Treating Bug Bites on Babies: All-Natural Remedies
Our sweet babies have such soft and new skin that we hate to see them with any bruise, scratch or bump - especially itchy ones from bug bites. Unfortunately, babies do sometimes get bitten when they are outdoors. How you treat a baby for a bug bite could look a little differently than how you would treat an adult's bites.
Babies have tender, delicate skin, making them just as irresistible as adults to mosquitoes and other insects. An infant's sensitive skin can make it challenging to treat those bites. Because they are more vulnerable to chemicals in some over-the-counter medicines, babies may respond better to home remedies using natural ingredients for mosquito bite relief.
In this guide, we will help you identify bug bites and go over how to treat them with all-natural bug remedies for babies. Keep in mind that just because these remedies are geared toward babies doesn't mean the adults can't try them.
How to Identify Bug Bites on Babies
Babies have brand-new, sensitive skin. Babies can have red marks, bumps or dry skin just because they are new to the world and the different substances around them are coming into contact with their skin for the first time.
Unfortunately, babies can't tell us when they have a painful ant bite or itchy mosquito bite. Of course, they may fuss and cry, but it's much easier to find the problem and ease their discomfort when you know how to spot specific insect bites and treat them immediately and effectively.
Mosquito bites are characterized by a single, small red bump with a puncture mark in the center. Ant bites typically leave behind a red mark that swells and fills with fluid, while fly bites are also red and tend to turn into blisters. These bites look the same on children as they do on adults, but how you treat them may be different.
Best All-Natural Bug Bite Remedies
Luckily, you have several easy ways to ease your baby's bug bite pain. In fact, you may already have some of these all-natural remedies in your medicine cabinet or kitchen pantry. Give these home remedies for baby's insect bites a try and find out which work best on different bites to soothe your little one.
- Ice is readily available and easy to hold on a bug bite to reduce pain, itching or inflammation. We recommend wrapping it in cloth to protect your baby's skin. You should hold the ice on for a duration of 10 to 20 minutes, but take it off if your baby shows any other signs of distress.
- Green or black tea contains natural anti-inflammatory properties to ease discomfort and shrink the bite. To use this method, store green tea bags that have already been steeped into a baggie in your fridge and apply the tea bag to bite when needed.
- Milk can calm inflammation and reduce redness thanks to its soothing proteins. Simply soak a cotton ball in milk and apply it to the bite.
- White or apple cider vinegar works on bee stings and other bug bites. The acidity can balance the skin's pH to neutralize venom. Dilute the vinegar by pouring two or three cups into baby's bath water for a comfortable soak. Follow with skin moisturizer, as vinegar can dry your infant's skin.
- Baking soda can take away the itch or sting when made into a paste. Dissolve a teaspoon in a cup of water and then apply to the bite area with a cotton ball or clean cloth. After a few minutes, wash away any residue.
- Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, so it can kill bacteria while easing swelling. Apply a small amount directly to the bite or dilute it with coconut oil to protect your baby's skin.
- Basil leaves contain the same compounds as camphor or menthol, which create a cooling effect to relieve itchiness and irritation. Crush a few basil leaves into a paste and apply it directly to the bite or add fresh basil leaves to your baby's tub for a soothing bath.
- Aloe vera calms sunburns and bug bites, so it comes in handy, especially in the summertime. Leave it in the fridge to cool down hot, puffy, irritating insect bites.
- Lemon balm is a natural antihistamine that can relieve itching and minimize swelling. Like basil, lemon balm leaves are easy to crush and apply directly to the bite.
- Lavender essential oil is another natural product that can kill bacteria and stop swelling. You can mix it with coconut oil to use as a natural bug repellant or spritz it on sheets to keep away skeeters during nap time or at bedtime. Just be sure to use a kid-safe oil and follow its usage guidelines.
- Garlic is another great antiseptic with antibacterial properties. Cut a garlic clove in half and gently hold or rub it on the bug bite to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
- Breast milk is liquid gold for a number of reasons, but one is to be used on bug bites. It acts as a hydrocortisone ointment and soothes the bite.
- Soap and water seems like it's too easy, but it does the trick most of the time. Use gentle soap without fragrances and use warm water to wash the bite the second you see it.
When to Contact the Doctor
Some infants may have a stronger reaction to mosquito bites than others. If you observe your baby having problems breathing or developing a more severe rash or hives, seek medical attention immediately. Your pediatrician may recommend topical anti-itch creams containing steroids or antihistamines, depending on how old your baby is or what the symptoms are, but don't give your child anything without the doctor's okay if you have never before.
Other Ways to Keep Your Baby Safe from Bug Bites
To protect your baby from getting mosquito and other bug bites, avoid going outside during dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active. You may want to dress your wee one in light-colored clothing with long sleeves or pants to limit the exposed skin that entices biting insects.
If your baby can't move around yet, don't put them near any standing water, trees, shaded areas, piles of wood or other materials or by the edge of your yard to reduce the temptation of mosquitoes to find your baby.
The best way to ensure your precious bundle of joy doesn't struggle with itchy and painful bug bites is to make sure your home and yard are protected. The licensed professionals at MosquitoNix provide a wide range of customized solutions to ensure your property is pest-free, including all-natural mosquito treatments. You won't have to worry about keeping your pets or family out of the yard while waiting for treatments to dry or about the treatment being harmful to your family and you won't have to stress over harming the environment or your yard.
At MosquitoNix, we offer various mosquito control services to fit all your residential and commercial needs. We have custom misting systems for long-term mosquito control around your home or property, ongoing fogging treatments that can be used short-term for outdoor events and all-natural green services for those looking for non-toxic, eco-friendly options. We even have a portable mosquito control device that's perfect for taking camping. To learn more, request a free quote today and see how our caring and knowledgeable team can help turn your yard into a bug-free environment everyone will be safe in.
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