridin on dogs.
Shelf life: While Picaridin has a long shelf life, if the odor fades, its effectiveness may be reduced.
Where to Buy:
IR-3535: A Gentle and Effective Option
IR-3535 is a synthetic chemical repellent that offers gentle yet effective protection against mosquitoes and ticks. It's considered safe for pregnant and nursing women, children over 2 months old, and even dogs.
Benefits of IR-3535:
Effective Protection: Repels mosquitoes and most ticks for 4-8 hours.
Safe for Babies and Children: Approved for use on babies aged 2 months and older.
Safe for Dogs: Unlike most other repellents, IR-3535 is safe for use on dogs.
Environmentally Friendly: Considered less harmful to the environment as it doesn't accumulate in the environment and is not toxic to aquatic life.
Well-Established: In use for over 30 years, IR-3535 has a well-documented safety profile.
Considerations:
Not Effective Against Flies: IR-3535 does not repel flies.
Shelf Life: The shelf life is approximately 2 years, after which its effectiveness begins to diminish.
Learn More:
Where to Buy:
Shop Avon Skin So Soft with IR-3535 Now
Get Zevo On Body Bug Spray with IR-3535
DEET (10-30%):
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DEET is a synthetic chemical repellent that provides effective protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects. It's safe for use on pregnant and nursing women, as well as children over 2 months old, when used as directed (10-30% concentration).
Benefits of DEET:
Effective Protection: Repels ticks, mosquitoes, and some flies.
Duration: 10% DEET offers approximately 2 hours of protection, while higher concentrations (up to 30%) provide longer-lasting defense.
For the Kids: If you're using DEET on little ones (2 months+), stick to a concentration of 30% or less. This is the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help prevent diseases like West Nile, Lyme, and Zika.
Long History of Use: Developed for military use in 1944 and available to the public since 1957, DEET has a long track record of safety and effectiveness.
Important Considerations:
Plastic Damage: DEET can damage plastics, including sunglasses, watches, and some synthetic materials. Avoid contact with these items.
Not for Dogs: DEET is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems, including neurological issues and death. Do not use DEET on or near dogs.
Learn More:
Where to Buy:
Permethrin-Treated Clothing: A Powerful Mosquito Defense
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Permethrin is a powerful insecticide and repellent used to treat clothing and gear for long-lasting protection against ticks and mosquitoes. While generally safe, permethrin should be used with extreme caution by pregnant and nursing women. Ensuring the treated clothing is completely dry before wearing and avoiding any direct skin contact is not just best practice—it's essential for the health and safety of both mother and child.
Why Choose Permethrin-Treated Clothing?
Powerful Repellency: Effectively repels ticks and mosquitoes.
Mimics Nature: Permethrin's insect-killing properties are inspired by chemicals found in chrysanthemums.
Safe for Children (3+ Months): Safe for use on children's clothing for ages 3 months and older.
Safe for Dogs: Permethrin is safe for use on and around dogs (learn more about proper use at Sawyer's).
Won't Damage Gear: Won't stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, or other outdoor gear.
Long History of Use: Used by the US military since 1979 and available to the public since the early 1990s, permethrin has a long-established safety record.
How Long Does Permethrin Last?
Pre-treated Clothing: Up to 70 washes (wash separately).
User-Treated Clothing: Up to 6 washes (wash separately).
Outdoor Exposure: Loses effectiveness after approximately 6 weeks of outdoor exposure.
Important Considerations:
Pregnancy and Nursing: Pregnant and nursing women should handle permethrin-treated clothing with care, avoiding skin contact until dry.
Aquatic Life: Permethrin is harmful to aquatic life. Prevent treated dogs from entering bodies of water.
Shelf Life: Permethrin has a shelf life of approximately 10 years when stored properly.
Where to Buy:
Get a bottle of Sawyer's Permethrin Spray Now
With so many bug repellent options available, finding the right one for your family can feel overwhelming. That's why we created our free printable comparison guide! Download it now for a quick and easy way to weigh the pros and cons of each type of repellent, so you can make an informed choice and enjoy a bite-free summer.
Which Bug Repellent is Right for You? A Printable Guide
Choosing the right mosquito repellent can be tricky. This free printable guide makes it easy! Compare different options side-by-side to find the perfect one for you and your family.
