Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, the warmer weather also brings mosquitoes, wasps and ticks. A baby's delicate skin often reacts more strongly to insect venom than an adult's, so swelling and redness can become quite pronounced.

There is no need to worry: in the vast majority of cases, insect bites and stings are completely harmless. In this guide from our health practice, you'll learn how to relieve itching quickly, protect your baby from bites and stings, and recognise when medical advice is needed.

🩹 First aid for insect bites and stings at a glance

• Cool the area: Cold helps to constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling and ease itching. Always wrap an ice pack in a cloth before applying it to the skin.
• The onion remedy: Place a freshly cut onion on the bite or sting. It has anti-inflammatory properties and provides a cooling effect as its essential oils evaporate.
• Take care with insect repellents: Chemical repellents containing ingredients such as DEET should never be used on babies under one year of age. Choose physical protection such as mosquito nets instead.
• Stings in the mouth or throat: If your child is stung inside the mouth or throat, for example by a wasp, call the emergency services immediately because swelling can block the airway.

Quick first aid for any bite or sting

The correct first aid depends on the type of insect involved. Whatever the cause, try to stop your child from scratching, as broken skin can become infected quickly.

Mosquito bites: These are usually very itchy and often cause noticeable swelling in babies. If you are breastfeeding, you can dab a drop of breast milk onto the bite, as it has mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A cool, damp flannel can also help.

Bee and wasp stings: A bee often leaves its stinger behind. Carefully scrape it away using your fingernail or the edge of a plastic card. Avoid squeezing it with your fingers, as this may release more venom into the skin. Cool the area immediately afterwards.

Tick bites: Ticks bite and attach themselves firmly to the skin. Remove the tick as soon as possible using a tick removal card or fine-tipped tweezers. Pull it out slowly and straight without twisting. Afterwards, disinfect the area with a child-friendly, non-stinging wound spray.

💡 Our tip for parents: Keep your baby's fingernails short during the summer. This helps prevent bites and stings from being scratched until they bleed while your baby is asleep.

How to protect your baby

Many insect repellents designed for adults contain ingredients that are not suitable for babies because they can be absorbed through the skin and airways.
The best ways to protect your baby:

• Choose protective clothing: At dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, dress your baby in lightweight clothing with long sleeves and long trousers. Long trousers are especially important in wooded areas because of the risk of ticks.
• Avoid sweet fragrances: Strong floral or fruity scented shampoos and creams can attract wasps. During summer, and ideally throughout the year, use fragrance-free skincare products.
• Stay away from standing water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water. Water butts in the garden and small ponds in parks are common breeding grounds, particularly in the evening.

Warning signs: When to seek medical advice

Most bites and stings heal on their own within a few days. However, there are situations where you should seek medical help without delay:

• Allergic reactions: If your child develops breathing difficulties, becomes unusually pale, vomits or develops swelling, especially around the face, after a bee or wasp sting, call the emergency services immediately. This could be a severe allergic reaction.
• Stings in the mouth: Call the emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, let your child suck on an ice cube if they are old enough to do so safely, as this may help slow the swelling.
• Spreading redness after a tick bite: If a red ring appears around the bite several days or weeks later and gradually spreads, take your child to the paediatrician. This can be a sign of Lyme disease and requires antibiotic treatment.

Frequently asked questions about insect bites and stings in babies and young children

Can I use anti-mosquito oils such as tea tree or eucalyptus on babies?
Extreme caution is needed. Essential oils such as camphor, eucalyptus and peppermint can cause breathing problems or even dangerous spasms of the airway in babies and young children. Tea tree oil can also irritate a baby's sensitive skin. Mosquito nets are a much safer choice.

Do heat pens help with insect bites in young children?
Heat pens work by applying a short burst of heat of around 50 °C to the bite or sting, helping to break down the insect venom. Although they can be effective for adults, they are not suitable for babies or young children. The heat can be very painful and may even cause minor burns on delicate skin.

How effective are anti-itch plasters?
Mesh plasters and decorative plasters placed over a bite or sting can work well for young children. Although they do not cool the area, they help prevent scratching and protect the skin from dirt. Sometimes, simply covering the bite with a colourful plaster is enough to distract a child.