Health, Safety & Nutrition

[KarrieT]

With the early burst of nice weather we've had in the northeast, an unfortunate side effect has been the emergence of bugs. I was out in my yard last week and noticed some mosquitoes already! I need to stock up on some insect repellent this weekend. Are there any brands people particularly prefer using for kids? I want to try to use something that is more natural, but still works!

[MsMacy2]

We use Skin So Soft for Kids and have had a lot of luck with it. However, if you're looking to go a more natural route, and your yard allows for it, you might consider planting citronella or some other bug repelling plants?

[RitaMurphy3]

Babble has a review of recommended bug repellents for kids. Several of them are advertised as being "natural"...though they do have different age requirements. Worth checking into, though!

Top 10 Bug Repellents for Kids: Deet-free formulas, organic options & more

http://www.babble.com/products/kid-products/best-bug-repellents-insect-for-kids/

[ProgressiveMom]

We love the California Baby insect repellent, it's what I use for myself too. They even make a sunscreen with it (which I haven't tried, but we love their regular sunscreen too). We've tried the Burt's Bees version too but I didn't care for the smell and don't think it worked that well.

[teatree59]

Hi!

Just saw your post about kid-friendly bug spray.  I've found that Melaleuca Oil (pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil) works wonders.  It's economical because you use so little (it's highly concentrated); it's toxic free so it's safe to use on children, pets, anyone/anywhere!  And, it's inexpensive. 

I am a representative for Melaleuca products.  We have over 350 chemical free, child-safe products for your children, yourself and other family members, your household. 

Did you know that most cleaning solutions (Tide, Lysol, Simple Green, etc.) are loaded with chemicals and even though they have child-safety caps on them there is such a thing as 'out gassing' that permeates throughout your home. 

Also-children's products such as Johnson's baby care for example, use formaldehyde in their products (may be listed as quaternium15) which has been found to be a carcinogen. 

So many products that claim to be 'natural' or 'child safe' really aren't. 

If you'd like to know more about Melaleuca's philosophy on health and the consumer please reply to my comment.

Good day!

[MsBobbi]

I recently discovered a wonderful Essential Oil combination form DoTerra. That works well. It is completely safe and smells good, too! You can do a web search for DoTerra Oils and order it online.

[KarrieT]

Thanks for all these great suggestions! I've been trying to have a few different types of repellent on hand. Sometimes the same spray that works in the back yard isn't so effective when we're out for a hike! I appreciate everyone's ideas. Looks like I need to make a trip to CVS.