Baton Rouge Archives - Baton Rouge Moms

Baton Rouge Halloween Town – Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race GIVEAWAY

October 18, 2017 by Baton Rouge Moms

Last October, Baton Rouge Moms had the pleasure of hosting a craft table at 10/31 Consortium’s Family Friendly Baton Rouge Halloween Town. One of my favorite views was watching the kids all decked out in Halloween costumes running the Lil’ Pumpkins Race. A great time was had by all participants and this year’s race events are just around the corner!! Be sure to join us for the Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race and Tough Pumpkin Challenge and stay a spell to enjoy Halloween Town with the kids! Baton Rouge Moms will be hosting a fun Halloween craft and handing out candy again this year, be sure to stop by and say hi!

Baton Rouge Halloween Town Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race and Tough Pumpkin Challenge

This is no ordinary 5k. This 3.14 mile long race on the Mississippi River Levee (by the USS Kidd) is exactly 200 feet longer than a 5k. And, it is Baton Rouge’s only Halloween costume race! Take the Tough Pumpkin Challenge and run “the pi” while holding a pumpkin! All participants will receive a finisher’s medal. A special medal will be awarded to those completing the Tough Pumpkin Challenge. Additional prizes will be awarded by age group.

**Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race and Tough Pumpkin Challenge immediately following the Lil’ Pumpkins Race.

WHEN: Saturday, October 28 at 8 AM – 11 AM

WHERE: Levee Green on River Road in Downtown Baton Rouge

PACKET PICK UPThursday, October 26 from Noon to 7 p.m.
Violet Lotus Studio
4213 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70806

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

7:00 a.m. – Late Packet Pick Up / Late Registration / Gear Check Opens located at the 10/31 Consortium tent
7:30 a.m. – Prerun Stretch led by Cecily Criscoe Patin of Radiant Life Yoga and Wellness located on the MS River Pier (the paperclip)
7:55 a.m. – National Anthem (main stage)
8: 00 a.m. – Lil’ Pumpkins 1 Mile Fun Run** / Halloween Town Opens

REGISTER HERE!!

We have partnered with 10/31 Consortium to host a giveaway for TWO Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race and Tough Pumpkin Challenge Family Five Packs! Enter to win our Facebook page here!

10/31 Consortium’s 5th Annual Ghostly Gala Fundraiser

September 19, 2017 by Baton Rouge Moms

Fall officially kicks off this Friday, Halloween is upon us!! Start the season right and join 10/31 Consortium for their 5th Annual Ghostly Gala! This event is the corresponding masquerade ball to the Baton Rouge Halloween Parade and 10/31 Consortium’s main fundraiser. Guests will enjoy an open bar, full buffet with amazing desserts, door prizes, raffle drawings, costume contest, table decorating contest, dancing, games, live entertainment, live music and more!

There are many reasons to love all that 10/31 Consortium hosts during Halloween season but there is a reason and a cause behind all the fun… above all else, 10/31 Consortium is about providing hope and resources for children. It is their goal to inspire and encourage the children of Baton Rouge through the fun and creativity of Halloween. They have chosen three very worthy charities as beneficiaries of our hard work and living symbols of their motto: Community, Courage, Creativity.

5th Annual Ghostly Gala

WHEN: Saturday, October 7th at 8 p.m. (RIP Upgrade Ticket Holders get in an hour early at 7 p.m.!)
WHERE: L’Auberge Casino and Hotel, 777 L’Auberge Avenue
THEME: Rhythm and Boos
ENTERTAINMENT: Three Lone Sharks from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., DJ MikeLarry from 9 p.m. to midnight, and GymFit circus-like performances throughout the night!
TABLE DECORATING: Tentatively set for 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stay tuned for possible changes!
Raffles and Games: Raffle and game tickets must be purchased in order to participate. These can be purchased in advance or at the door. Raffle item preview coming soon!

Bring non-perishable food or a child sized costume donation to receive door prize tickets. The dress is costume or creative formal. This is a 21+ event.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://1031consortium.com/index.php/ghostly-gala-2/

The 2017 Children’s Costume and Trick or Treat Candy Drive is also currently taking place from September 15 – October 10

All sizes of new and gently used costumes and individually wrapped bags of candy are collected during the 10/31 Consortium Costume Drive. Donations can be dropped off at any of the following businesses between September 15 and October 10. Click here to learn more!!

