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The best insect repellent for kids combines a skin repellent, treated clothing and netting, so you use less product on your child’s skin.
We chose a lotion for sensitive kids, sprays for quick coverage, a permethrin clothing treatment for ticks and netting for babies.
Quick Answer: The Best Insect Repellent for Kids
- Best Overall: Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion
- Best for Ticks: Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents
- Best for Babies: Mosquito Net for Stroller (2-Pack)
- Best Spray: Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Spray
- Best Family DEET: OFF! FamilyCare Insect & Mosquito Repellent Aerosol, Smooth & Dry
- Best Plant-Based (Age 3+): Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, Pump Spray
Sawyer Picaridin Lotion, Sawyer Permethrin for clothing and a stroller mosquito net are our top best insect repellents for kids.
Best Insect Repellent for Kids Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion | Best Overall | Picaridin lotion | Lotion form that is easy to rub on without spraying | Check Price |
| Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents | Best for Ticks | Clothing treatment | Treats clothes and gear, not skin, and lasts through washes | Check Price |
| Mosquito Net for Stroller (2-Pack) | Best for Babies | Stroller and carrier netting | Stretchy netting that covers strollers, car seats and carriers | Check Price |
| Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Spray | Best Spray | Picaridin spray | 20% picaridin spray that is odorless and does not damage gear | Check Price |
| OFF! FamilyCare Insect & Mosquito Repellent Aerosol, Smooth & Dry | Best Family DEET | DEET aerosol | Lower-strength DEET in a dry, powdery spray | Check Price |
| Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, Pump Spray | Best Plant-Based (Age 3+) | Oil of lemon eucalyptus spray | Plant-based OLE repellent for children 3 and older | Check Price |
The 6 Best Insect Repellent for Kids
Below are our picks for the best insect repellent for kids, with who each one suits best and why it makes a thoughtful gift.
Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion
1Sawyer Picaridin Lotion lets you rub repellent on by hand instead of spraying.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- No spray mist
- Easy for kids who hate sprays
- Odorless
Cons
- Takes longer to apply
- Reapply as label says
📄 Detailed Review
- Active: 20% picaridin
- Form: Lotion
- Feel: Non-greasy
- Use: Follow label
Lotion avoids spray mist near little faces.
It suits kids who fuss at sprays.
Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents
2Sawyer Permethrin is sprayed on clothing, shoes and gear, never on skin, and lasts through several washes.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Protection without skin contact
- Lasts through washes
- Great for ticks
Cons
- Never on skin
- Must dry before wearing
📄 Detailed Review
- Active: Permethrin
- Use on: Clothing and gear only
- Lasts: Several washes
- Apply: Spray, then dry
It adds a layer of protection without more lotion on skin.
It suits camping and hiking families.
3A stroller mosquito net is the CDC-recommended way to protect babies in strollers and carriers.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- No chemicals on baby
- Cheap and light
- Two nets
Cons
- Fit varies by stroller
- Check airflow often
📄 Detailed Review
- Fits: Strollers, car seats, carriers
- Pack: 2 nets
- Material: Fine mesh
- Use: Supervised outings
It protects the youngest babies without repellent.
It suits newborn walks and park visits.
Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Spray
4Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent uses 20% picaridin in a non-greasy pump spray.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Odorless
- Gentle on clothes and gear
- EPA-registered
Cons
- Pump spray needs care near faces
- Reapply as label says
📄 Detailed Review
- Active: 20% picaridin
- Form: Pump spray
- Feel: Non-greasy
- Use: Follow label
Picaridin is an EPA-registered active ingredient.
It suits families who dislike the feel of DEET.
OFF! FamilyCare Insect & Mosquito Repellent Aerosol, Smooth & Dry
5OFF! FamilyCare Smooth & Dry is a lower-strength DEET aerosol with a dry, powdery feel.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dry feel
- Easy to find
- Family-strength formula
Cons
- Aerosol mist
- Reapply as label says
📄 Detailed Review
- Active: 15% DEET
- Form: Aerosol
- Feel: Dry, powdery
- Use: Follow label
It is a familiar family formula.
It suits backyard evenings and short outings.
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, Pump Spray
6Repel Lemon Eucalyptus uses oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), which the CDC says not to use on children under 3.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Plant-based active
- Light scent
- EPA-registered
Cons
- Not for kids under 3
- Scent some kids dislike
📄 Detailed Review
- Active: Oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Form: Pump spray
- Age: Not under 3 years
- Use: Follow label
It is a plant-based option for older kids.
It suits families who prefer a botanical active.
How We Chose the Best Insect Repellent for Kids
To choose the best insect repellent for kids, we chose EPA-registered repellents and CDC-recommended methods, and noted every age limit.
For children we follow the CDC: always follow the label, do not use products with oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD on children under 3, never apply repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts or irritated skin, and cover strollers and carriers with netting. See the CDC guide to preventing mosquito bites.
Product details in this guide come from manufacturer specifications, age grading and verified owner feedback. Read more on our How We Test page.
How to Choose the Best Insect Repellent for Kids
Use these pointers to narrow down the best insect repellent for kids for the family you are shopping for.
Repellent Rules by Age
For babies under 2 months, pediatricians generally recommend mosquito netting over strollers and carriers instead of repellent; ask your pediatrician. The CDC says not to use oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD on children under 3. For older kids, choose an EPA-registered repellent and follow the label.
How to Apply Repellent on Kids
An adult should apply it. Spray or rub it on your own hands first, then apply to the child’s face, avoiding eyes and mouth. Never put repellent on a child’s hands, on cuts, or under clothing. If you also use sunscreen, apply sunscreen first. Wash it off with soap and water when you come inside.
Bite Prevention Tips
A few simple ideas make the best insect repellent for kids feel even more personal:
- Dress kids in long sleeves.
- Treat clothes, not skin, with permethrin.
- Check for ticks after outdoor play.
- Empty standing water at home.
- Reapply only as the label says.
Still have questions about the best insect repellent for kids? Here are quick answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best insect repellent for kids?
Our top best insect repellent for kids are the Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear & Tents, Mosquito Net for Stroller (2-Pack) and the Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Spray.
What insect repellent is best for kids?
An EPA-registered picaridin or DEET product used as the label directs, applied by an adult.
Can permethrin go on a child’s skin?
No. Permethrin is only for clothing and gear; let it dry before wearing.
How do I protect a newborn from mosquitoes?
Use netting over the stroller or carrier and ask your pediatrician before using any repellent.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best insect repellent for kids is the Sawyer Picaridin Lotion. Choose the Sawyer Permethrin if you want treated clothing, or the Stroller Mosquito Net 2-Pack for babies.
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Product details are based on manufacturer information at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
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