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Ingredients › DEET

Baby skincare · 0–36 months

Is DEET safe for babies?

DEET mosquito repellent for babies

DEET is the most-studied mosquito repellent. The AAP's line is clear: no repellent at all under 2 months, and from 2 months a product with 30% DEET or less. Pikabee follows it — any DEET is flagged at 0–6 months, and above 30% at any age.

What Pikabee flags, by age

0–6 monthsRED FLAG

Flagged at any strength. Not for babies under 2 months; from 2 months the AAP allows 30% DEET or less, so a baby this age needs the pediatrician's word first.

6–12 monthsRED above 30%

Flagged above 30%. At 30% or less it is not flagged.

12–36 monthsRED above 30%

Flagged above 30%. At 30% or less it is not flagged.

What it is

DEET works by making skin harder for mosquitoes to find. Higher strengths last longer, up to a point: the AAP says 30% DEET protects for about five hours, and going above 50% adds no more time.

In India it is sold in creams, sprays and roll-ons. The percentage is printed on the pack, which is what Pikabee reads.

Names it goes by on labels

Why Pikabee flags it

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises no insect repellent on babies under 2 months, and for older children products with no more than 30% DEET, because protection levels off at about that strength. Pikabee flags any DEET for the 0–6 month group and DEET above 30% at every age.

Questions parents ask

Is DEET safe for a baby under 6 months?

Flagged at any strength. Not for babies under 2 months; from 2 months the AAP allows 30% DEET or less, so a baby this age needs the pediatrician's word first.

Is DEET safe for a 6 to 12 month old baby?

Flagged above 30%. At 30% or less it is not flagged. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises no insect repellent on babies under 2 months, and for older children products with no more than 30% DEET, because protection levels off at about that strength.

Is DEET safe for a 1 to 3 year old?

Flagged above 30%. At 30% or less it is not flagged. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises no insect repellent on babies under 2 months, and for older children products with no more than 30% DEET, because protection levels off at about that strength.

Can I use DEET on my 1 year old?

The AAP allows DEET up to 30% from 2 months. Pikabee does not flag it at 30% or less from 6 months, and flags anything stronger.

What about a newborn?

The AAP says no insect repellent under 2 months. Use mosquito netting over the cot or stroller instead.

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Sources

  1. AAP Committee on Environmental Health (2003). Follow safety precautions when using DEET on children. AAP News 22(5):200.
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Choosing an insect repellent for your child.

Last reviewed 6 November 2026.

Related ingredients

Talk to your pediatrician about anything concerning.