Yesterday evening, Chris had an early soccer game, so Madeline and I tagged along to watch him play. I thought I was prepared - I brought a light snack for her, a drink, a few books, a ball, and some citronella lotion as she's too young for insect repellants containing DEET and Calgary has a wicked mosquito problem at the moment. The lotion seemed to work well enough, too - I haven't seen a single bump on her while I have several new ones where I forgot to apply the lotion. Then one of my friends from a parenting forum pointed out that the Canadian Pediatrics Society warns against using citronella and lavender oils on babies, and doesn't say why! Argh! I'd love know! I am beginning to feel like we might as well keep Madeline in bubble until she's older and can use sunscreen and bug repellant with wild abandon. It's not like she's exposed to the elements constantly, but it's frustrating. I'd be tempted to try rubbing her with a dryer sheet - I've heard tales of those keeping the skeeters at bay - but dryer sheets and fabric softener are also no-nos for babies because of fire retardency!
July 12, 2005
laura
"Home" is just another stamp in my passport.
DOH! I was reading your post and thought, I should get some citronella lotion, too. Benjamin often has mosquito bites. Then I read the rest of your post... guess I'm back to square one.
Posted by: Helen | July 13, 2005 at 07:03 AM
Hi Laura!
I've never heard of citronella lotion -- I'll have to look into that!
Also, can you e-mail me -- I can't find your e-mail addy anywhere! heyrubbersol at yahoo dot com! Thanks!
Posted by: Leslie | July 14, 2005 at 12:35 PM
I hear you, I am at square one too. I had never heard of citronella lotion either. I wonder why it isn't good.
Posted by: Jaime | July 14, 2005 at 07:44 PM
I used to rub orange peel on my children, it worked good....try it. Use the outside skin and eat the orange.
Posted by: Nanna | July 14, 2005 at 11:45 PM