Violet Lotus Studio, 4213 Government Street (Mid City)
Sherwood Dental Care, 11700 Haymarket Avenue (Sherwood between Coursey and I-12)
AIM Print and Ship, 9655 Perkins Road, Suite C (Perkins at Bluebonnet)
Party Time Baton Rouge, 3350 Bluebonnet Blvd (near Airline Hwy.)

With your support, 10/31 Consortium has been able to outfit over 1,000 Baton Rouge children with Halloween costumes they otherwise may not be able to have. Thank you!

Southern Belle Coronation – Princess Event – Save the Date!

September 18, 2017 by Baton Rouge Moms

Do you have a little Southern Belle (or Beau) that deserves to be crowned as royalty? Well, N-joy Events and Baton Rouge Moms are teaming up to bring an exciting event to Baton Rouge! The Southern Belle Coronation is the first of its kind in our community. We are bringing a performance based experience that will make kids feel like they are truly a part of royalty.

They will enjoy a performance of theater-level acting and singing and be individually coronated as a princess or prince. Throughout the event, they will have food, drinks and desserts and make a craft that they will take home with them.

The event will be full of personalized touches such as an official certificate proclaiming their new title, personalized cookie favors and thoughtfully decorated tables to highlight some of their favorite princesses. Door prizes and more! N-joy is using their expertise in event planning to create a production like no other. This is THE princess event to attend with your kiddies!

Southern Belle Coronation – Princess Event – Save the Date!

WHAT: Southern Belle Coronation
WHEN: Sunday, November 5 – Two chances to become a princess or prince: 11:30am- 2pm and 2:30pm-5pm
WHERE: Ashley Manor Catering and Reception Center

Tickets go on sale September 29th at 10am! There are limited tickets and reserved seating at each session. We will make a priority to seat groups at the same tables, but cannot guarantee this. Tickets may not be purchased at the door.

This event is best suited for ages 3-8 but you know your kids better than us! If you have a little princess or prince that falls out of this age range and you feel they would enjoy the experience, we would love to have them!

No strollers allowed in the royal ballroom.

More announcements to come! Soon we will reveal which princesses will be attending this Southern Coronation. Be sure to RSVP to the event Facebook page for updates, princess announcements and much more!

Cirque du Soleil Crystal – A breakthrough ice experience. – Giveaway

September 11, 2017 by Tiany Davis

Cirque du Soleil carves electrifying moments, breathtaking artistry and its unique creativity into ice in a fresh innovative spectacular: Cirque du Soleil Crystal. World-class ice skating, surreal aesthetics and artistic prowess fuse together. So let reality slip away as Cirque du Soleil Crystal glides above a most unusual reflection. A young woman shatters through reality to reach the surreal world of possibility. Beyond the surface, she pursues the life that has been glistening beneath. Sometimes, we must first leave solid ground to find our true footing.
Discover Cirque du Soleil Crystal – A breakthrough ice experience. Skate on the edge of reality.

WHAT: Cirque du Soleil Crystal – A breakthrough ice experience.
WHERE: CAJUNDOME – Lafayette, LA
WHEN: Oct 5-8, 2017

A breakthrough ice experience where world-class ice skating and unexpected acrobatics fuse to create the first on-ice experience from Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil Crystal at the Cajundome from October 5th through October 8th. Get your tickets now at cirquedusoleil.com/crystal.

Cirque du Soleil Crystal – TWO – Family Four Pack Giveaways

a Rafflecopter giveaway

St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer – Baton Rouge

September 1, 2017 by Baton Rouge Moms

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and there are little Baton Rouge warriors in the fight of their lives that need our support. 16,000 children and teens will be diagnosed with cancer this year in the U.S. 1 in 5 U.S. children diagnosed with cancer won’t survive. Doctors often send their toughest cases to St. Jude because they have the world’s best survival rates for some of the most aggressive childhood cancers. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

On September 16th, St. Jude supporters in Baton Rouge will join together at A.Z. Young Park- Downtown Baton Rouge {Intersection of N. Third St and Spanish Town Rd.} to participate in the the St. Jude Walk/ Run to End Childhood Cancer, an inspiring, family-friendly walk/ run to raise money for the children of St. Jude. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to rally the community in support of the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All participants are encouraged to form walk/ run teams with their friends, family and co-workers and fundraise to support the lifesaving work done at St. Jude.

“The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.”

Register today

Walk – Free
5K Run – $20 – ages 6 and up
Little Ones – Free

Registration: 7 a.m.

