Can you use DEET bug spray while breastfeeding?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can use EPA-registered insect repellents. EPA-registered repellents with active ingredients DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD are considered safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, when used as directed.
Is DEET harmful to babies?
Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved as safe for kids older than 2 months. But take care when you use them: Choose a repellent with no more than 10% to 30% concentration of DEET (look for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the label).
Does bug spray affect breastfeeding?
It is safe to use DEET-containing insect repellent during pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding if it is used as instructed by the manufacturer. Use DEET of up to 30 percent for pregnant women and lactating mothers are generally recommended.
Can I use DEET free bug spray while pregnant?
The chemicals in most bug sprays—including DEET—are considered safe for pregnant women, as long as they’re used as directed, in moderate concentrations.
Which bug spray is best for pregnancy?
All of the following are considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to use:
- DEET, the most effective type of spray against mosquitoes.
- Picaridin, a common alternative to DEET known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside of the U.S.
- IR3535.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone.
Can bug spray harm my unborn baby?
Pesticides and insecticides contain chemicals that are used to attack the nervous system of the insects and cause them to die. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the nervous system is rapidly developing in your baby, so you definitely want to avoid any type of contact with pesticides during pregnancy.
Is it safe to use insect repellent while breastfeeding?
Diseases spread by insects can have serious health effects on nursing mothers and infants. There is little data on the use of insect repellents during breastfeeding, but it is important to consider the benefit of using them to prevent illness. When applying insect repellents during breastfeeding, follow the same instructions as during pregnancy.
Is it safe to use DEET while breastfeeding?
You can also use DEET when you are breastfeeding, just keep it way from your nipples and wash your hands after you apply. If you are pregnant in an insect-safe location, best not to travel into any areas where you might be at risk. Talk to your health care provider before you go.
How did DEET become an effective insect repellent?
Chemists know it as N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, and it’s a compound that was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 and then registered for use for the general public in 1957. It’s a very effective insect repellent, and true to its name as a repellent, it doesn’t kill insects, it just keeps them from landing on you.
Is it safe to spray DEET on Kids?
And it’s quite safe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved DEET for use in people of all ages, including children. Some people experience rashes or irritated skin after using DEET, and it can irritate eyes if you spray it too close.
