What's the vibe today . . .

Bug off!

The long weekend is just days away and you’ll most likely be spending a lot of time outdoors with the family. However, chances are nasty mosquitoes may swarm your brood. We have some tips on how to avoid getting eaten alive this long weekend and for the rest of the bug season.

Reduce exposure

According to the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS), mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Therefore, reduce the amount of time you and your family spend outside during these times.
Dark bright colours are known to attract insects and mosquitoes will bite through tight-fitting clothing. Therefore, when you are outside, try dressing your child and yourself in light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and cuffs, long pants tucked into socks or shoes, and hats.
Have screens on your windows and doors. Make sure they fit properly and there are no holes.
Use mosquito nets/screens for baby strollers.
As well, avoid using lotions, soaps or perfumes with strong fragrances.

At home

To stop mosquitoes from hanging around your home make sure you get rid of all stagnant water. That’s because mosquitoes breed in standing water, even very small amounts, the CPS reports.

Drain the kiddy pools after your children are finished playing. Also regularly drain water from other toys, flowerpots, buckets, pool covers and any other outdoor items that may contain standing water.
Use a bird feeder instead of a birdbath.
Clean out clogged gutters.
Remove any items where water can collect.

Repellents

The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends insect repellents that are used on children should have a small concentration of DEET, depending on the age of the child. These products should not be used on children younger than six months.
For children six months to two years old, use products with 10 per cent DEET or less, once a day. For children between two and 12, use products with no more than 10 per cent DEET, up to three times a day.
The CPS also recommends that nursing mothers and pregnant women may wish to use DEET alternatives such as wearing protective clothing and avoiding exposure to insects.
Don’t apply repellent to the child’s face or hands.
Wash DEET off with soap and water once you and your child are back inside.
We heard that when picking out bug sprays look for DEET’s chemical name - N.N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide - listed in the ingredients.
For more information on repellents visit the CPS online.

Natural repellents

Using DEET is not an option for many families. Keep in mind that the CPS recommends products containing citronella or lavender oil should not be used on children up to two years.

In our research we found that certain plants such as marigold, Thai lemon grass and catnip will ward off mosquitoes.
Natural repellents containing various natural ingredients, including citronella, neem, eucalyptus or peppermint are available at your local health food store. Check the labels as some natural mosquito repellents are not safe for children under two.
On a recent trip to the Edelweiss Village in Calgary we learned that mosquitoes do not like ladybugs. We were told that in Europe many parents clip a small clothes peg with a wooden ladybug on to their infants’ diapers or diaper shirts to ward off mosquitoes. We are not aware of any science behind this wives' tale, but we have since tried that, including adding clips to the buggy and have yet to report a mosquito bite on our four-month-old baby.

B.C. archives | Calgary archives

mother and baby walking

Illustration by Emilie Vanvolsem

Clearance sale
Calgary only

Wiggles and Giggles children’s store, featuring new and used clothing and accessories, is having a clearance sale now until Aug. 15. Save 50 to 75 per cent on a variety of items. Check it out today at Hawkwood Village, Bay 10, 217 Hawksbrow Dr. NW.

Norco prize contest!

Norco is graciously giving away a Run Bike for one lucky Babyvibe reader. For your chance to win a Run Bike visit the Norco website www.norco.com and watch the video footage of the Run Bike. E-mail us at Babyvibe (prize@babyvibe.ca) with one of the benefits of Run Bikes that are shown on the video. Contest ends Friday, Aug. 3, at midnight.

Win a Zoolid!

We have a ladybug helmet cover to give away thanks to Zoolids. To enter the contest visit www.zoolids.com to find out the names of the two moms who created Zoolids. E-mail the correct answer to prize@babyvibe.ca. Contest closes Friday, Aug. 3. Good luck!

Great gift discount

Looking for a great gift for the little or big man in your life? Visit www.boystomengifts.com where you will be able to find a great selection of unique gifts just for guys from babies to dads. Just for Babyvibe readers you can receive 10 per cent off your order. Simply add in Discount Code No. 234989 when making your purchase. Happy shopping!

On the Facebook wagon

In the past, we’ve had requests from readers wanting us to set up a discussion board. But since we are a small team here at Babyvibe, we simply haven’t had the resources to do so. Thanks to the current Internet phenomenon of Facebook we are able to have our very own Babyvibe.ca Facebook group where you can meet other moms and post questions, comments and more. Join today to connect with other like-minded moms!

What's the vibe today . . .

Social media . . .

About babyvibe . . .