Walk Start: 9 a.m.

Raise money to support St. Jude patients

Raise $100 and earn your official event T-shirt.
Raise $250 to become a member of our Fearless Fundraiser Club and earn additional St. Jude gear as you fundraise.

How your support helps:

Thanks to committed fundraisers like you, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

Hurricane Harvey: Here is what you can do to help Texas flood victims

August 27, 2017 by Tiany Davis

More than 1,000 people have been rescued from record flooding in the Houston area and over 1000 people have yet to be rescued; it’s all too familiar. Just a year ago, we here in Baton Rouge were going through our own natural disaster and in need of help and assistance. We know many in our community are still struggling from last year’s floods; this is definitely a time to take care of ourselves and our loved ones as Harvey brings last year’s flood memories to the forefront. We’re praying that Harvey will not dump too much water on us.

Our neighbors in Texas showed up in numerous ways to assist, donate and volunteer in our time of need and our hope is that we can return the favor. The rain continues, with flood waters rising amid dire concerns about the days ahead. The Cajun Navy is currently en route to help our neighbors to the west in Houston and we here in Louisiana can help too!

Officials say some parts of Texas could be uninhabitable for months or even years to come. If anyone can empathize with what Texas is going through, it’s us. Aid groups are taking stock of the situation and rushing help to evacuees. We have put together a list of ways to get involved and help the victims of this massive storm.

Aid Hurricane Harvey victims:

Legacy Collective is committed to finding and partnering with organizations who are doing great work, with boots on the ground and leaders from the affected community, who are committed to sustainability. As we consider the great need that is before us in serving those affected by Hurricane Harvey, our commitment to you is to make sure we partner with LOCAL organizations and leaders who will use the resources we provide in the best possible way.Today you can either give a ONE TIME DONATION that will be used 100% for hurricane relief or JOIN our giving community in make a lasting impact!
The Salvation Army: To donate visit givesalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-725-2769.
Catholic Charities USA: Visit catholiccharitiesusa.org to donate
Save The Children: Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours.
North American Mission Board Disaster Relief: Online donation: Click here Phone: 800-634-2462 (Continental U.S. & Canada)
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team: Online donation: Click here
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund: The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund was established by the Austin Disaster Relief Network to provide for the immediate and long-term physical needs of families impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Houston Food Bank, San Antonio Food Bank, Feeding Texas: Food banks are an important asset during hurricanes, as they provide relief to families and residents who have lost access to food and water during the disaster.
Animal Defense League of Texas, SPCA of Texas, or the San Antonio Humane Society: Donate to Texas animal shelters like the
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief – Meets the urgent needs of communities in crisis, from serving food to volunteers in rebuilding communities.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital – This hospital will be taking in evacuated NICU babies.
Direct Relief USA offers prescription drugs and other medical supplies to those who need it in emergency situations, and works with clinics and primary care doctors to ensure that people are able to get what they need when they need it. They’re accepting financial contributions.

The Texas Diaper Bank is in need of donations to help families affected by Hurricane Harvey. According to the diaper bank, diapers are not provided by disaster relief agencies. Disaster relief kits with donation supplies will go to those affected by natural disasters in Texas with diapers. If you or someone you know is in the area, they can drop off items at their location on 5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, TX 78238. If you’re not in the area, you can click here to make a cash donation.

We will continue updating this list daily as we receive news of more ways to help and assist the victims of Tropical Storm Harvey.

Walmart Online Grocery Pickup Service Expanded in the Baton Rouge Area

August 22, 2017 by Tiany Davis

If there is one thing moms rarely look forward to, it’s grocery shopping. Time always seems to be an issue and if you go with kids in tow it can make for a longer, more expensive trip. Between kids, rushing through isles, standing in line and going back and forth for the three items you forgot… I think it’s safe to say most would opt for a grocery shopping fairy if they could. Well, now you can! There’s a new service in the Baton Rouge area that can make every grocery shopping woe disappear… Walmart Online Grocery Pickup Service!

Walmart shoppers are now able to order grocery items online and pick them up curbside at no additional charge at Eight Baton Rouge area stores. {See below}

How Walmart Online Grocery Pickup Service Works

We recently tried the Walmart online grocery pickup service and it was quick, user-friendly and saved us money! It never fails, you can go into the grocery store prepared with a list in hand but you add 10 to 20 items that you forgot or impulse buy on the spot. The first thing I realized with ordering our groceries online was that I followed my list and only purchased what I needed, in turn, saving us money. When illness strikes or during busy seasons such as the holidays, this service is a priceless life saver! I found this out firsthand when I became ill last month and ended up home-bound for close to thirty days. LIFE-SAVER!

