What mosquito repellent actually works for babies? Are roll-ons okay for a 3-month-old and should they be applied on bed or clothes?

Moms suggested roll-ons can be used carefully, typically on clothes or sheets (not skin), keeping it away from areas baby can lick. Many prefer roll-ons over patches since patches can stick to pillows or swaddles. Mother Sparsh is commonly recommended.

Community Answers from Moms(9)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

1. 1

   One mom suggested using a roll-on repellent but only applying it on clothes (not on skin).

2. 2

   Another mom shared she applies roll-on on the baby’s clothes in areas the baby can’t lick, and sometimes on the bedsheet the baby sleeps on.

3. 3

   A mom mentioned the smell can be quite strong, so it's something to consider especially for very young babies.

4. 4

   Roll-on is better — patches keep getting stuck to pillows and swaddle cloths.

5. 5

   Mother Sparsh worked better for us.

6. 6

   Mother Sparsh mosquito roll-on and spray work well and aren't too strong - several moms recommend it.

7. 7

   Physical barriers are the safest option since anything applied on the baby or even clothes is a chemical. Full-bed mosquito nets with two-way zippers (no rods needed, tuck in around the whole bed) and a separate net over the crib for day naps are very effective. These are available on Blinkit/Swiggy/Zepto, fold flat for storage, and you can keep a mosquito bat inside the net for any mosquito that gets in.

8. 8

   When going out, dress the baby in thin muslin full sleeves and full pants, and put a mosquito roller or net on the pram/stroller rather than on the baby's skin.

9. 9

   Citronella sprays (e.g. Phool, or Fabindia's stronger version) can be used in the evenings on curtains, sofas and beds - but only without the baby in the room. A mosquito bat is also very handy.