Baby, it's warm outside. If you are pregnant or traveling with a newborn and / or a breast feeding baby, please take the time to read this great information about how to make your own, natural insecticide. Exposure to insect repellents has always been a source of concern with regard to adverse outcomes to the infant because they contain the chemicals DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or permethrin which can cross the placenta and are considered toxic in high doses. Generally 6 to 8 % of the repellent is absorbed when applied topically to the skin.
Mosquito Repellant Recipe
For a smaller batch use:
10-25 drops (total) of Essentail Oils
30 ml (2 Tbsp) Canola OilMix the esential oil(s) with the canola oil. Store in a small preferably dark, spray bottle, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Note that many Commercial available Essential oil repellants use a combination of several oils to ensure protection against more than one species of mosquito.
For large amounts of mosquito repellant a good rule of thumb is to mis the repellant so that it is 5-10% Essential oil. To do this mix 1 part Essential oil to 10-20 parts carrier oil, like Canola oil.
To use: Rub or spray the natural insect repellant onto the skin, taking care to avoid the sensitive eye area. Some of the repellants will need to be re-applied after 1 hour, depending on body perspiration, or after swimming or exercise.
Note: In their report on, " The Best Insect Repellants", Consumer Reports does not recommend the use of Lemon Eucalyptus essentail oil on children under the age of 3.
Repellant for Fleas: Use Orange Oil
Repellant for ticks and lice: Use Rose Geranium oil.
Many of these essential oils, although natural and herbal, are not designed to be ingested or used during the first trimester of pregnancy when all the organs of the fetus are forming. The compounds mentioned have not had any harmful effects noted in pregnancy but we recommend that pregnant women should still avoid insect infested areas and not use these essential oils on a daily basis.
If you must use a repellent with insecticide:
Never spray insect repellent in an enclosed area. This might cause breathing difficulties for your baby.
Never spray the repellent directly on the baby's face. Instead, first spray the repellent on your hands and then apply to your baby's face and exposed skin.
Before trying any insect repellent for babies, apply a small patch on the baby's arm to check if the baby's skin is sensitive to it or not.
Do not use insect repellent near the baby's eyes, mouth and avoid applying the insect repellent on cuts.
Avoid, using insect repellent on the baby's hands as most babies have the habit of putting their hands into their mouth.
Avoid applying the insect repellent on the baby's skin more than once a day.
Once you and your baby are back inside the house, wash off the insect repellent immediately with unscented soap and water.
Never use insecticide on your breast or chest if you are breast feeding.
Dr. Michele Brown, is a practicing OBGYN and founder of Beaute de Maman Natural and Herbal Products for Pregnant Women. Beaute de Maman recognizes the importance of safe products for pregnancy. Beaute de Maman products contain natural and herbal ingredients that are safe for pregnancy as per the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines.
Please visit http://www.beautedemaman.com
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