Insect repellents have been tested and proven to be safe for use in kids. However you have to take certain precautions.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency, you can start using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 for babies 2 months and older.

Insect repellants are important to protect your child from tic and mosquito borne viruses especially if you’re traveling areas where these illnesses are common.

Repellant with DEET should not be used in children under the age of 2 months .

Precautions to follow  when using insect repellant

• never apply repellant to cuts, wounds or irritated skin
• apply repellent to exposed skin or clothing. They should never be applied under clothing
• dont apply repellant to children’s hands or around the eyes or mouth
• do not let children handle repellent
• use enough repellant to cover the child’s skin or clothing. Using excess repellent will not offer longer or better protection
• wash treated skin with soap and water after you return indoors
• stop using the repellent if your child gets a rash or reacts to the repellent. Wash with mild soap and water and call local poison control for further assistance
• do not use a combined  sunscreen and insect repellent product. Use the sunscreen first and then the repellent

You may want to try natural insect repellent such as citronella. However you need to read the labels first to make sure that it is safe for babies. Natural repellents don’t last as long as chemical repellents so you may need to reapply repellent.