You can shop by searching for your items or shopping by department, with more than 30,000 items available for pickup, ranging from fresh produce and meat to canned goods and diapers. Choose a day and time for pickup, pay for your items and your done. The Walmart Grocery interface is seamless, fast, easy. My entire online shopping experience took 30 minutes, saving me a ton of time!

Specially trained Walmart employees go through your order and select items, including produce, they pick the freshest items – guaranteed, or your money back.

Once you arrive at Walmart you will see signs leading to the pickup area, park at the designated curbside pickup and call the number listed on the sign in front of your parking space. When you call the number an employee will notify someone to bring and load your groceries for you. You never have to leave the comfort of your car. (Can I get an Amen!)

You can also use Online Grocery Mobile Check-in by downloading the “Walmart Grocery” app. The app will not show the store your exact location, but will let them know how many minutes away you are so they can prepare for your arrival.

What happens if they don’t have what you ordered?

Walmart will make substitutions for items that are unavailable on the day your order is packed unless you change your substitutions setting in My Account. In cases of expensive items such as electronics or items where features are very important, they will contact you by phone to describe alternatives and get your approval before they substitute that item. If they are unable to contact you, the unavailable item will be canceled. If you choose not to allow substitutions, any items that are not available will be left off of your order.

When I picked up our groceries the Walmart associates showed me the substitutions that were chosen and I was able to accept or decline them on the spot. Your order will not be charged to your card until you have signed and accepted your groceries.

Walmart Stores Offering Online Grocery in the Baton Rouge area:

Neighborhood Market
11550 Coursey Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Neighborhood Market
11825 Hooper Road
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70818

Supercenter
2171 Oneal Ln
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816

Neighborhood Market
5255 Highland Rd
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

Walmart Supercenter
308 N Airline Hwy
Gonzales, LA 70737

Walmart Supercenter
904 S Range Ave
Denham Springs, LA 70726

Walmart Supercenter
17585 Ailine Hwy
Prairieville, LA 70769

Neighborhood Market
15047 Airline Hwy
Prairieville, LA 70769

It’s definitely worth a try and we have a coupon code to share that will take $10 off your first online order! Get $10 off your 1st order w/ code WOWFRESH. $50 min.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center Botox Giveaway {$700 Value}

August 14, 2017 by Baton Rouge Moms

When you’re having any kind of medical procedure, you want to know you’re in the best hands possible. At the Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center, you can rest assured that whether you’re having Mohs surgery for skin cancer, a laser procedure, a medical dermatology visit, or a aesthetic treatment such as Botox®, injectable fillers, or a chemical peel, you can be certain you’re in the hands of a caring expert.

At the Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center, we combine professional expertise with a personal touch. Designed to reflect our patient-centered approach, the atmosphere of the Baton Rouge dermatology centers is soothing, welcoming and peaceful.

At Dermasurgery Center, their our goal is to provide a healing environment that enhances your sense of well-being. That’s why you’ll find lots of natural light, outside views, soft colors, and “green” materials throughout. You’ll be well cared for by a warm, professional staff dedicated to making your experience as pleasant and non-stressful as possible.

Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center – Benefits of Botox

When you want to look naturally youthful and refreshed, BOTOX can be the solution. The Baton Rouge Dermasurgery Center teams in Baton Rouge has been expertly injecting Botox for beautiful, natural-looking results for years. And, over all of these years, they’ve not only developed quite a knack for delivering consistent, desirable results, they’ve also learned a lot about this long-standing facial relaxer.

Botox is very safe and side effects are relatively rare. Those side effects that are noted are generally mild and resolve quickly. These may include temporary redness or light bruising at the injection site. Your Botox provider can further discuss these and answer any questions during your initial consultation.

BOTOX GIVEAWAY {winner will receive up to 50 units ($700 value) Must be 18 years or older and redeem at the BR location}

It’s simple, follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit their website, www.derma.net, to learn more about their services!

Louisiana Tax Free Weekend Shopping

August 1, 2017 by Baton Rouge Moms

Baton Rouge moms, it’s almost time for the 2017 Louisiana Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. This year, the “Annual Louisiana Sales Tax Holidays Act” provides an exemption from state sales tax on the first $2,500 of the purchase price of most individual items of tangible personal property for nonbusiness use on the first consecutive Friday and Saturday of August.

