Summer is well underway, which means our kids are spending a lot of time outside. Bug bites and stings are a real concern, especially if we aren’t 100% sure what our kids are allergic to. Here are some simple steps to avoiding and treating common bug bites and stings.

1. Prevent bites and stings naturally

There are two simple ways to protect bug bites and stings. First, have your kids wear long clothing when they are outside in places where bugs congregate. Put them in loose items so they don’t get too hot. Avoid floral patterns, as this attracts bugs. Have them wear toe-covered shoes, not sandals.

Second, avoid the bugs! Bugs are most active in the very early morning and at dusk. They tend to stay still and covered as the day gets warmer to protect themselves. Also, have your kids stay away from grasses that are two to three feet high, densely packed foliage, and bodies of stagnant water.

2. Skip the repellent / sunscreen combos

Combination products that contain bug repellent and sunscreen may sound like a good idea, but they are rarely helpful. Sunscreen has to be applied every few hours, but that’s far too often to be applying bug repellent. Further, the delivery method often makes the bug repellent less effective. Buy and use separate products.

3. Be careful with DEET

You may have heard a lot about DEET, but it’s only dangerous for young children. Do not use a repellent with DEET on babies under two months old. Anyone else can use DEET repellent, but make sure it’s less than 30% strength. Always avoid spraying one’s face and hands (because hands always end up in the mouth).

4. Treating bites

For mosquito bites, use calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or a baking soda paste on the bite. Then use a cold compress. If a fever or headache develops, call a doctor.

For chigger bites, give your child a warm bath with plenty of soap. Apply antiseptic ointment to the bites and use hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to stop the itching

For tick bites, remove the tick with a pair of tweezers. Make sure to get the entire body. Then wash the area and apply an antibiotic ointment. If a rash or fever develops, call a doctor.

For ant bites, wash the area carefully and apply a cold compress. Call a doctor if your child experiences swelling, redness around the bite, or breathing problems.

For bee stings, use a credit card to remove the stinger (gently scrape the skin until it dislodges). Seek medical attention if your child has trouble breathing, develops hives, or becomes dizzy.

What steps does your family take to avoid bug bites?

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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