unlike sunscreen which is important to reapply every few hours insect repellent generally should be used just once a day and then washed off before bedtime. check labels for age recommendations. deet is approved for infants over 2 months; oil of lemon eucalyptus is not recommended until at least 3 years. higher concentrations of deet last longer than lower ones (10% deet is effective for 2 hours while 24% is effective for about 5). the american academy of pediatrics recommends that children use deet concentrations below 30%. deet and picaridin tend to last longer than plant oil-based repellents. you can also use netting to physically keep bugs away from your baby. .
what are the guidelines for using insect repellent on a baby?