Here’s what you need to know before you go shopping, according to the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

2017 Louisiana Back to School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend

The 2017 holiday begins on Friday, August 4, 2017, at 12:01 a.m. and ends at midnight on Saturday, August 5, 2017.

Purchases Eligible for Exemption

The exemption applies statewide to all consumer purchases of tangible personal property, other than vehicles subject to license and title and meals furnished for consumption on the premises where purchased, including to-go orders, provided that the property is not for use in a business, trade, or profession.

What items are NOT eligible for exemption?

In addition to the specific exclusions in the Act for vehicles and meals, the state sales tax holiday does not apply to:

Purchases of taxable services (such as hotel occupancy)
Amusement, recreational, and athletic admissions
Repairs to tangible personal property
Laundry, cleaning, pressing, and dyeing services
Vehicle parking
The furnishing of cold storage space
Printing services
Telecommunication services
Leases or rentals of tangible personal property

Purchases Eligible for Exemption

The sales tax holiday applies to all consumer purchases of firearms, ammunition and hunting supplies. Firearms eligible for the sales tax exemption include shotguns, rifles, pistols, revolvers, or other handguns, which may be legally sold or purchased in Louisiana. Ammunition intended to be fired from a gun or firearm is eligible for the sales tax exemption. Hunting supplies are eligible for the sales tax exemption only if used for and designed for hunting. Eligible hunting supplies include:

Animal feed that is manufactured and marketed as being for consumption primarily by game, which can be legally hunted; this does not include food for animals kept as pets;
Apparel such as safety gear, camouflage clothing, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, face masks and thermal underwear manufactured and marketed as being primarily for wear or use while hunting;
Archery items used for hunting such as bows, crossbows, arrows, quivers and shafts;
Bags to carry game or hunting gear;
Belts that are manufactured and marketed as being primarily for use in hunting;
Binoculars only if purchased to be used for hunting;
Blinds;
Chairs to be used for hunting; this excludes purchases by an individual of chairs or other furniture for household, business or other recreational use;
Decoys;
Firearm, archery, and other accessories designed for hunting;
Float tubes only if purchased to be used for hunting;
Hearing protection gear and enhancements that hearing aids queens ny recommended;
Holsters;
Hunting shoes or boots designed and used for hunting;
Knives that are manufactured and marketed as being primarily for use in hunting; this excludes the purchase of knives by an individual to be used for household, business or other recreational use;
Miscellaneous gear that is manufactured and marketed as being primarily for use in hunting; this includes other hunting-related gear or supplies not previously listed. This excludes the purchase of toy guns and vessels or off road vehicles utilized as children’s toys;
Off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles designed and intended primarily for hunting; the exemption does not apply to golf carts, go-carts, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, motorcycles, tractors, motor vehicles which may be legally driven on the streets and highways of Louisiana, or heavy equipment such as cranes, forklifts, backhoes and bulldozers;
Optical equipment such as rifle scopes and impact resistant glasses for shooting;
Range finders;
Slings;
Tools that are manufactured and marketed as being primarily for use in hunting;
Trail cameras with ShootingAuthority
Tree stands;
Decoys; and
Vessels such as airboats and pirogues designed and intended for hunting.

Purchases That Are Not Eligible

Consumer purchases do not include the purchase of animals, such as dogs. Hunting supplies do not include the purchase of toy guns and vessels or off road vehicles utilized as children’s toys. Firearms other than those listed are not eligible for the exemption. Purchases made by a business or for business purposes are not eligible for the sales tax exemption.

Learn more here: Louisiana Tax Free Weekend

Parents Ultimate Guide to Insect Repellent for Kids

July 24, 2017 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

In the first part of this series, we tackled understanding all about West Nile Virus. Now, in this second article, we will look at the best way to protect yourself and your kiddos from those pesky, Southern mosquitoes which is with the use of insect repellant, since we all know that kids love playing outside, because what kid doesn’t love a good water fight. So let’s take a look at the most common insect repellent ingredients.

