With proper planning and some preventive measures, you can enjoy your trip without bites ruining the fun.

By: Editorial

• 10/26/2023
• 4:00 p.m.

When the destination chosen to travel as a family is a region with a high incidence of insects, such as mosquitoes, mosquitoes, horseflies, black flies and black flies, the concern about protecting little ones can increase, especially babies, who cannot yet use conventional repellents. Fortunately, with proper planning and some preventative measures, you can enjoy your trip without stings ruining the fun.

To begin with, before traveling as a family to destinations with mosquitoes and other insects, it is always recommended to consult a pediatrician. This doctor will be able to offer specific guidance on the best repellent for babies based on age and individual health conditions, as well as recommend possible vaccines and additional precautions for diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as Yellow Fever, Dengue and Malaria. However, there are some general recommendations that we can go through here, to shed some light on those planning a family trip with babies.

Destinations with mosquitoes

Some of the destinations best known for having the highest incidence of mosquitoes include:

– Destinations with rainy seasons: in general, areas with rainy seasons, such as some countries on the African continent, the Indian subcontinent and some regions of South America, tend to have an increase in the mosquito population during these times.

– Coastal areas: In some coastal areas, especially those with mangroves and humid regions, mosquitoes may be more abundant.

– Tropical regions of Central and South America: countries such as Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama may also have a significant mosquito population, especially in areas closer to the jungle.

– Amazon: the Amazon region, which covers several countries in South America, is known for its biodiversity and, consequently, for a high population of mosquitoes.

– Swampy Areas: Swampy areas around the world, such as the Pantanals in Brazil and the Everglades in Florida (USA), tend to harbor a large number of mosquitoes.

– Caribbean: some Caribbean islands, especially during the rainy season, can have a high incidence of mosquitoes.

– Tropical regions of Africa: many areas of sub-Saharan Africa, such as parts of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, are prone to the proliferation of mosquitoes, due to the hot and humid climate.

– Southeast Asia: countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia have a tropical and humid climate, which creates an environment conducive to the presence of mosquitoes.

Choosing destinations with fewer mosquitoes when traveling with babies is a good strategy to considerably reduce the risk of bites. However, it is not always necessary to stop traveling to the desired destination just because of mosquitoes. After all, it is worth remembering that their presence can vary according to seasonal, climatic and geographic factors. 

Some places have a greater presence of insects at certain times of the year, times and even in different regions of the same destination. In the Amazon, for example, in places bathed by the Rio Negro, the proliferation of mosquitoes is much lower, due to the greater acidity of their waters, which makes their reproduction difficult. Therefore, before deciding on your destination and place of accommodation, it is essential to do a lot of research or consult a travel agent about the incidence of insects in the region.Advertising

Times with fewer mosquitoes

Mosquitoes, mosquitoes, mosquitoes and black flies tend to be more active during certain times of the day: dawn and dusk . When traveling with babies to destinations with these insects, plan your itinerary well to leave outdoor activities for the hours when their incidence is lowest, which ranges from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. And look for indoor activity options for times when bites tend to occur.

Reducing the favorable environment for mosquitoes

When choosing a place to stay, check whether there are measures to reduce the environment favorable to the development of mosquitoes that transmit diseases, such as eliminating areas of stagnant water. This action can contribute to reducing the population of these insects in the surrounding area.

Use of mosquito screens

If your chosen destination offers accommodations that allow the use of mosquito nets, take advantage of this extra measure of protection. Cribs, strollers and beds equipped with mosquito nets can create a safe, insect-free environment for your baby to rest.

Plug repellent and citronella candles

To keep your hotel room environment mosquito-free, consider using plug-in repellents, electronic mosquito traps , or citronella candles. These products can help keep insects away from areas where your baby will sleep for longer periods of time.

Clothes to protect the baby from mosquitoes

One of the most effective ways to protect babies is to dress them in clothing that covers most of their body . Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and pants can be a physical barrier against mosquitoes. Opt for light colors, which tend to attract fewer insects than dark colors.

Safe repellents for babies

Repellents can be a valuable tool in protecting against mosquito bites. However, it is crucial to choose baby-safe repellents that are age-appropriate and do not contain harsh chemicals. Opt for child-specific repellents, with gentle, doctor-approved ingredients, such as Exposis Bebê , Off Baby , SBP Baby or Granado Bebê , Johnson’s Baby . An interesting option may also be to ask your pediatrician for a recipe for a compounded repellent.

Natural repellents for babies

Natural products such as eucalyptus or citronella oil can offer a gentle alternative to protect babies against mosquito bites. Make sure these products are safe for babies and follow the manufacturer’s and pediatrician’s instructions to ensure proper use.

Repellents for allergic babies

Repellent bracelets and repellent patches , especially when applied to clothing rather than skin, can be considered as alternatives for babies with contact allergies to chemicals present in conventional repellents. These products contain repellent substances, such as natural essential oils or chemicals, that create an olfactory barrier around the person, masking odors that attract insects.

As seen, there are many alternatives to protect babies from mosquito bites when traveling, just by taking some special precautions. With preventive measures, choosing appropriate repellents and intelligent planning, it is possible to create a safe and pleasant environment for the whole family. By taking precautions to avoid bites, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind, creating unforgettable memories with your baby.