Mosquito bites are not only itchy, but painful too. They are even worse for newborn babies who are not even able to scratch on their own.
No matter how hard new parents try to keep their babies away from mosquitoes, they can’t give them 100% protection from mosquito bites. While the market is flooded with mosquito repellents and after bite creams/ lotions, medical professionals recommend not using any such product on babies aging 0 to 6 months, as they may contain scents or fragrances that can cause irritation or allergic reactions in newborns.
This article lists 7 natural remedies to treat mosquito bites in newborns. You may try these remedies to lessen the effects of mosquito bites and provide instant relief to your little one. Have a look.
Note: Newborn babies are extremely sensitive. If you have a family history of allergic reaction to any substance found in the remedies listed below, please DO NOT try them on your baby.
#1: Ice
Take an ice cube from your refrigerator and crush it into pieces. Warp these pieces into a clean muslin or cotton cloth and dab gently on the affected area for a while, giving breaks in between. This will numb the area and provide your baby instant relief from itching, pain, and swelling, if any.
#2: Honey
Apply a tiny drop of honey on the affected area. Leave it for a while and then wipe it out. Honey is knows for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It will soothe the bitten area and treat skin reactions, including redness and swelling.
Did You Know?
According to Wikipedia, mosquitoes are ‘world’s deadliest animals to humans’, murdering over 1 million humans per year (on an average) by transmitting mosquito-borne diseases.
#3: Aloe Vera
Take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf and slice it from the middle. Extract the gel using the knife or a spoon. Apply a tiny drop of this gel on the affected area of the baby and let it dry. Aloe Vera has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It provides instant relief from the mosquito bite and aids faster healing.
#4: Turmeric
Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with a few drops of water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the affected area. Let it dry and then wipe it out. Turmeric is a natural antiseptic. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-bacterial properties. It is very effective on the itching and swelling caused by mosquito bites.
#5: Sandalwood
Mix a pinch with sandalwood powder with a few drops of water to make a fine paste. Apply this paste on the affected area. Let it dry and then wipe it out. Sandalwood’s cooing effect soothes the bitten area and subsides the itchiness. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling caused due to mosquito bite.
#6: Oatmeal
Mix equal amounts of oatmeal and water to make a paste-like substance. Put this on a clean cotton or muslin cloth and dab gently over the affected area for a few minutes. Then wipe it out. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties that makes it an ideal remedy to treat mosquito bites in newborns.
#7: Banana Peel
Banana is great for health and there are so many reasons to eat this nutritious fruit. Banana peel can actually help alleviate the itching and swelling caused due to mosquito bites. Gently rub the inside of a banana peel on the affected area. Wipe out after a few minutes.
Final Take
Above remedies act as a first-aid to treat mosquito bites in babies. But they cannot prevent them from any mosquito-borne illness. If the swelling or redness persists for longer than usual or you notice any severe symptoms such as fever or trouble feeding, take your baby to your pediatrician for immediate medical supervision.
