After the scorching heat, you usually wait for the monsoons to bring down the temperature. Unfortunately, the season also brings with it a swarm of mosquitoes. That’s when you need to prevent your baby from getting mosquito bites. While they may seem like little red bumps, they carry diseases and infections that can be transferred to your baby. Here are some ways you can keep these pesky insects away.
- Stay safe indoors: Before you panic, this doesn’t mean you need to stay home all the time. Mosquitoes don’t like the sun and hence are common during dawn and dusk. You should take your baby out during those hours. If this makes you wonder about those evening strolls your baby loves, don’t worry. There are other precautions you can take.
- Dress right: Keep your baby covered with full-sleeve onesies and long pants. Having said that, make sure you choose comfortable clothes that are light and loose, so they don’t end up feeling too hot.
- Lather on the repellent: Many mosquito repellents in the market can keep mosquitoes away, but make sure you choose one that won’t harm your baby’s sensitive skin. These days, repellents come as sprays, gels or patches, so take your pick.
- Be careful with scents: Mosquitoes are known to be attracted to certain scents, so avoid any scented products for your baby. On the other hand, certain scents like lavender, lemongrass, and citronella oil keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Install nets: If your windows are open during dawn and dusk, don’t be surprised to find mosquitoes making their way into your home. If you still want to enjoy the monsoon breeze, install nets that will keep mosquitoes away. You can also cover your baby’s crib and stroller with nets for extra protection.
- Avoid mosquito zones: These insects are known to be near bushes, stagnant water, garbage cans, and gardens. It’s best to avoid taking your baby to such spots. Instead, choose a vast, open space that will keep you on the move and away from mosquitoes.
- Don’t allow water to stagnate: Mosquitoes are known to lay eggs in stagnant water. If you have any spots in your house where water stagnates, make sure you drain them regularly.
It’s no secret that bites from the wrong mosquito can cause dengue, malaria and at the very least, skin itchiness and irritation. Try these easy tips to stop mosquitoes from covering your baby up in little red bumps.
Author Bio: Prapti Chauhan is a professor of Genetics in Bangalore. She has contributed to several online research papers. However, she passionately develops contents on pregnancy, childbirth, childcare and stem cell banking benefits and umbilical cord lining and more.
