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Natural Kids Bug Repellent Spray

A DEET-free natural bug repellent safe for children using witch hazel and mild essential oils to deter mosquitoes and ticks.

kidsOutdoor & Skin ProtectionBeginner⏱ 5 minsShelf life: 6 months

Benefits

Bug repellentDEET-freeSafe for kids 3+Natural

Ingredients

  • Witch hazel — 60ml
  • Distilled water — 60ml
  • Lavender essential oil — 15 drops
  • Cedarwood essential oil — 10 drops
  • Lemon eucalyptus essential oil (for 3+ only) — 10 drops

Instructions

  1. Combine witch hazel and water in a small spray bottle.
  2. Add essential oils.
  3. Shake well before each use.
  4. Spray on exposed skin and clothing, avoiding eyes and mouth.
  5. Reapply every 1–2 hours outdoors.

Notes

Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is NOT the same as OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus from the CDC). Do not use on children under 3. Avoid all essential oils on children under 3 months.

Interactions & contraindications

Witch hazel

Full profile

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Witch hazel in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Witch hazel itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Insufficient Data

No specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient Data

No specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.

Children

Insufficient Data

No specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.

No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Witch hazel in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.

Distilled water

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Distilled water in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Distilled water itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Insufficient Data

No specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient Data

No specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.

Children

Insufficient Data

No specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.

No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Distilled water in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.

Lavender essential oil

Full profile
  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Pregnancy

Likely Safe

Aromatherapy and mild tea use are widely considered safe throughout pregnancy; internal use of concentrated lavender oil/capsules is less studied and generally kept to topical/inhaled use instead.

Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

Aromatherapy and topical use are considered compatible with breastfeeding; avoid direct application near the nipple/areola before nursing.

Children

Use Caution

Diluted aromatherapy is commonly used to help children sleep. Repeated topical exposure in prepubertal boys has been raised as a possible (though not conclusively proven) factor in rare cases of hormone-related breast tissue changes — avoid regular, undiluted topical use.

Sedatives

Additive drowsiness, particularly with oral use.

Cedarwood essential oil

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Cedarwood essential oil in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Cedarwood essential oil itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Insufficient Data

No specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient Data

No specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.

Children

Insufficient Data

No specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.

No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Cedarwood essential oil in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.

Lemon eucalyptus essential oil (for 3+ only)

Full profile

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Lemon eucalyptus essential oil (for 3+ only) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Lemon eucalyptus essential oil (for 3+ only) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Insufficient Data

No specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient Data

No specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.

Children

Insufficient Data

No specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.

No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Lemon eucalyptus essential oil (for 3+ only) in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.