Protecting Your Little One from Monsoon Mosquitoes

Monsoon brings relief from heat, but also invites unwanted guests—mosquitoes! With dengue, malaria, and chikungunya cases rising during this season, protecting your little one becomes crucial.

**Safe Protection for Babies:** For infants under 2 months, avoid repellents altogether. Use mosquito nets with fine mesh over cribs and prams. For babies 2-12 months, choose natural repellents like citronella or neem-based products, testing on a small skin patch first. For toddlers above 1 year, pediatrician-approved mosquito patches or roll-ons work well. Apply on clothing, not directly on skin when possible.

**Home Protection Tips:** Ensure windows have intact nets. Empty all water containers, flower pots, and coolers weekly—even a bottle cap of water can breed mosquitoes! Use mosquito racquets instead of coils around babies. Dress your child in light-colored, full-sleeved cotton clothes during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

**What to Avoid:** Never use adult-strength repellents on children. Avoid DEET concentrations above 30%. Don't apply repellent on hands, near eyes, or on broken skin. Skip fragrant lotions that attract insects.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. If your child develops fever during monsoon, consult your pediatrician immediately—early detection of mosquito-borne illnesses ensures better outcomes.

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