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The summer climate brings with it mosquitoes and, given children’s skin is still very delicate and it is important to protect them with safe and natural products.

Most mosquito repellents found on the market contain active ingredients of chemical origin and are not recommended for children younger than two. Chicco’s active ingredient is of natural origin, an extract of a particular species of eucalyptus from Australia. It is widely recognised for its excellent insect repellent properties. With no added alcohol, colourings and parabens, they are specially adapted for children’s skin (from three months upwards) and for pregnant women. The exclusive formula works efficiently both at night and during the day, providing excellent protection against most common types of mosquitoes, including the Asian Tiger mosquito. A single application will protect baby’s skin for up to three hours.

Another must-have this summer is the Chicco after-bite pen: containing Zanthoxylum extract, a Chinese plant universally recognised for its soothing properties. It is ideal for soothing children’s delicate skins after an insect bite, and may also be used after a jelly fish sting.

Tips - On preventing the multiplication of mosquitoes!

All mosquitoes need water in order to reproduce. Each female mosquito may lay as many as 200 eggs that will transform into larvae and then into mosquitoes after seven days.

The best way to control the reproduction of these mosquitoes is to destroy the places where they lay their eggs:

• Remove any water containers like pot plates, old buckets, food containers, tyres and anything you may have that keeps water.

• Any puddles, inlets to sewers and drainage systems should be drained not to allow water to stagnate for more than 3 days.

• Gutters should be kept clean from fallen leaves and other debris so that water does not gather in them.

• Flower pots and standing flower vases found outside that can collect water should be filled with sand or fine gravel.

• Man made outdoor water features, especially fish ponds, should contain fish such as gold-fish or guppies as these are known to feed on the mosquito’s immature stages.

• Litter can also hold rain water ad should be removed. This includes abandoned cars, old machinery and other junk in vacant areas,

• Any standing water in swimming pools, catchment basins, etc, that cannot be drained or dumped can be periodically treated with the proper insecticides.

• Keep swimming pools empty if not in use or regularly maintained with chlorine.

• Where possible, keep all water reservoirs or wells covered.