Safe Essential Oils for Babies and Their Application
Essential Oils for Babies
Essential oils have been used extensively and reliably in medicine for hundreds of years, while health fads come and go.
Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil treatment, is the medicinal use of smells produced from plants to promote physical and mental health.
Aromatic plant extracts have numerous applications, ranging from curing burns and calming the skin to relieving tension and calming the mind.
You can use certain essential oils to promote sleep, soothe anxiety, and even alleviate colic symptoms in infants older than three months. Before applying essential oils to infants, it is crucial to learn the proper dilution ratios and application techniques.
Check product labels to ensure that you use pure, natural, unadulterated essential oils, as essential oils are readily available today.
Alcoholic mixtures of essential oils can be irritating. You should also avoid synthetic perfumes, which are distinct from essential oils, provide no health advantages, and cause skin irritation.
Every essential oil is unique. Other essential oils may be suitable for newborns and babies. Still, these essential oils are generally safe when used appropriately and in moderation.
Unless otherwise noted, use the following dilution ratios and applications.
Never use essential oils directly on the skin; they should always be mixed with carrier oil. Essential oils should never be ingested or consumed by infants. Babies should never ingest essential oils orally.
Product Name | Product Image | Check price on amazon |
|---|---|---|
Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla or Chamaemelum Nobile) |  | |
Distilled Lemon (Citrus Limon) |  | |
Dill (Anethum Sowa) |  | |
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Radiata) |  |
Highlights
- Oils essential should not use on infants younger than three months.
- Aromatherapy can promote sleep, soothe anxiety, and alleviate colic symptoms.
- Highly concentrated essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil or cream.
1.Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla or Chamaemelum Nobile)
German and Roman chamomile is calming essential oils that may be beneficial for infants who have trouble going asleep. Chamomile has inherent calming properties and is widely used to treat infant and adult sleeplessness.
Together with lavender, chamomile can alleviate the symptoms of colic. Chamomile has also proved to mitigate anxiety and despair and calm a fussy infant.
2. Distilled Lemon (Citrus Limon)
The energizing and mood-boosting effects of distilled lemon make it an ideal wake-up call following a snooze.
The lemon distillate is preferred to lemon juice for infants. Lemon juice is a possible photosensitizer. However, lemon distillate should not cause skin irritation.
3. Dill (Anethum Sowa)
Dill is a relaxing, antispasmodic oil that can help with heartburn.
To apply, dilute dill in a ratio of 1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil, mix carefully, and massage onto a baby’s skin.
4. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Radiata)
As a natural expectorant, Eucalyptus can aid in the elimination of respiratory congestion. As a result, Eucalyptus is a popular choice throughout the cold winter months.
Eucalyptus Radiata is a distinct species from the more common Eucalyptus globulus. Use Eucalyptus Radiata on newborns and children. Although Eucalyptus globulus is safe for adults, it should not be administered to children younger than two years old.
Before taking Eucalyptus to relieve respiratory issues, you should consult your pediatrician.
5.Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Lavender has numerous relaxing and sedative properties. A massage with lavender oil can help calm a restless infant and induce sleep.
Lavender can also be applied to insect bites to alleviate itching. Recent research Reliable Source Reliable Source
demonstrates lavender’s ability to alleviate colic symptoms.
6. Mandarin (Citrus Reticulata)
Mandarin has relaxing qualities comparable to lavender, making it an excellent alternative to lavender for babies who are offended by its aroma.
Mandarin’s pleasant aroma is preferable to other orange kinds since it is not phototoxic. It indicates that it should not irritate even when diluted and applied straight to the skin.
7.Tea Plant (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Tea tree is antibacterial, antifungal, and disinfecting by nature. A few drops of tea tree oil added to an unscented oil can aid in treating diaper rash and fungal infections.
Tea tree is a potent oil that can be abrasive to the skin. Avoiding infants younger than six months and patch-testing on older infants would be best.
Dilution Suggestions
When applied to the skin, essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil or cream due to their great potency.
Especially crucial for newborns and young children is dilution. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) advises a safe dilution ratio of 0.5 to 1 percent for infants older than three months, compared to 2.5 to 10 percent for adults.
Because newborns have more sensitive skin than adults, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians advises against using essential oils on infants less than three months.
Essential oils can induce skin irritation and photosensitivity even when diluted. Each time a new oil is applied to the skin, it is advisable to conduct a patch test (also known as a “spot test”).
Conduct a Patch Test
- Apply a dime-sized amount (or less) of diluted essential oil to a baby’s leg or arm.
- Wait 24 hours to determine if there is a response.
- In the event of a response, discontinue use (a reaction would likely cause redness, inflammation, or be painful to the touch).
- If there is no reaction, it is probably okay to continue applying the essential oil.
According to the NAHA, certain essential oils, such as birch and wintergreen, rich in methyl salicylate and peppermint, should be avoided in infants.
Recommended Applications
Never allow children or infants to eat essential oils; keep them out of infants’ baths to prevent accidental ingestion.
Following the proper dilution ratios, the following topical therapies are safe and effective.
Combine With a Carrier
Common appropriate base oils for essential oils include vegetable oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil. They also contribute their moisturizing properties and nourishment to the skin.
Check the contents list of your base oil for potential allergies, as peanut oil is frequently used as a base oil additive.
To combine an essential oil, dilute it at a ratio of 0.5% essential oil to the base oil. To combine, shake or mix vigorously. Perform a patch test on your baby’s leg or arm after the oils have been thoroughly combined to ensure the formula is non-irritating.
Spritz
Before naps or sleep, spritz the diluted essential oil throughout your baby’s room to provide a peaceful aroma. Avoid spritzing pillows to prevent your infant from accidentally ingesting the oils.
Diffuse
Essential oils are a natural and effective alternative to synthetic air fresheners. While adults can use candle diffusers, water-based vaporizers are a safer, flame-free alternative for scenting any room in your home.
When introducing a new essential oil to your infant, vaporize a little amount of each oil for one hour to ensure no irritation.
Talk to a Doctor
Always consult your physician before applying therapeutic oils to your baby. Some essential oils should not combine with certain drugs and medical conditions.
Consult your doctor before putting essential oils on yourself or your unborn child if you are pregnant.
Read more: Are Essential Oils Safe for Kids?
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Essential Oils
Frequently, oil is spread into the air rather than applied to the skin. Because a baby’s sinuses, lungs, and body are still developing, you should never use an essential oil diffuser in their presence. Some companies formulate essential oil mixes with the safety of infants in mind.
Generally speaking, diffusing essential oils into the air is safer than putting them directly on the skin. However, it might still be bothersome to some. Never distribute them in schools or public areas.) Do not diffuse essential oils near infants less than six months.
Gentle BabyTM is a delicate blend of essential oils made exclusively for moms and infants. It aids in calming emotions during pregnancy and helps calm restless children. It also soothes sensitive skin.
Lavender is widely recognized as one of the safest, mildest, and most delicate essential oils for infants and children.
No. Because it can cause breathing difficulties, Tisserand advises against diffusing Peppermint Oil around infants and toddlers. After the age of 3, it can be diffused or used topically at concentrations of up to 0.5% (2 drops per tablespoon).
If your home has a humidifier, you will notice a warning that tells you not to use essential oils. Crane, a well-known humidifier manufacturer, stated on its website that essential oils should never be used in the tank of its machines.
