A newborn's skin is soft and sensitive. Keep your baby's skin hydrated by bathing in warm water for only three to five minutes. Apply a natural moisturizer, such as My Herbal Baby- Baby Oil immediately after bath while skin is still wet, and then pat dry instead of rubbing. To maintain your baby's soft skin, bath them in My Herbal Baby- Baby Herbal Bath at least once a week (if your child doesn't have any skin issues, if they do have skin issues use at least three times a week).

Don't wait until your baby's skin become dry or inflamed before you start to take care of it. Prevention is key! Bathing your baby and applying a natural moisture should be apart of their daily bath ritual. Your baby's health is in your hands...


Till next time,
Demeka Scott - The Savvy Kitchen Beautician

Below are a few questions I have answered over the past two weeks, I decided to post them so that others can see my response. I urge those that wish to use essentials oils to please research on the oils you want to use on you and your baby first, and only after you have researched, use them as directed on the labels!

Do not use essential oils on children younger than 4 months of age!

What essential oils can I use to calm my baby down for bedtime?
Lavender and Roman Chamomile are good choices for small children. It is best to add the essential oils to some milk or liquid soap before adding to the tub. Use 1-3 total drops per bath. Be sure to keep all bottles of essential oils away from children.

What essential oils can I use for my teething baby?
Use 1 drop Chamomile oil on a washcloth wrapped ice cube to relieve teething pain in children

What essential oils can I use for a crying/irritable baby?
Put 1 drop Lavender on your shoulder (mix with a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba first) and rock the baby to sleep while the baby's head rest on your shoulder.

Roman Chamomile is soothing for tantrums and will also promote a good nights sleep. Put 1 drop on the pillow at bedtime. Used in the bath they can be blended with liquid soap to help them disperse. Use a lower dosage, 50% or 1/2 the recommended amount if pregnant or breastfeeding, with children or the elderly. The number of drops of essential oils used should vary in direct proportion to body weight, taking into account the age of the person as well as mental and physical health. The very old should use the same number of drops as children and babies half the amount of children.

Sweet Orange - The oil of happiness warm and sunny, excellent for depression, stress, tension, frustration and anxiety. Orange helps to lift the spirits and promote joy. A great scent for children. You can also use it in a diffuser or aroma lamp.

What essential oils can I use for stuffy nose, coughs & colds?
Eucalyptus Smithi is the only Eucalyptus essential oil that should be used on children. Eucalyptus Globulus which is the most common is usually rectified and is not suitable for children. A top note in aromatherapy, this oil is said to be helpful for chest infections, to facilitate breathing. It is also an effective analgesic.

At the first sign of a stuffy nose place 1 drop of Eucalyptus on the corner of your pillow. This can sometimes even stop a cold from coming on. For young children use Eucalyptus Smithi a much safer oil.

For colds and coughs. Using essential oils with babies and children. Under the bed place a bowl of boiling water to which you have added 3 drops of Eucalyptus Oil. Use Eucalyptus Smithi which is safer for children. The steam will rise releasing the molecules into the room.

What essential oils can I use for cleaning my child room?
Keep Lemon essential oil on hand to kill germs. Keep a spray bottle handy for quick cleanups in children playroom. Add to dish washing liquid or any mild hand soap. Use in a spray for disinfecting the air. You'll find plenty of other uses I'm sure. It has high antibacterial properties. It's antiseptic properties will last for 20 days.


Demeka Scott- The Savvy Kitchen Beautician

There should be no more satisfying and special time in a woman's life than the nine months of pregnancy, but women are often beset by anxiety and discomfort. This is a time to take ultimate care of yourself to help to ensure that you and your baby are as healthy as you two could possible to be.
The use of essential oils during pregnancy, labor and after delivery can help immeasurably, both physically and emotionally. The essential oils will pass through the skin and be experienced by your baby, so don't be tempted to either increase or change the recommended oils. There are some oils which should never be used during pregnancy; and some that should be avoided for the first three months (see list below).



