Which Bug Spray Creates a Bug-Free Zone for Ultimate Summer Playtime?
Introducing the Best Bug Sprays for Babies!
Motherhood Loves Community Awards nominees have been carefully chosen by our team. We may earn a commission if you buy something through links on our site.
Keeping your littlest ones safe from pesky mosquitoes and insects is a top priority when venturing outdoors for playtime fun, but choosing an effective insect repellent can be tricky. Chemical repellents like DEET, Picaridin, and IR3535® can be hot topics among parents with opinions and recommendations ranging far and wide. Natural repellant options are available, but come with their own set of questions (we see you, oil of lemon eucalyptus).
For your summer fun and travel, we’ve put together a list of options parents can confidently use on their babies. Our criteria included ease of application (perfect for squirmy tots!), recommended active ingredients (both chemical and natural), an unobjectionable scent, and of course, effectiveness in keeping those bugs at bay.
Our nominees were researched and selected as the top products in their category. We then turned to the experts—the Motherhood Community—to place their votes and determine the best of the best! The votes are in, and the winners are...
Please note: All of the bug sprays on our list are formulated within the recommended parameters for babies older than two months. Be aware that some companies recommend checking with your pediatrician before using bug spray on kids younger than six months. You should always follow application directions provided on the product label and consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Best Baby Bug Spray of 2024 Winners
Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent Spray
A popular natural choice for parents looking to avoid chemical repellents like DEET, the Babyganics Natural repellent comes in a convenient aerosol-free spray and uses natural botanicals that many moms swear by like rosemary, citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium oils to ward off unwanted bugs.
Badger Anti-bug Spray
Badger products are DEET-free and USDA Certified Organic. This spray’s active ingredients are citronella, cedarwood, and lemongrass. With no synthetic chemicals, no petroleum products, recyclable packaging, cruelty-free testing, and solar-powered production, this spray is a great option for the environmentally minded. As for the formula, it’s moisturizing, pleasant smelling, and easy on the skin—a great natural option for a light repellent.
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
A very highly rated option suitable for a wide range of outings, this 20% Picaridin option comes in a pump spray bottle that deposits the unscented formula evenly and includes a double cap to avoid leaks. The product, which works great against mosquitos, biting flies, gnats, chiggers, and sand flies, is particularly effective protection for ticks. Sawyer protects people, gear, and clothes with up to 12 hours of repellent power.
Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Pump Spray
A classic go-to for many families, Avon’s Skin-So-Soft now offers this 10% picaridin formula that wards off mosquitoes, deer ticks, gnats, no-see-ums, sand flies, and biting midges. This spray won’t leave skin parched thanks to aloe and vitamin E, which rehydrate and keep skin smooth. Its light scent and quick dry down make it a winner with kids. Reapply after eight hours for mosquitos or six hours for most other bugs.
Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Expedition™ Aerosol Spray SPF 28
If you need an effective spray for venturing into the woods, this unscented formula from Avon uses proven repellent IR3535® to protect against deer ticks, gnats, no-see-ums, sand flies, mosquitoes, and biting midges. Thankfully, it’s also hypoallergenic, so it won’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.
Repel® Family Insect Repellent, Alternative Lightweight (Aerosol)
Fragrance-free, lightweight, and nongreasy, this offering from Repel® turns to IR3535® to fend off mosquitoes and ticks for up to eight hours. The formula dries quickly after application, sits comfortably on the skin, and won’t challenge little noses with a heavy scent.
OFF!® FamilyCare Insect Repellent IV (Unscented)
This offering from trusted brand Off! is perfect for picnics, backyard play, and short outdoor adventures, repelling mosquitos for up to two hours. The 7%-DEET repellent is a non-sticky, non-oily formula that kids will be happy about. Aloe vera adds a nice dose of moisture to keep baby skin soft.
Cutter All Family Wipes
Make your trips even easier with a pack of these formula-laden wipes dispensing 7.15% DEET protection. Application is a piece of cake, avoiding problems with malfunctioning spray pumps, moving targets (i.e., your kiddos), or accidental inhalation of aerosol spray. Portability and ease of application are two winning qualities of these wipes.
Repel® Insect Repellent Family Dry (Aerosol)
Need to counteract a wider selection of insects? Repel also offers this 10% DEET formula to fend off gnats, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas as well as mosquitoes and ticks. Users report that the spray goes on lightly and dries in mere seconds. The unscented formula has a very light scent that most found pleasant.
Cutter® All Family® Insect Repellent
Completely fragrance-free, this aerosol formula depends on IR3535® to deliver 8-hour protection against mosquitoes and ticks. Fans say that dry-down time is nearly nonexistent, and the lightweight spray also doesn’t leave oily residue that will attract dirt or stick to clothes. There’s also a convenient 4-ounce bottle that packs easily for your outings.
