Best Baby Insect Repellent Australia | 5 options for a bite-free season

We all know that irritating buzzing sound in our ear on a hot summer’s night all too well… the mozzies are back again. And now, there’s also that unpleasant Japanese Encephalitis around!

If you have a baby or small kids, keeping these little pests away from them without harming their skin or exposing them to something toxic becomes a common concern. 

And there are so many different types of insect repellent in Australia, what is the best insect repellent for babies and small children in Australia?

Choosing the right insect repellent will depend on the age of the child and whether you want something to be applied directly on their skin or not. It also comes down to lifestyle – whether you are looking for mild protection around your home or in your baby’s nursery, or to protect your family with something stronger while camping or at the beach. 

Here are our top picks for insect repellent for the entire family – from baby to older kids.

Best Insect Repellent for Babies Under 3 Months — MozzieGear Mosquito Patches

As ‘on-skin’ insect repellent is not recommended for babies under three months, the easiest way to protect your newborn is to have protection around them! Patches are perfect for this. 

MozzieGear Mosquito Patches provide up to 12 hours protection and babies, as well as older kids and adults, can all safely use this product. These patches can go in key areas such as their cot, pram or carrier. 

For sleep time, a mozzie net can also be a great way to keep those little bugs away, while also being a beautiful addition to your nursery.

For more tips on ‘war on bugs’, check out our article about the best bug zapper.

Best Sunscreen with Insect Repellent — Cancer Council SPF50+ Insect Repellent Sunscreen

If mozzies are a problem in the Australian summer, so is sunburn! 

Very often an insect repellent is needed for outdoor activities that also require sun protection for your child’s skin. Luckily, you can buy convenient dual-purpose insect repellent with sunscreen to save time and application hassles with your kids.

We recommend the Cancer Council SPF50+ Insect Repellent Sunscreen Tube 110 ml. The Cancer Council is an extremely reliable brand and this is a great product providing excellent SPF sun protection combined with repellent so you can enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind.

We have also reviewed a range of other products to find you the Best sunscreen for kids.

Best Repellent for Midges — Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Natural Tropical Strength Mossie and Sandfly Repellent

In Australia, we have to contend with a range of bugs when we are out and about, including midges. They are so tiny and often will go through insect screens, so it can be hard to escape!

For a repellent that will give you full coverage in an area prone to sandflies, we recommend the Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Natural Tropical Strength Mossie and Sandfly Repellent. This product is perfect for tropical areas and provides protection for up to four hours.

Midges’ bites are so horrible that they make mozzie bites feel quite okay! 

Best All-Natural Insect Repellent — Nature’s Botanical Personal Insect Repellent Creme

While insect repellents are perfectly safe for children, sometimes a natural option is preferred or to provide a hypoallergenic alternative for kids with sensitive skin.

When looking for an all-natural insect repellent, consider Nature’s Botanical Personal Insect Repellent Crème. This isn’t your traditional bug spray – it is a safe and natural alternative that will provide similar protection against bugs and insects, while also being suitable for kids who are allergic to ingredients commonly found in other repellents.

Best Mosquito Repellent Wristband — Para’Kito Wristband 

Para’Kito wristbands are perfect for those who don’t like any product applied to their skin. The wristband has a mesh area where you can insert pellets – these have a blend of essential oils that mozzies don’t like. 

The velcro makes it easy to wear on ankles as well as wrists. The pellet lasts up to 15 days and you can get more refills. Para’Kito is also waterproof making it a great option for the beach and/or the pool. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DEET?

DEET is a chemical commonly used in insect repellent. First used by the US Army in 1946, DEET stands for N,N Diethyl-m-toluamide and is effective in protecting against a range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

What age can babies use insect repellent?

Insect repellents aren’t recommended for children under three months old and, after three months, it is highly recommended that repellents only be sprayed on clothing, rather than on-skin.

What is citronella?

Citronella (Cymbopogon) is a type of grass. Often, what is commercially sold as ‘Citronella plant’ is a citronella-scented geranium, which is not very effective as mozzie repellent. Citronella is native to tropical parts of Asia.   

Is Citronella the same as Lemongrass?

No! Citronella and Lemongrass are botanically closely related and they look extremely similar, however, they are different species. Citronella grass colour is pink at the bottom of the stem and green at the top ends. Lemongrass is green all the way.  

Citronella is an essential oil from lemongrass and is used for a range of similar purposes, including as a plant-based insect repellent and has also proven effective for repelling head lice.

Is citronella oil effective? 

Citronella has been an effective insect repellent for many years, however is most effective as an on-skin application product. To maintain effectiveness, it is recommended to reapply on skin every 30-60 minutes.

Citronella candles are often considered a good backyard insect repellent, however, studies have shown that they are actually no more effective than burning any other candle outside. So stick to the spray bottle version next time you are shopping for a repellent.

Why do mozzies bite?

Our blood is food for mosquitos and other creatures alike. The bite is often painless and humans often only feel it when the itch – caused by our immune system reaction – kicks in. 

Last update on 2026-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API