ACHING BACK OIL

Toward the end of pregnancy can be a trying time as the body gets heavier and backaches more frequent. This oil is very gentle and will help to alleviate the depressing, dragging feeling. If used regularly it may help to prevent the backache.
*Use only after the first four months.

Aching Back Massage Blend

• 3 tsp (45ml) Grape Seed Oil
• 4 tsp Sweet Almond Oil
• 20 drops Chamomile Essential Oil
• 20 drops Lavender Essential Oil

To make and use

1. Mix all the oils together in a small, labeled bottle and shake to blend.
2. Leave for four days before using, so the oils have time to synergize or combine well.
3. Ask a friend or partner to massage your lower back very gently with the blend after you have had a bath or shower.

PREGNANCY TEA**

Dandelion root and leaf are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene, calcium, potassium and iron. Dandelion leaf is mildly diuretic: it also stimulates bile flow and helps with the common digestive complaints of pregnancy. Dandelion root tones the liver.

Raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins and minerals (especially iron). It tones the uterus, increases milk flow and restores the mother's system after childbirth.

Nettle leaf provides the minerals calcium and iron, is mildly diuretic and aids in the elimination of excess water from tissues. Nettle enriches and increases the flow of breast milk and restores the mother's energy following childbirth.
**To be used only after the first trimester.

Pregnancy Tea Recipe

• 1 Part dried Dandelion Root, very finely crushed
• 1 Part dried Dandelion Leaf
• 1 Part dried Raspberry Leaf
• 1 Part dried Nettle Leaf

To make and use

1. Crumble the leaves to the texture of tea leaves.
2. Mix them together.
3. Bring cool water to a boil. 
4. Put the herbs in the non-metal pot (metal containers can interfere with the purity of the tea), pour the boiling water over the herbs.  Let them steep, covered for about 5 minutes. 
5. This is not an exact time, and you should check at varying intervals to find the right strength for your purposes.  
6. Strain the herbs out of the water when the desired strength is reached.   Garnish with herb sprigs, honey, or citrus fruits. 
7. Drink one cup of the tea three times daily.

STRETCH MARKS

As soon as pregnancy is confirmed, it's time to start taking extra care of the skin on the tummy, thighs, bottom and breasts. Stretch marks can be largely avoided but not easily cured and the use of these oils morning and night will certainly help to keep the constantly and rapidly stretching skin supple and pliable.

Tummy Oil Recipe

• 4 x 250iu Vitamin E Capsules
• 5 fl oz. (150 ml) Sweet Almond Oil
• 3 tsp Olive Oil
• 2 tsp Avocado Oil
• 1 tsp Wheat Germ Oil
• 1 tsp Shea Oil
• 10 drops Mandarin Essential Oil
• 10 drops Palmarosa Essential Oil
• 20 drops Lavender Essential Oil

To make and use:

1. Pierce the vitamin E capsules and squeeze the oil into a 7 fl oz (200) labeled bottle.
2. Add the remaining oils and shake to blend. If possible, leave for four days to synergize.
3. Shake bottle well before use.
4. Massage the oil thoroughly into the skin of the breasts and from the waist down to the knees. Use twice daily if possible.

**Because of certain essential oils used in this mix, please wait until after your 1st trimester to use.


Essential oils for use during pregnancy
Benzoin, Chamomile (but not during the first four months), Cypress, Geranium (see caution following), Ginger, Grapefruit, Lavender (see caution following), Lemon, Mandarin, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose (see caution following), Ylang-Ylang.

Caution: Oils which may be unsafe to use during pregnancy
Basil, Cedarwood, Celery seed, Cinnamon, Clary sage, Fennel, Galbanum, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Melissa, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme.

Oils to avoid during the first four months of pregnancy;
~German & Roman Chamomile
~Geranium
~Lavender
~Rose

The oils listed above just happen to be  oils I have researched. If you're pregnant, please research the contents that you are placing on/in your body. Just because somethings natural it doesn't mean it's safe for your unborn child, remember anything you apply to your body WILL pass through your skin. Due diligence is in order when it comes to your health.

Demeka