How should mosquito repellent products containing DEET be used on children?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against treating infants younger than two months with DEET. They recommend products containing about 30% DEET for both adults and children. Parents concerned about possible adverse effects of DEET can use lower concentration products (10 – 15%) to protect their children from mosquito bites if the local risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito borne illnesses is low. DEET-free mosquito repellent products are also available, but are not considered to be as effective as those that contain DEET. Also, non-DEET mosquito repellents have not been tested nearly as much as DEET for child safety.
