People should not use essential oils on infants under 3 months of age or near them. For premature babies, people should avoid using essential oils until at least 3 months after their due date. People should never apply undiluted essential oils to the skin of babies and babies. A handful of oils can be used for children over nine months old, but they require a dilution of 1.25%.
But most essential oils are not safe for use in children under five years of age. Because essential oils don't usually contain accurate warning labels about babies, it's hard for parents to know which oils may have contraindications or carry the risk of side effects. This means you can slowly introduce essential oils once your baby is at least three months old. Remember to always keep your diffuser out of reach of small hands.
Essential oils are not recommended for general use on or around infants because they are not without safety hazards. Toxic exposure to essential oils has more than doubled in recent years, with 4 out of 5 cases in children. Here is a list of 12 essential oils you can use for your baby after consulting your healthcare provider: Mandarin oil, Sandalwood EO, Tea tree oil, Rose otto, Cedarwood EO, Palmarosa EO, Bergamot essential oil, Neroli essential oil, Geranium essential oil, Cinnamon (bark and leaf) EO, Lemongrass EO, Cumin EO, Citronella EO, Bay leaf EO, Clove EO, Oregano EO and Thyme EO. Mandarin oil has a sweet fragrance that feels pleasantly soothing.
It is generally safe for babies older than six months. Massaging your baby with mandarin oil at bedtime can help him sleep peacefully. In addition, it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can keep the skin healthy (1). Sandalwood EO is a common ingredient in several alternative medicines, perfumes, and cosmetics.
The essential oil has a calming effect that helps reduce anxiety and insomnia (1). In addition, it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can keep baby's skin healthy (1). Tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant properties (1). Its topical use may relieve abscesses, cold sores, burns, insect bites and dandruff, and its diffusion inhalation can relieve respiratory problems, such as coughing (1).
Diluted tea tree oil is safe for babies over six months. Rose otto, also known as Damascus rose, is a refreshing essential oil that soothes the senses. Massaging Babies Over Six Months with Rose Otto Oil Could Help Relieve Pain and Reduce Anxiety. In addition, it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can alleviate skin problems.
Its steam can help alleviate and control certain allergies (1). The EO of cedarwood comes from the steam that distils the needles, leaves, bark, cedar berries, juniper and cypress). Its deep, woody scent relaxes the body and mind, and inhaling it could relieve insomnia and anxiety (1). You can diffuse cedarwood oil for babies since its topical use is generally not recommended.
Palmarosa EO has a refreshing floral scent providing a relaxing sensation. It has astringent, antibacterial and antioxidant properties so its use is common for skin care (1). You can use palmarosa oil for babies older than six months. Diffusion is a more suitable option than a topical application.
Bergamot essential oil is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. In aromatherapy it is considered useful for reducing anxiety and stress. Topical use and diffusion of bergamot oil is generally safe for infants older than six months (2). Neroli essential oil has soothing and soothing effects that can relax the irritated baby.
The diffusion of neroli oil relieves symptoms of anxiety pain and inflammation (1). It also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties which can promote baby's skin health. The diffusion of geranium essential oil relaxes the mind and reduces anxiety. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which can help control eczema dermatitis and fungal infection (1).
You can use geranium for your baby once he or she is over six months old. Some EAs are rich in aldehydes and phenols which can cause skin reactions. The essential oils of cinnamon (bark and leaf) lemongrass cumin citronella bay leaf clove oregano and thyme are well-known dermal irritants that you can avoid using on infants (2). Follow these safety tips for safe use of OE in infants and young children: dilutions considered safe for children generally range from 0.5 to 2.5%, depending on the age and size of your child; even as little as half a teaspoon of commonly used essential oils such as eucalyptus lavender and tea tree oils can cause sedation and difficulty breathing in the little ones; German chamomile and roman chamomile are mild essential oils that can be beneficial for babies who have trouble sleeping; there is no third-party certification to guarantee the quality or standards of any essential oil on the market so it is important to observe the tests performed for each product; made with a nourishing honey base and free of essential oils Sweet Comfort soap creates gentle and soothing suds for skin of all ages; most research on the use of essential oils is related to topical use in adults which doesn't help much when it comes to adding essential oils to your family's life; while many essential oils are considered “safe for children” there are a handful of essential oils that should not be used on infants or young children.
