Aromatherapy & Babies

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!

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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