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Mosquito bites on toddlers and children

Mosquito

Mosquito bites on toddlers and children

Mosquitoes may be small, but they cause big frustrations. Their bites are itchy, yet scratching at them won’t provide relief. Instead, if you keep scratching mozzie bites, you might break through the skin and put yourself at risk of infection. Mosquito bites on your toddler pose a bigger issue than on adults, as it’s hard to ensure they don’t scratch at the bites. 

Because of this, it’s key you take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Protecting against and preventing mosquito bites on kids is easier than dealing with an itchy child. However, if your infant has a mosquito bite, there are things you can do to soothe the irritation. Keep reading to learn how to treat mosquito bites on toddlers and children.

Why do mosquitoes bite?

Mosquitoes are an incredibly common insect, especially in warmer climates. In Australia you can expect to see them most active around dawn and dusk during summer months. However, there are many different types of mosquitoes which have different breeding seasons and preferred conditions. This means it’s better you keep yourself protected year-round. 

You might notice those pesky mozzies tend to land on you more often. If you’re wondering why mosquitoes bite some people more than others, the bad news is that a lot of it is out of your control. But only female mosquitos bite you. They do this as they require protein from our blood to produce their eggs. Studies have shown they prefer some blood types more than others. They can also be attracted to sweat, or simply the way your skin smells as well as our exhaled carbon dioxide. All this means is that anyone can be a target for mosquitoes. If you find yourself or your child as a common target for mosquitoes, you need to focus on keeping mosquitoes away to prevent bites.

Toddlers and children are not exceptions to the rule. Not only are they more likely to be playing outside in areas mosquitoes are, but their increased movement can also make them a target, due to exhaling more carbon dioxide as they play. If your child is outside playing in the summer months, their chances of getting bitten by mozzies is quite high!

How to treat mosquito bites on children

Taking steps to prevent mosquito bites is important, but what if your child has already been bitten? You’ll want to know how to stop mosquito bites from itching in order to provide them with some relief. Mozzies bites are irritating to anyone, but they’re actually worse the younger you are. That means infant mosquito bites tend to be larger, more swollen and itchier than those on adults. What’s more, children are less likely to be able to show self-control and not scratch at the bite. 

While most mosquito bites in Australia are likely to be harmless, as diseases like malaria aren’t present here, they can still pose a risk of infection. If your child is relentlessly scratching at mosquito bites they could break the skin, raising the chance of infection. Luckily there are plenty of ways to keep them comfortable and safe if they are being bitten. Here are some tips for soothing and treating mosquito bites on toddlers and children.

What to put on toddler mosquito bites

  • Wash the bite with cold water and hand soap, this will help avoid infection.
  • Place a cold pack or ice on the bite to reduce swelling.
  • Antihistamine creams can help to soothe the itchiness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for the best advice. Make sure you follow the directions on the product label.
  • Avoid itching as it can lead to an infection. We know kids tend to itch when they get bitten. To limit damage, you can cut your child’s nails short to protect their skin.
  • If the bite looks infected or if you experience any additional symptoms, see a doctor or your pharmacist.

How to prevent mosquito bites

Mosquito bites on toddlers can be more severe than on adults. The size of the bite and degree of irritation is often more significant. What’s more, it can be hard to stop a child from scratching a mosquito bite. Since they spend a lot of time playing on the floor or outside, they’re also more likely to get an infection. 

While it’s good to know how to treat mosquito bites on toddlers in case of a bite, the best advice is to put your effort into preventing mosquito bites. 

Tips to keep mosquitoes away 

  • Use mosquito coils in outdoor areas 
  • Keep your home environment safe from mosquitoes by using insect screens or mosquito nets
  • Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water so check your home for any stagnant water in pot plants or damp patches

Tips to protect kids from mosquito bites

  • Choose loose-fitting, full coverage clothing for your child to limit the amount of skin mozzies can reach 
  • Apply insect repellent to any areas of exposed skin that their clothing doesn't cover. Aerogard Kids range has Colourfade Technology, which makes it easy to make sure all skin is covered.
  • Continue to reapply repellent throughout the day, always topping up a layer after swimming or any contact with water
  • Ensure you apply repellent evenly and rub it into the skin for the fullest level of protection 
  • If you notice that your child is being bitten at night, try a plug-in insect repellent or turn on a fan to deter the mozzies
  • Be mindful of the time of day where mosquitoes are likely to be more active and try to avoid habitats they breed in to limit exposure

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