Keeping your family protected against biting mosquitoes and other bugs is important, but not at the cost of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Luckily there are safe bug repellents for kids that do the job without leaving you worrying about what you’re exposing your little ones to.
The Environmental Working Group has just released its recommendations for the best bug repellents for kids. Keep reading to find out the products you should be shopping for this summer.
The top three EWG recommendations are DEET, Picaridin and IR3535. Yes, you read that right––DEET is included in the EWG’s list. The important factor to note is the concentration level of DEET and the other two ingredients, in any bug repellent product.
According to the EWG, DEET is safe to use as long as you avoid products that are 100 percent concentrated and only use bug repellent with a maximum of 10 percent DEET. The only exception to this limit is if you’re using DEET to protect kids in an area known for ticks’ carrying Lyme disease bacteria or for Zika outbreaks. Then the EWG recommends a DEET concentration of 20 percent to 30 percent.
If you choose products containing Picaridin and IR3535, you should look for bug repellents containing no more than 20 percent of either. The EWG says that Picaridin is a great alternative to DEET because it is less likely to irritate eyes and skin.
The EWG does not recommend the use of “natural repellents” like castor, cedar, citronella, clove, geraniol, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary and/or soybean oils because research indicates they are not the best choice.
Backyard barbecues and summer campouts are filled with fun, but they also come with bugs. Lots and lots of bugs.
While your kids might love exploring insects, no one likes getting bitten by mosquitoes. These spray-free mosquito sticks could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Bug spray can help avoid the bite, but with most potent sprays containing DEET, you might not want to trade protection from bugs for exposure to chemicals. That’s where the Murphy Mosquito Sticks come in. All you have to do is the light the stick, kind of like you would light an incense stick, and place it in a candle holder nearby and you’re set to enjoy the outdoors bite-free.
The Amazon reviews are a ringing endorsement boasting hundreds of satisfied buyers saying things like “they work as well or better than any citronella or incense style bug deterrent” and “I use them every night and have no bites!”
The DEET-free sticks come in an 8-pack for $7.80 on Amazon and are available in a variety of scents including rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, cedarwood and bamboo.
Can you see it? Summer is on the horizon! In honor of the warmest (and most fun) season of the year, Target has released its brand new line, Sun Squad to celebrate all that’s right with summer. Within its six new collections, you’ll find everything you need to take on the season, like charming coolers, fabulous floats and terrific tableware. Keep scrolling to see our top picks!
Day at the Water
Americana Webstrap 2-Person Portable Loveseat Chair
Lighten the load on your trip to the shore by carrying one less chair when you cart this fabulous Americana Webstrap 2-Person Loveseat ($35)! The lightweight steel frame is only six pounds but is able to hold up to 360.
2-In-1 Cooler Tote With Mesh Teal
Carry your chilled snacks and all your other accessories with one hand when it comes to this 2-in-1 Cooler Tote ($12). With a detachable cooler that opens by zipper, and a large tote on top, this two-fer folds flat when you're done for easy storage.
Pop Up Beach Shelter
With no assembly required and a set-up time of just one minute, there's no reason you shouldn't invest in this Pop Up Beach Shelter ($30) this summer. The 5-foot wide tent offers a UPF rating of 50+ and accommodates two adults comfortably.
Backyard Fun
Pineapple Kids' Golf Set
When it comes to summer, you'll be spending tons of time outside so you may want to update your outdoor toys with this adorable Pineapple Kids' Golf Set ($9). Perfect for left or right handers, the cute plastic set comes with three balls and all the clubs for your little Tiger Woods to perfect his or her swing.
Hamburger Grill Caddy
Summer is nearly synonymous with grilling and that's why you need this Hamburger Grill Caddy ($20) in your life. The open and shut case comes with salt and pepper shakers, in addition to ketchup and mustard bottles that fit perfectly in their designated spots. Fire up the grill!
Palm Leaf Picnic Blanket
Laying down the Palm Leaf Picnic Blanket ($20) will keep you safe from itchy grass this summer. This 72x60 blanket is machine washable and folds up into a carrying bag!
Americana
Americana Pool
Celebrate the 4th this year in style with the Americana Pool ($20) from Sun Squad. The festive vinyl pool measures 60 inches around and can hold up to 50 gallons of water––plenty of space to enjoy the hot weather, and maybe enjoy a fireworks show or two.
Citronella Wax Bucket Candles Americana
Keep bugs at bay and from messing with your party with this inexpensive back of Citronella Wax Bucket Candles ($7). The red, white and blue three pack of 4oz. candles have a burn time of roughly 10 hours and are made from paraffin wax.
4th of July Paper Lantern Flag Patterns
Celebrate in style! You can't go wrong with a 3-pack of 4th of July Paper Lantern Flag Patterns ($3) that measure 10x10 inches and come with fun and festive stars, strips and plaid patterns.
Summer Outdoor Fun
Striped Hammock
Sneak away for some alone time and relax in a Striped Hammock ($35) that is just as stylish as it is comfy. The weather-resistant swing holds up to 400 pounds and stores away in it's attached pouch until you can bring it out again next year.
Kids Ice Cream Chair
I scream, you scream, we all scream for this awesome Kids Ice Cream Chair ($15)! The 31-inch tall chair holds up to 125 pounds and even comes with its own carrying case. Perfect for bonfires or just relaxing in the summer sun.
6' Palm Print Beach Umbrella
There's no way to survive summer without some major shade so don't forget to pick up a 6' Palm Print Beach Umbrella ($20) on your next Target run. Your purchase comes with everything you need: a carrying bag, a UV-resistant umbrella that tilts and a corkscrew base.
Margarita Party
Plastic Palm Leaf Chip and Dip Serving Platter
Serve in style with this Plastic Palm Leaf Chip and Dip Serving Platter that's only $7! The BPA-free dishwasher and microwave-safe platter comes with a perfectly coordinated bowl. Chips and salsa, anyone?
Pineapple Shaped Beverage Dispenser
Whether you're whipping up a huge jug of lemonade or settling in for a post-bedtime adult soiree of margaritas, this 2 Gallon Plastic Pineapple Shaped Beverage Dispenser ($13) gets the job done. The 9x3" container is dishwasher safe and looks great on your party table.
10.4" Plastic Pineapple Dinner Plate
Oh, hello child-resistant Plastic Pineapple Dinner Plates ($2)! The adorable sweet 10.4" melamine plates are dishwasher safe and will survive those slippery little hands while you're dining al fresco this summer.
Fave Floats
Shooting Star Kiddo Float
Summer dreams are made with this Shooting Star Kiddo Float ($20). The kids-only inflatable holds up to 45 pounds and is packed with adorable colors.
Sweet Treat Sundae Lil' Canopy Float Pink
Baby never looked so sweet as he does in this Sundae Lil' Canopy Float Pink ($20). Made with a removable canopy, this float holds up to 40 pounds and will make sure junior doesn't miss any splashing action this year.
Giant Llama Pool Float
Don't worry mamas and papas, we didn't forget about you! You get to saddle up this summer on an amazing Giant Llama Pool Float ($20). Made with thick and sturdy plastic, this device holds up to 200 pounds and is our all-time fave pick of the summer.
Just in time for picnics and BBQs, Chip and Joanna Gaines home collection for Target is getting some summery new additions. From picnic gear to lawn games, there’s plenty of must-have excuses to host some epic get-togethers all season long. Target has just released 40 new items as part of the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia collection and here’s a sampling of our favorites, including some perfect picks for Father’s Day gifts.
Whether you’re camping out in the great outdoors or the wilds of your own backyard, this is the perfect way to dish up that mac n’ cheese at dinner time.
