What to Expect the Toddler Years (235 page)

DON’T LET THE BUGS BITE

With their jelly-smeared cheeks, their fruit-sticky fingers, and their typically bright-colored clothing, toddlers make appealing targets for insects. Their lack of bug savvy—a young child doesn’t usually know enough to steer clear of bees, to come inside when the flies are biting, or to avoid areas where mosquitoes are flitting around—combined with their quick, unpredictable movements (which also attract and provoke bug activity) and their penchant for playing in places where insects happen to congregate, make them easy targets, too.

Though most insect stings and bites are harmless (if often uncomfortable), they can occasionally transmit disease or cause a severe allergic reaction. So it’s wise to be wary, and to provide your toddler with as much bug protection as possible. Here’s how:

Protect against all insects.
Though a lot of it is not always practical in very hot weather, the best insect protection is clothing. When insects are swarming, dress your toddler in clothes that cover as much skin as possible: a hat, long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and closed shoes. Clothes that are white, pastel, subdued green, or khaki are less attractive to insects than those that are brightly hued, dark, and/or flowered. Since bugs are attracted to scents, opt during bug seasons for unscented detergents, shampoos and soaps, diaper wipes, lotions, and sun-screens, and avoid perfumes, after-shave lotions, and scented hair sprays. And don’t plant brightly colored and aromatic flowers in play areas. Since it’s difficult to avoid an insect in a car, keep your windows and sun-roof closed while your car is parked, and check the car before loading the family onboard.

Insect repellents can be used to deter mosquitoes, biting flies, “no-see-ums,” fleas, and ticks. Use only those designed especially for children. Products containing DEET should have concentrations no higher than 10% and should not be used for children under two (except on the advice of a doctor). Stick, roll-on, or spread-on creams or lotions are best (a spray is hard to direct safely). Apply sparingly to exposed skin areas (the more you cover with clothing, the less you will need to cover with repellent), carefully avoiding eyes and mouth and any scrapes or other areas of broken skin. DEET can decompose synthetics and plastics, so don’t apply to clothes,
or skin that is touching clothes. Read labels carefully. Some low-concentration formulas last only a couple of hours and must be reapplied if a toddler remains outdoors longer. Reapplication may also be necessary if your child has been in the water (especially salt water) for long periods. Wash off any repellant once you are back indoors.

Protect against bees.
Keep your toddler out of areas bees favor (such as fields of clover or wildflowers, around fruit trees, or near garbage cans) whenever possible. If you discover a beehive or wasp’s nest in or near your home, have it removed by a professional. When bees are about, avoid serving your toddler sticky, sweet snacks (such as fruit, fruit leather, and fruit juice) outside; when you do, wipe fingers and face promptly with unscented wipes to remove all traces of the snack. (If your toddler has an allergic reaction to bee stings, see page 707.)

Protect against mosquitoes.
Since mosquitoes breed in water, fill in puddles, drain rain barrels, and empty bird baths on your property. Keep your toddler indoors at night, when mosquitoses are out in large numbers, and be sure screens on doors and windows are kept in good repair and that screens and screen doors are always in place when windows and doors are open. A net cover on your toddler’s stroller will offer protection on walks. If your toddler is two or older, an insect repellent can also be used.

Protect against deer ticks.
Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease, so it’s especially important to protect your toddler from their bite. When your toddler will be playing or hiking in areas where deer ticks are prevalent (you can check with the local department of health for information on their prevalence), cover as much of your child’s body area with clothing and apply an insect repellent as described above. Check skin and clothing of family members for ticks when out in infested areas and on returning home; also be sure to check pets, since their fur can pick up ticks and pass them on to family members. It takes about 24 to 48 hours for a tick to transmit a full-blown case of Lyme disease; the sooner you get a tick off (see page 848), the less likely it is that infection will occur.

Protect against venomous spiders.
Keep children out of warm, dry, dark places (such as closets, attics, unfinished basements, garages, storage sheds), where spiders spend most of their time. Carefully check for spiders on clothing, shoes and boots, and other items that have been taken out of storage, and remove spider webs when you find them.