When it comes to protecting your baby from annoying mosquitos, many parents worry whether or not it’s safe to use mosquito repellents and electric burners. The main chemical you want to avoid when choosing a mosquito repellent for your baby is DEET, which is the most common active ingredient in insect repellents.

When reading product labels, look out for N-diethyl-meta-toluamide or diethyltoluamide. Some studies have shown that the fumes emitted from electric plug-in burners, mats and vapour-releasing devices can cause breathing problems, eye irritations and allergic reactions. But, again, there’s no conclusive ruling either way and many paediatricians recommend using these. There are also some concerns about the use of citronella essential oil. Although natural, you shouldn’t apply the oil directly to your baby’s skin or close to your baby’s nose and mouth. Some studies have shown citronella to cause skin allergies or irritate a baby’s airways. Don’t use essential oils on or around your baby if there is a history of asthma or difficulty breathing. That said, citronella is a main ingredient in many of the approved products available for use on babies (when used in the correct way). If you’re concerned, check with your paediatrician first. Where possible, avoid chemicals and opt for natural alternatives. Here are five natural oils guaranteed to keep mosquitos away:

• Citronella essential oil (you should always dilute citronella oil with another oil or with water)
• Peppermint oil (also good for keeping spiders away)
• Eucalyptus oil
• Lavender oil
• Vanilla essence

Top tip: Leave an open jar of Vicks or Menthol Camphor close to where baby sleeps. You can buy essential oils from any pharmacy, health shop, or Dis-chem. How to use:

1. Leave the oils in a saucer, ramekin, dish, or bowl in close proximity to where your baby sleeps, but out of reach from her grasp.
2. Apply to a piece of cotton wool and leave in close proximity to where your baby sleeps, but out of reach from her grasp.
3. You can also apply the oil directly to a cot pillow or sheet (just a few drops). Or dilute in a spray bottle of water and spray onto linen.

Stick diffuser Mozzies aren’t fans of vanilla scents, so you could use a vanilla-scented stick diffuser in baby’s room for a sweet-smelling insect-free environment. Other natural remedies tried and tested:

1. Dischem Citronella Patches (stuck around the cot, replace every few days) or make your own DIY citronella burner using an existing Raid or Baygon Liquid plug-in.
2. Ultrasound Plug (Chicco or LifeTrek) left in wall socket 24/7.
3. One of the natural sprays if needed (applied to pajamas and linen).
4. Vanilla scent diffuser

Final Tip: If you’re besieged with mozzies, leave an open stick of a Peaceful Sleep roll-on in your baby’s room (obviously far out of reach from baby). It’s better than applying it directly to your baby’s delicate skin, and better than the fumes emitted from an electric mat burner or coil.