How to Protect Your Baby from Mosquitoes: A Parent’s Guide
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By Aditya, Kolar · Last updated: 1 October 2026 · 6 min read · Reviewed by: [paediatrician name, to be added]
The short answer: for babies under two months old, use physical protection only: a well-fitted mosquito net over the cot, bed, pram or carrier, and light clothing that covers the arms and legs. The CDC advises against using any insect repellent on infants this young. Keep the net up for daytime naps too, because the mosquitoes that spread dengue bite during the day.
Mosquito bites are more than an itch for a baby. In India, dengue is a real and growing concern: the Ministry of Health told Parliament that more than 32,000 dengue cases were reported across the country in 2024 up to early August, compared with 18,391 in the same period of 2023. This guide explains what is safe at each age and how to use a baby mosquito net correctly.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If your baby has a fever, rash or unusual sleepiness after mosquito bites, see a doctor promptly.
What’s safe at each age
| Baby’s age | Mosquito net | Covering clothing | Insect repellent on skin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 months | Yes: over cot, bed, pram and carrier | Yes: light, loose, long sleeves | No. The CDC advises against any repellent at this age. |
| 2 months–3 years | Yes | Yes | Only products your paediatrician recommends. The CDC says not to use oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD under 3 years. |
| Over 3 years | Yes, especially at night and during naps | Yes, outdoors at dawn and dusk | Age-appropriate repellents applied by an adult, following the label |
The CDC also advises adults never to spray repellent directly on a child’s face or hands. Spray it on your own hands first and apply it carefully, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Why daytime naps need a net
Many parents put up a net only at bedtime. That leaves a gap. According to the World Health Organization, the mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day, and WHO recommends mosquito nets for anyone sleeping in the daytime. Babies nap several times a day, often in rooms with open windows, so a net that is quick to set up and move between rooms matters.
Choosing the right baby mosquito net
There are three common options:
- Foldable crib net. A small, self-standing enclosure with a base, sized for a baby. It pops open and folds flat, which makes it easy to carry to grandparents’ homes or on trips.
- Bottomless baby net. A dome that sits over the baby on any bed or mattress, without a fabric base. Useful when the baby naps on the parents’ bed.
- Full-bed net. If your baby sleeps on the family bed at night, a net that covers the whole mattress protects everyone. A 3-door net makes night feeds easier.
Checklist before you buy
- No loose cords or strings inside or near the baby. Cords are a strangulation risk.
- Fine, soft mesh that keeps out mosquitoes while letting air through.
- Enough space so the mesh doesn’t rest on the baby’s face or skin. Mosquitoes can bite through mesh that touches the skin.
- Secure zips that close fully, positioned away from where the baby lies.
- Easy to wash. Babies spit up and nets get dusty; you will wash it often.
- Chemical-free fabric if you prefer nothing treated near your baby. Kolar’s baby nets are chemical-free.
How to set up a baby mosquito net safely
- Check for holes before every use. Hold the net up to the light; repair or replace if you find a tear.
- Place it on a firm, flat surface. Lay the baby on their back on a firm mattress, following safe sleep advice, with no pillows or loose blankets inside the net.
- Check the inside for mosquitoes before you put the baby in. A mosquito trapped inside is worse than no net.
- Seal every edge. Close the zip fully, or for a bottomless net make sure the edges sit flat on the mattress with no gaps.
- Keep the mesh off the baby’s face and leave space on all sides.
- Keep it away from heat such as heaters, lamps or mosquito coils.
Other ways to keep mosquitoes away from your baby
- Stop mosquitoes breeding nearby. Empty standing water in coolers, plant trays, buckets and flower pots every week.
- Screen doors and windows. Magnetic door nets and window mesh keep mosquitoes out of the whole room.
- Dress for protection. Light cotton clothes that cover the arms and legs, in pale colours.
- Be careful with smoke and fumes. Avoid burning mosquito coils in a closed room where a baby sleeps, and ask your paediatrician before using plug-in vaporisers near infants.
- Cover the pram and carrier with netting when you go outside, especially at dawn and dusk.
When to see a doctor
Most mosquito bites on babies cause small red bumps that fade within a few days. See a doctor promptly if your baby has a fever, unusual sleepiness or irritability, refuses feeds, has a rash spreading beyond the bites, or a bite that looks infected. In dengue season, mention recent mosquito exposure to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use a mosquito net for a newborn?
Yes. For babies under two months, the CDC recommends mosquito netting over cribs, strollers and carriers instead of insect repellents. Use a net with no loose cords, keep the mesh away from the baby’s face, and lay the baby on a firm, flat surface.
Can I use mosquito repellent on my baby?
Not under two months, according to the CDC. Between two months and three years, use only products your paediatrician recommends, and avoid oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) and PMD, which the CDC says should not be used on children under three.
Do babies need a mosquito net during the day?
Yes. The mosquitoes that spread dengue bite during the day, and WHO recommends mosquito nets for anyone sleeping in the daytime. Use the net for every nap, not only at night.
Which is better for a baby: a crib net or a bottomless net?
A crib net has its own base and is easy to carry. A bottomless net sits over the baby on any bed or mattress. Both work well if they seal properly and the mesh doesn’t touch the baby.
Are chemical-free mosquito nets safe for babies?
A chemical-free net is a physical barrier with nothing applied to the fabric, which is why many parents prefer it for infants. It protects as long as it fits well, is fully closed and has no holes.
Shop baby nets
See our baby mosquito nets, including foldable crib nets and bottomless nets in soft, chemical-free fabric. For the whole family bed, read which mosquito net to buy. Questions? WhatsApp us on +91 87775 37914.
Sources: CDC, Mosquito bite prevention; WHO, Dengue and severe dengue fact sheet; All India Radio News, India reports over 32,000 dengue cases in 2024.
