Let me set the scene. We were heading to some exotic places. The kind of places where mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance, they’re something you genuinely have to think about. Yellow fever. Zika virus. Malaria territory. And I was doing it all with a nine month old.
So yeah. I went deep on the baby mosquito protection.
Covering Roman in harsh DEET-based chemicals wasn’t an option. Putting a baby that young on strong malaria medication before we even had a problem wasn’t an option either. So I did what every slightly-obsessed new mum does – I researched everything until my eyes went square.
And I can proudly say Roman came home without a single bite. Not one. After a whole month. Including safaris.
I’m not saying this to brag. I’m saying this so you can confidently head to wherever you’re going whilst also feeling like the ultimate mosquito-slaying mum that I have become.
So here’s exactly what I used and will continue to use on every holiday from now on!
1. Odomos Mosquito Repellant – The Best Baby Mosquito Repellant!
If you take nothing else from this post, take this: get yourself some Odomos. It’s made with vitamin E and almond oil – that’s the whole ingredient list. No DEET, no parabens, no nasty chemicals that you feel guilty about putting on your baby’s skin. It’s made in India – specifically formulated to be gentle enough for babies, it absorbs beautifully, and – most importantly – it works.
It became an absolute staple in the nappy bag for the whole trip. Light, non-greasy, and it smells lovely too.
I used it every single day. Two years later, I’m still buying it for the whole family for every holiday. That is the highest recommendation I am capable of giving a product. It’s a fantastic natural mosquito repellant for pregnancy too.
2. Two Pram Fans
Sounds simple, but mosquitoes struggle to navigate in moving air – so clipping a fan onto Roman’s stroller created a constant breeze that made it significantly harder for them to land on him.
It also kept him cool in 35-degree heat, which – if you’ve ever tried to manage a hot, overtired baby on holiday – you know is worth its weight in gold.
I bought two so one was always charged. Best low-cost decision of the whole trip.
3. SnoozeShade
The SnoozeShade is one of my most-reached-for items of the entire holiday.
It’s a blackout stroller cover that does three things at once: blocks light for naps, acts as a mosquito net, and provides UV protection. When Roman was sleeping in the pram, on went the SnoozeShade and I could actually sit and eat a meal without catastrophising.
When he was awake and feeling too cooped up under the dark full cover, I unzipped the dark layer so he could see out, feel the breeze, and watch the world go by without feeling boxed in.
4. Car Seat Mosquito Net
Safaris. Lunches outside. Long drives with windows down. Any time Roman napped in his car seat outdoors, a net went over it. Thirty seconds to put on, packs down to nothing, and it gave me complete peace of mind in situations I couldn’t control.
Some of the cheapest things make the most difference. This is one of them.
5. Loose Linen Clothing Covering Arms and Legs
Keeping Roman’s arms and legs covered – especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active – made a massive difference on its own. I found the most beautiful linen pieces from Zara Baby. Loose, breathable, lightweight.
The loose fit actually matters here. Mosquitoes can bite through tight fabric, so you want something with a bit of flow to it. Linen is perfect.
6. Travel Cot Mosquito Net
Nighttime was when I felt the most anxious. Roman in his cot, windows possibly open, low light – prime conditions. A universal travel cot net drapes over the top and creates a full protective barrier while he slept.
I use it on every trip now, even in Europe in summer. It folds into almost nothing. There is no reason not to have one.
7. Mosquito Patches
I had such high hopes for these. The concept is good – a citronella sticker on baby’s clothes, no application to skin.
Reality: they didn’t stay stuck for long in heat and humidity. And Roman spent half of the trip looking at them like they were a snack, which meant I was watching him not eat the patches instead of actually relaxing.
I ended up putting them on the stroller rather than his clothing, which worked much better as a backup layer. As a standalone product on a wriggly, grabby baby? I’m not convinced. The idea is right. The execution needs work. I’ve no evidence that these are worth the money but if you’re ultra paranoid like me, get them anyway.
8. Avoiding Peak Hours
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. That’s it. That’s the tip.
Being mindful of it and extra vigilant during those times genuinely helped.
What I’d Pack Again:
• Odomos Baby Friendly Mosquito Repellent – buy two, you’ll get through it fast
• Pram fans – buy two, always keep one on charge
• SnoozeShade – don’t leave without it, worth every penny
• Car seat mosquito net – essential for any outdoor adventure
• Travel cot mosquito net – extra peace of mind
• Linen cover-up clothing – Zara Baby linen is awesome
⚠️ NATPAT mosquito patches – use on the stroller rather than on baby
I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t stressed before this trip. I absolutely was. But this routine worked and I’ll be using every single piece of it again. Except maybe the patches unless we’re going somewhere exotic again.
I hope this helps. And if it did, please share it with someone who needs it! Because this information deserves to reach every mum who’s currently lying awake Googling “is DEET safe for babies”!!
Always check with your GP or a travel health clinic before travelling to high-risk destinations with a baby. This is based on my personal experience and is not medical advice.
Drop any questions to my DMs or in the comments below, I always answer! 🙌
Leave a comment