A Step-by-Step Guide for Using Bug Bite Thing on Children

What’s worse than getting a mosquito bite or bee sting? Having your child experience the same irritation. While watching over our littles, it’s heartbreaking to see their eyes well up after stepping in an ant pile, or to sense their fear that a play date is over due to pain from a wasp sting.

It does not always have to be this way, though. We’ve witnessed the magical moment when a child gets a bite or sting, but rather than stressed, they are consoled knowing that relief is nearby, thanks to the Bug Bite Thing.

Introducing the Child-Safe Insect Bite and Sting Remedy

Our founder, Kelley Higney, knew the pain parents feel when their child is hurt all too well when she set out to find a solution with the Bug Bite Thing. It was important to her that the remedy was effective, yet safe for kids. As a chemical-free, reusable suction device, the Bug Bite Thing fits the bill.

Though safe and easy to use on kids, it is natural for children to be wary of the newness of the tool. Plus, anyone who has ever attempted to soothe a child after a “boo-boo” knows that their guard is up. While itching or in pain from a bite or sting, they may be nervous of what is to come, so it is key to introduce the Bug Bite Thing with ease.

To help parents provide their children a little more comfort from the post-insect frenzy, we turned to the experts to get their tips on how to use the Bug Bite Thing on kids. Kelley, who has already introduced the tool to thousands of children since its inception, teamed up with Dr. Mona Amin, who is a board-certified pediatrician, mom and member of Bug Bite Thing’s Medical Advisory Board, for a step-by-step guide.

Keep in mind that some kids may not need much preparation and will be open to using it right away. Other younger kids or those with past trauma around bites, stings or medical devices might need a little extra support, which is why we laid it all out for you here. You are the expert on your child, so check out the tips to determine whether some or all of these tips will work best for your family.

How to Use the Bug Bite Thing on Kids

1. Before your child gets their next bite or sting, show them what the Bug Bite Thing looks like, either in person or online. If you are buying a new one, let them choose the color.
   
   
2. Once you have it in hand, encourage your kiddo to explore and play with the Bug Bite Thing. Show them how to use it on yourself, then allow them to have a turn using it on you or a stuffed animal.
   
   
3. Explain what the tool does and how it helps people. Let them know that it does not hurt. Use language appropriate for their age level. Older kids might have fun with the science as they learn it suctions out the insect venom or saliva to lessen itching, swelling and stinging. For younger children, simpler terms might be better, such as, “It takes out the yucky stuff from bugs so it feels better, faster.”
   
   
4. In our experience, kids love seeing other children use the Bug Bite Thing. Ask a friend or older sibling to show your child how it works or check out a video to watch it in action. Here are some of our favorites:
   
   

   @bugbitething Did you know that Bug Bite Thing is safe for kids of all ages- even babies? 👶 You have complete control over the amount of suction used and can repeat the process as many times as needed! 🦟🚫 ♬ original sound - Bug Bite Thing

   @bugbitething Watch Pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin, a member of our Medical Advisory Board, demonstrate how to use our tool properly on kids. 👶💚 Have a question you'd like her to answer? Drop it in the comments below!👇 #medicalboard #medicaladvice #kidfriendly #chemicalfree #bugbiterelief #bugbites #bugbitething #itsathing ♬ original sound - Bug Bite Thing

   
   
   
5. Once you’ve given them the chance to play with it and see how it works, ask if you can use it on them. Test it on the palm of their hand before using it on other areas of the body. If they show any hesitancy, it’s ok to pause and come back to it another day. Remember, the goal is comfort.
   
   
6. How we use the Bug Bite Thing on children should be slightly different than how we use it on adults. Their skin is more delicate, so after putting the tool in place, we recommend pulling up the handles only halfway so you do not create too much suction. Over time, you can increase the suction if they tolerate it, but it should never be painful or leave lasting marks. For this reason, we do not recommend using the tool on the face or neck, where skin is more sensitive.
   
   
7. To continue with gentle pressure, we suggest using the suction for about half of the time an adult would use it; for about 5-10 seconds. Make sure you release the handles prior to pulling it off.
   
   
8. After the prep, it’s time to put the tool to work! If your child old enough, let them guide you. Ask them to tell you where the bite or sting occurred and if they want to count along with you.
   
   
9. The removable cap is a game-changer for kids! Flip it around to get to the bites and stings in smaller areas, such as hands, wrists, ankles and feet.
   
   
10. Although it’s easy to use and some children can do it on their own, always make sure they use it with adult supervision. It’s important to use it correctly, plus the removable cap is small and should not be left alone around small children.
    
    
11. Wash the cap after each use to keep it clean and sanitary for the next time.
    
    
12. Bonus: We also offer cute travel bags for the Bug Bite Thing, which kids can look at while the device is in use. The kids we know especially enjoy the rainbow turtle and dog-printed bags!

Once your child is comfortable with the Bug Bite Thing, the fret over bites and stings will be a thing of the past, and you’ll want to keep one nearby for all your outings … have it ready in the diaper bag, soccer bag, key chain, glove compartment, you name it. It works on a range of biting and stinging insects, plus has saved many tears on splinters, too.

Just ask one of our friends, Kristi, whose daughter – once scared of mosquitoes and wary of Bug Bite Thing – now chooses to carry the sea glass-colored tool in her backpack each day. Whether at school, on the playground or at softball practice, she is always proud and excited to offer a helping hand (and suction device) to other kids in need.

Want more explanation on how to get relief from bites and stings and how to care for the tool over time? There are extra tips on how to use Bug Bite Thing on our website.