How to protect against mosquitoes: babies, pregnant and breastfeeding women

In the news, we often hear about the Zika virus, West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. While the vast majority of mosquito bites are completely harmless, they can still lead to serious infections, especially during pregnancy. It's important to know how to protect yourself effectively and safely, particularly when you're pregnant, breastfeeding or caring for a baby.

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Protecting babies

Under 6 months

For babies under 6 months, products containing DEET or other insect repellents are not recommended. Instead, opt for:

• Loose, long, light-coloured clothing fitted at the wrists, ankles, waist and neck, along with closed shoes
• A mosquito net over the stroller or baby carrier
• Avoiding outings at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
• Health Canada specifies, as does the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) (Quebec's public health institute), that no mosquito repellent is recommended for direct application to the skin of babies under 6 months. That said, lightly spraying an insect repellent (e.g. DEET, icaridin or soybean oil) on a hat, cap, piece of clothing or stroller may help keep mosquitoes away.
  

6 months and older

From 6 months on, you can use insect repellents containing DEET, but at a reduced concentration (10% maximum). Apply the product sparingly, avoid your baby's hands, eyes and mouth, and use it no more than once a day.

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Protecting pregnant women

Pregnant women can safely use insect repellents containing DEET, according to Health Canada. The recommended concentration is 30% maximum. Protecting yourself is especially important if you're travelling in regions where the Zika virus or other mosquito-borne illnesses are present, since these infections can have serious consequences for fetal development.

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Protecting breastfeeding women

Breastfeeding women can also safely use insect repellents containing DEET, at a recommended concentration of 30% maximum, limiting application to twice a day. DEET applied to the skin isn't absorbed into breast milk in any significant amount.

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Natural alternatives

Some people prefer natural alternatives to chemical repellents:

• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (do not use during pregnancy or in children 3 years and under)
• Citronella (limited effectiveness; do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in children under 2)
• Permethrin-treated clothing

Keep in mind that these natural products are generally less effective than DEET.

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Tips for applying repellent

• Apply insect repellent after sunscreen
• Use the smallest amount needed to cover exposed skin
• Avoid applying it on wounds or irritated skin
• Wash the skin once you're back indoors
• Never spray directly on the face
• For the face, apply to your hands first
  

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What to do if you get bitten or stung?

• If a stinger is left behind, remove it with tweezers
• Clean the site with soap and water
• Apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation and itching
• A mix of baking soda and water (or a specialized product such as After Bite®) on the bite can help ease the itching
• Lemon juice and calamine lotion can also soothe the itch locally

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When to seek care after an insect bite or sting?

Call 911:

• if there's a high fever along with headache and joint pain
• if there's a rapid, severe change in overall condition
• if red patches and other symptoms appear quickly and spread all over the body, with or without discharge
• if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction:
  
  • swelling of the tongue or lips
  • difficulty breathing
  • sudden vomiting

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Protection against mosquitoes matters for the whole family, but especially for vulnerable groups. By combining different methods of protection, you can enjoy the summer safely.

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References:

• INSPQ 2025: Sécurité : produits et déplacements https://www.inspq.qc.ca/information-perinatale/fiches/securite-produits-deplacements/fiche-complete
• INSPQ 2025: Protéger votre bébé contre les piqûres d'insectes https://www.inspq.qc.ca/mieux-vivre/sante/bebe-en-securite/proteger-votre-bebe-piqures-d-insectes‍
• Government of Canada: Insect repellents https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/sujet-pesticides/insectifuges.html