Bush Balm and Bite Balm are intended for children aged two and up. For younger children, we recommend focusing on physical protection such as lightweight long sleeves, long pants and mosquito netting over prams and strollers.
When you're packing for a family day out, camping trip or holiday, suddenly every label deserves a second look.
What age is this actually suitable for? What's in it? Do I need to patch test it? And does "natural" automatically mean it's suitable for every child?
The short answer to that last one is no.
Plant based products can still irritate sensitive skin, particularly in little ones, so we'd rather be clear about what our balms are designed for and what we'd recommend instead for younger children.
What age can kids use Bush Balm and Bite Balm?
Bush Balm and Bite Balm are both intended for ages two and up.
Babies and very young children have more delicate skin, and their smaller body size means it's sensible to be particularly careful with any products, even when they're plant based.
Being plant based doesn't mean a product can't irritate sensitive skin, so the same common sense applies to natural skincare as anything else.
For babies and children under two, focus on physical protection from insects instead. Dress them in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs where practical, use mosquito netting over prams, strollers or carriers, and keep the net securely fitted so insects can't get underneath. Screens on windows and doors can also help keep mosquitoes outside.
You can also reduce exposure by keeping little ones away from areas where mosquitoes are particularly active and removing standing water around your home or campsite where mosquitoes can breed.
If you're travelling somewhere with a significant risk of mosquito borne disease, speak with a doctor, pharmacist or travel health professional about the most appropriate protection for your child's age and destination.
What should parents check before using them?
- Patch test first. Apply a small amount to a small area and check for irritation before using it more widely.
- Avoid eyes and broken skin. Apply only to intact skin and keep away from cuts, grazes and irritated areas.
- External use only. Keep both balms somewhere little hands can't turn them into a snack.
- Stop if irritation occurs. Natural ingredients can still cause reactions. If redness, itching or discomfort develops, stop using the product.
What's actually in them?
Bush Balm uses citronella, neem and lemon eucalyptus oils to help naturally deter insects, in a base containing cocoa butter and shea butter.
Bite Balm uses lavender, lemon eucalyptus and lemongrass oils and is designed to help calm and comfort already irritated skin.
Neither contains synthetic fragrance, parabens, sulphates or silicones. You can see the complete ingredient breakdown in What's Actually in Bush Balm and Bite Balm.
What about camping and overseas travel?
For everyday family outdoor time, such as backyard evenings, camping and weekend hikes, Bush Balm is a plant based option for children aged two and over.
It does need regular reapplication. The aroma typically lasts around one to two hours depending on the environment and individual body chemistry.
If you're travelling somewhere with a significant risk of insect borne disease, use a registered repellent appropriate for your child's age and recommended by the relevant health authorities for your destination.
That's a situation where proven protection matters more than whether a product is natural.
We've explained the difference in Bush Balm vs DEET.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children use Bush Balm and Bite Balm?
Both are suitable for ages two and up. Neither is intended for children younger than two.
Should I patch test Bush Balm or Bite Balm on my child?
Yes. Apply a small amount to a small area of skin first and check for irritation before using it more widely.
Is natural bug repellent automatically safer for kids?
Not automatically. Natural doesn't mean risk-free, plant-derived ingredients can still cause irritation in some people. The right choice depends on the ingredients, the child's skin, and the specific situation, including how much protection is actually needed.
Can I use Bush Balm for overseas travel?
If you're travelling somewhere with a significant risk of insect borne disease, use a registered insect repellent appropriate for your child's age and recommended for your destination.
What if my child's skin reacts?
Stop using the product and wash it off. If the reaction is significant, persists or worsens, seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
The bottom line
Natural doesn't mean suitable for everyone, and we'd rather say that clearly. Bush Balm and Bite Balm are intended for ages two and over.
Patch test first, use them as directed, and choose stronger, proven protection when the situation calls for it.