N,N dimethyl-m-toluamide (DEET)– This compound has been used as an insect repellent since the 1940s, and it is the insect repellent that is likely most widely known. DEET insect repellents may last anywhere from 2-8 hours depending on what percentage of DEET is contained in the products. On average, products with 10% DEET will last about 2 hours while those closer to 30% DEET will last closer to 8 hours. There are products available with DEET concentrations higher than 30%, but studies show that these products do not provide any longer/additional protection. DEET can protect against not only mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus and Zika virus but also against biting flies, gnats and ticks that can carry Lyme disease (although our ticks here in Louisiana do not carry Lyme disease). Now, a quick Google search will produce results citing that DEET can cause neurologic issues namely seizures. This sure makes for good headlines, but the bottom line is that there have been 10 reported cases of seizures in children after applying DEET products to the skin in over 50 years!! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the risk of adverse reaction when DEET is appropriately used (i.e. applied only on the skin according to the recommended time intervals) is on the order of 1 per 100,000,000 people!

So what are the downsides to DEET? Well, if you have ever used a repellent containing DEET, you may recall a rather strong smell and a bit of a greasy feel. Also, DEET can cause skin irritation for those with particularly sensitive skin. Finally, DEET can cause damage to materials such as plastics, rubber, or leather so make sure to wash your hands prior to touching things like eyeglass frames, golf clubs or certain water bottles.

Recommendation for use: DEET 30% or less is ok for children 2 months of age and older.

Common Insect Repellent with DEET: Off! Familycare and Deep Woods, Cutter Skinsations and All Family, Repel Family

Picaridin– This product was approved by the Center for Disease Control for use as an insect repellent in April 2005 although it has been used for many years prior to this in other countries. Picaridin is created from the extract of the leaves from the pepper plant and has really no odor, does not damage plastics, and has less risk of skin irritation when compared to DEET products. Picaridin products are available in strengths from 5-20% with approximately 3-5 hours of protection with a 10% formulation. Studies show that Picaridin can protect people from many of the same biting insects that DEET protects from including those pesky mosquitos that carry West Nile and Zika virus.

So what is the downside to Picaridin? Since it is a relatively new product approved by the CDC and EPA, there are not as many long-term studies available here in the US. However, based on what we know of this compound as well as reviewing many years of data from other countries on the use of Picaridin, it seems that Picaridin is likely a very safe and effective alternative to DEET.

Recommendations for use: 10% Picaridin lotions for children 2 months and older.

Common products with Picaridin: Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard, Natrapel, Sawyer Picaridin

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus– If we are talking about the CDC and EPA approved version of this compound, it is actually a chemically synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus and not the “pure” oil. Most versions of this repellent you will find are concentrations of 30% and can provide about 2 hours of protection. However, the data is still out on if oil of lemon eucalyptus can protect as well as DEET or picaridin against West Nile mosquitos. Another important thing to know about oil of lemon eucalyptus is that it should not be used on children under 3 years of age because of risk of skin irritation as well as significant eye irritation.

Recommendations for use: Only in children 3 and older, and I would consider it a distant 3rd to DEET and picaridin

Common products with Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, Off! Botanicals

Plant based oils: In this final category, we will group all essential oils but those referenced most commonly include soybean, lemongrass, citronella, peppermint, and lavender. It is important to realize that none of these oils have been approved by the EPA or CDC for efficacy in protecting against insects. If these products do provide any protection from bug bites, and that is a big “if,” it is likely a very short window of less than 1 hour. Also, as with all essentials oils, I would use extreme caution with these products on children with sensitive skin.

Recommendations for use: In my mind, I would not use these as insect repellents.

Common products with plant-based oils: California Baby Natural Bug Blend, Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent

A few things to keep in mind no matter what type of insect repellent you choose:

For young children, parents should use their hand to apply the repellent to children rather than spraying it on them. For those children who tend to put their hands in their mouth, do not put the repellent on the hands.
Do not apply in close proximity to the eyes or mouth of children
Do not apply to open cuts or wounds
Products that are a combination of sunscreen AND insect repellent should not be used. Since sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours, this would lead to most insect repellents being applied far too frequently.
When coming inside make sure to wipe/wash all insect repellent off prior to children getting into bed.

As you and your family are enjoying the last days of summer, and if you are like me, looking forward to the upcoming fall, realize that those pesky mosquitos will be hanging around for at least another few months. Across the board for all of those 2 months of age and older, there may be many options out there when it comes to insect repellents, but I would recommend sticking with either a DEET or picaridin based product to provide the most protection for your loved ones.

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM moms’ experiences with food, fitness, health and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Baton Rouge Halloween Town – Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race GIVEAWAY