Is it safe to use DEET on a baby under 2 months?
Based on 1 peer-reviewed studybaby
Verdict: Avoid
No. Pediatric guidance is 2 months+ for DEET. Use physical barriers instead.
What's actually in it
DEET is safe for kids 2 months and older at 10-30% concentration. Under 2 months, pediatric and CDC guidance is to use physical barriers: mosquito netting over the stroller, long sleeves and pants, and avoiding dawn/dusk outside.
What the research says
Pediatric safety guidelines on DEET reflect decades of data. The safety profile starts at 2 months. A 2025 analysis of consumer product chemicals helps explain the caution on newborn skin.
For newborns, use mosquito netting over the car seat, stroller, or crib. Never apply any repellent directly to newborn skin.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical signatures for household consumer products. | Environ Sci Technol | 2025 |
What to use instead
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