How to Keep Mosquitoes Off Your Kids — Without Harsh Chemicals
We’ve all been there — mozzie repellent in one hand, child in the other, and hesitating.
Because last time you sprayed that stuff, your kid flinched. Maybe they cried. Maybe they said it stung, or they hated the smell. And maybe... they still came home scratching.
You just want to keep them safe — but every product feels like a compromise.
One smells toxic, one rubs off in an hour, another says “natural” but doesn’t work.
We get it.
We lived in Darwin for 5 years with two young kids who were mozzie magnets.
Our youngest would scratch himself in his sleep until his legs bled.
We tried every repellent out there — and nearly gave up. That’s exactly why we started Good Riddance.
Most repellents rely on DEET — a synthetic chemical developed in the 1940s.
Yes, it’s effective. But it comes with warnings, especially for kids.
DEET is known to cause:
Then add the fragrances and alcohols that make it wearable — both of which can damage the skin barrier, especially for kids with eczema or sensitivities.
It’s no wonder they squirm, cry, or refuse to let you apply it.
And for babies under 12 months? DEET isn’t recommended at all.
We learned that the hard way.
Back in Darwin, we were applying heavy-duty DEET repellents to our kids several times a day — until we finally read the fine print and saw the warning: not suitable for continuous use on children.
That was when we knew we had to stop.
Switching to “natural” felt like the right move — but in Darwin’s heat and humidity, they just didn’t work.
Most were light sprays made with essential oils that smelled lovely, but didn’t stay on.
Our kids would sweat, rub their arms, go for a run — and 30 minutes later, the mozzies were back.
That’s because most natural repellents are water-based sprays that slide straight off the skin and evaporate quickly.
Some even use alcohol-heavy formulas (especially those with OLE), which can dry and irritate young skin just as much as DEET.
That frustration led us to do something about it — studying cosmetic chemistry, testing formulas with local fishermen in Kakadu, and after two years, developing something that actually worked.
Here’s what we wish we had back then — a clear guide that makes finding a safe & natural repellent that actually works for your kids, easy:
Here’s exactly what to look for on the shelf, and the label:
This is the big one. If it’s not registered with the APVMA (Australia’s pesticide regulator), it hasn’t been clinically proven to work against mosquitoes, sandflies & midges.
You can find the APVMA Approval on the back of the label (if not, you might be in trouble).
Creams stay on longer, don’t evaporate, and offer better coverage than sprays.
✅ That means longer protection and no stinging.
Check the label. Some products say “natural” but still aren’t safe for babies.
✅ Good Riddance Sensitive is safe from 3 months old — the safest repellent in Australia.
Look for mozzie-repelling ingredients like lemon-scented tea tree, citronella, and lavender — not just any essential oils.
✅ Our formulas were tested in the Top End and clinically proven.
Because let’s face it — kids are fast, and mozzies are sneaky.
✅ Rescue Balm soothes bites fast — and it’s safe for everyone.
Good Riddance was created by a mum who didn’t like the idea of coating her kids in harsh chemicals — but also couldn’t stand seeing them covered in bites.
After years of research, testing, and plenty of trial-and-error, she built natural repellents that actually worked — from her caravan in Darwin.
No chemicals you can't pronounce. No sticky sprays. Just smart, skin-loving protection that lets kids be kids — bite-free.
👉 Learn more at goodriddance.com.au
Because last time you sprayed that stuff, your kid flinched. Maybe they cried. Maybe they said it stung, or they hated the smell. And maybe... they still came home scratching.
You just want to keep them safe — but every product feels like a compromise.
One smells toxic, one rubs off in an hour, another says “natural” but doesn’t work.
We get it.
We lived in Darwin for 5 years with two young kids who were mozzie magnets.
Our youngest would scratch himself in his sleep until his legs bled.
We tried every repellent out there — and nearly gave up. That’s exactly why we started Good Riddance.
Why DEET Repellents Aren’t Made for Kids
Most repellents rely on DEET — a synthetic chemical developed in the 1940s.
Yes, it’s effective. But it comes with warnings, especially for kids.
DEET is known to cause:
- Skin irritation and burning sensations
- Eye and airway stinging
- Allergic reactions, particularly on sensitive or broken skin
Then add the fragrances and alcohols that make it wearable — both of which can damage the skin barrier, especially for kids with eczema or sensitivities.
It’s no wonder they squirm, cry, or refuse to let you apply it.
And for babies under 12 months? DEET isn’t recommended at all.
We learned that the hard way.
Back in Darwin, we were applying heavy-duty DEET repellents to our kids several times a day — until we finally read the fine print and saw the warning: not suitable for continuous use on children.
That was when we knew we had to stop.
The truth about most natural repellents…
Switching to “natural” felt like the right move — but in Darwin’s heat and humidity, they just didn’t work.
Most were light sprays made with essential oils that smelled lovely, but didn’t stay on.
Our kids would sweat, rub their arms, go for a run — and 30 minutes later, the mozzies were back.
That’s because most natural repellents are water-based sprays that slide straight off the skin and evaporate quickly.
Some even use alcohol-heavy formulas (especially those with OLE), which can dry and irritate young skin just as much as DEET.
That frustration led us to do something about it — studying cosmetic chemistry, testing formulas with local fishermen in Kakadu, and after two years, developing something that actually worked.
Here’s what we wish we had back then — a clear guide that makes finding a safe & natural repellent that actually works for your kids, easy:
Your Checklist for Choosing the Right Mozzie Repellent ✅
Here’s exactly what to look for on the shelf, and the label:
1. APVMA Approval
This is the big one. If it’s not registered with the APVMA (Australia’s pesticide regulator), it hasn’t been clinically proven to work against mosquitoes, sandflies & midges.
✅ Good Riddance is APVMA-approved across our range.
You can find the APVMA Approval on the back of the label (if not, you might be in trouble).
2. Cream-Based Formula
Creams stay on longer, don’t evaporate, and offer better coverage than sprays.
✅ That means longer protection and no stinging.
3. Safe for All Ages
Check the label. Some products say “natural” but still aren’t safe for babies.
✅ Good Riddance Sensitive is safe from 3 months old — the safest repellent in Australia.
4. Proven Essential Oils
Look for mozzie-repelling ingredients like lemon-scented tea tree, citronella, and lavender — not just any essential oils.
✅ Our formulas were tested in the Top End and clinically proven.
5. A Plan for When Bites Still Happen
Because let’s face it — kids are fast, and mozzies are sneaky.
✅ Rescue Balm soothes bites fast — and it’s safe for everyone.
Made by a Mum, for Aussie Families
Good Riddance was created by a mum who didn’t like the idea of coating her kids in harsh chemicals — but also couldn’t stand seeing them covered in bites.
After years of research, testing, and plenty of trial-and-error, she built natural repellents that actually worked — from her caravan in Darwin.
No chemicals you can't pronounce. No sticky sprays. Just smart, skin-loving protection that lets kids be kids — bite-free.
👉 Learn more at goodriddance.com.au
