March 21, 2019

Aromatherapy for Babies and Children

When it comes to using essential oils for kids, many parents naturally have questions. Are essential oils safe for babies? Can aromatherapy benefit children? How do you use essential oils correctly? We put together a guide on how to use essential oils safely with kids so you can have peace of mind using your essentials.

Aromatherapy can be beneficial to you and your families wellbeing, helping to enhance the mood of babies and kids (no matter the age).

We designed an entire range specifically for kids, the ECO. Little Range and bundles for kids, so you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils with the whole family. From a happy morning to a restful evening, we love using aromatherapy to create a healthy and happy environment for our loved ones.

These essential oils are considered kid-friendly. Whether you are looking to help your little ones get a better sleep, clear congestion or encourage concentration during homework, essential oils can assist in creating a natural and supportive environment for the whole family.

Aromatherapy for Babies (0 to 24 months)

Safe use of herbs and aromatherapy for babies is very important. The main thing to consider when using essential oils for babies, is that they are too strong for use on baby’s skin. Essential oils can be a little overwhelming on their developing systems, however, you can still use aromatherapy in the form of tea and in a diffuser.

Safe herbs for baby baths:

To soothe irritated skin and cranky moods, add chamomile or lavender tea to a bath. Brew a strong pot using the dried herb and strain before adding to the baby's bath water.

Safe herbs for baby’s sore tummies:

If your baby is breastfeeding you can try drinking fennel, peppermint or chamomile tea which will end up in your breast milk and from there help ease a windy sore tummy.

Natural remedies for babies dry skin:

A massage using a good quality olive oil is a useful remedy for flaky skin and cradle cap.

Essential oils in diffusers for babies:

While use of essential oils on babies skin is not safe, using essential oils in a diffuser to gently fragrance the air can be helpful as it creates a restful and calming space. Add 5 drops to a diffuser and diffuse for up to 30 minutes around bedtime. Neroli, Chamomile, Lavender or Mandarin are soothing and relaxing choices.

Essential Oils for Kids (2 to 8 years)

Children love aromatherapy and will make it abundantly clear which oils they like the best, so no guessing required there, and guessing should also be avoided when it comes to dilution. Use a low dilution of 1% when applying to your child’s skin. Stick to the more gentle essential oils such as Lavender, Rose, Mandarin, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Spearmint, Lemon, Orange, Lemon Myrtle and Neroli.

Essential oil bath for kids:

Who doesn’t love a bubble bath? You can make your own by blending 20 drops of essential oils to 100mls of liquid castile soap. Castile soap is made using olive oil and has skin-nourishing properties. Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Lavender or Mandarin essential oils are gentle on the skin and help with relaxation and ease upsets.

Essential oils for kids massage:

Many children enjoy a light massage before bed, not only does it ease tension in muscles, but it doubles as a beautiful space for parents and children to bond. Massage can help calm the mind and body and if done regularly can become a signal for your child to sleep.

Essential oil dilution for kids massage:

2 drops of essential oil to 10mls of carrier oil. Pick a blend from Neroli, Rose, Chamomile, Lavender or Mandarin. Older children enjoy choosing their favourite oils for you to use.

Diffuser:

An energising blend starts the day with joy and zest for the whole family. Energising morning oils include Lemon, Orange, Lemon Myrtle, May Chang and Spearmint. We recommend around 4-6 drops for the younger end of 2-8 years, add your required amount depending on the age of your child.

Blending Tip:

Add a few drops of a grounding oil to take the sharp aroma out of a citrus blend. Try Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood or Lavender. To disinfect the air when family members have a cold diffuse Lime or Lemon Myrtle to prevent the bug from spreading. We love using aromatherapy to create a safe, healthy and happy environment for our loved ones. From a happy morning to a restful evening; essential oils can support the whole family throughout the days no matter the season.

DIY & Essential Oil Rollerbolls for kids:

In every case possible, we like to reach for natural solutions instead of synthetic substances to improve kids (and adults alike) general wellbeing. Helping kids to create their own blends & learn about natural solutions doubles as a fun activity where you can teach them to care for themselves in a natural and holistic way. The kids little rollerballs collection is a great transition to DIY with curated and perfectly paired blends already made for you.

ECO. Essential Oils considered unsafe for children:

Clary Sage – too sedating, not appropriate emotionally.
Peppermint – too stimulating, may affect the respiratory and nervous system.
Rosemary – too stimulating, especially for children under 6 years of age.
Cinnamon – skin irritant.
Cedarwood – not appropriate emotionally.
Basil – too stimulating.
Fennel – too stimulating to the digestive and lymphatic system.
Juniper Berry – too stimulating to kidneys and detoxification pathways.
Vetiver – too sedating, not appropriate emotionally.
Buddha Wood – not appropriate emotionally.
Wintergreen – skin irritant, toxic in large doses.
Oregano – skin irritant, toxic in large doses.
Lemongrass – skin irritant.
Eucalyptus – much disputed but it has been thought that exposure to Eucalyptus before the age of 2 can have negative effects on the respiratory and nervous system.

~This blog is for informational purposes only, regardless of the advice of a qualified aromatherapist. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. Please obtain medical advice relevant to your particular circumstances from your health professional.