Bed Bugs and Babies: Protecting Cribs and Nurseries

Finding bed bugs when you have a baby at home is particularly stressful. You want to protect your child from bites and also from chemicals. The good news is that there are safe, practical steps for inspecting, cleaning and treating a nursery.

This guide is general information. Talk to your paediatrician about your baby's health, and ask your pest control provider about product safety.

The short answer

To protect a baby from bed bugs, inspect the crib, mattress, cot bedding, nearby furniture and the nursery's cracks, wash and heat-dry bedding and soft items, use a zippered mattress encasement, keep the crib away from walls and other furniture, avoid using insecticide sprays on or near the crib, and arrange professional treatment with a provider who knows about the baby. Move the baby to a clean, inspected sleeping spot during treatment, and follow the provider's re-entry advice.

How to inspect a crib and nursery

1. Remove bedding and check the mattress seams, piping and tags.
2. Check the crib frame, slats, joints and screw holes.
3. Inspect nearby furniture, changing tables and storage.
4. Look at skirting, wall cracks and curtains near the crib.
5. Look for live bugs, dark spots, blood spots and shed skins.

Safe cleaning and protection

• Wash bedding, soft toys and clothes on a hot cycle, and dry on high heat where labels allow.
• Vacuum the crib frame, mattress surface and surroundings, and dispose of the contents outdoors.
• Use a zippered, bed bug-proof encasement on the mattress.
• Move the crib away from walls, curtains and other furniture.
• Keep crib legs free of bedskirts and use interceptors where appropriate and safe.

What to avoid

• Do not spray insecticides on or near the crib or baby items.
• Do not use home remedies, powders or foggers in the nursery.
• Do not move infested items between rooms.
• Do not use heat on items where it could be unsafe.

Treatment with a baby at home

1. Tell the provider that you have a baby, and ask about methods with lower exposure such as steam or heat.
2. Ask for product names and safety information.
3. Arrange for the baby to stay elsewhere during treatment, as advised.
4. Ventilate the room and wait for the recommended time before returning.
5. Wash baby items that may have been exposed before use.

About bites

Bed bug bites on babies look like small red bumps and can be itchy. Keep nails short, avoid scratching and speak to a doctor about care, especially if there is swelling, infection or the baby seems unwell.

When to call a professional

Call a pest control provider as soon as you suspect bed bugs, and a doctor for health concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Do bed bugs harm babies?

Bites cause irritation and sometimes allergic reactions. They are not known to spread diseases to people.

Is it safe to keep the baby in the home during treatment?

Usually it is advised to stay elsewhere during application. Follow the provider's guidance.

Can I use baby-safe sprays?

Avoid DIY sprays. Ask a professional for safe options.

Should I replace the crib?

Not usually. Clean and treat it carefully.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on bed bug control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full bed bug treatment guide for Bangalore.