Essential Oils Safe To Use Around Babies
When it comes to caring for your baby, it’s essential to be vigilant and educate yourself. This care and concern is especially important for people interested in using essential oils and other natural wellness products.
Many parents wonder if essential oils are safe to use around their babies. Which oils aren’t safe to use? How should they be applied? Here’s what you need to know about whether or not essential oils are safe to use around babies.
Are Essential Oils Safe?
The appeal of essential oils is that they are powerful, natural essences of plants. However, some of the most powerful medications and drugs are sourced from natural plants. They can be helpful, or they can be volatile.
Like in the natural world, some essential oils are safe to have around while others are not. Some essential oils, like cinnamon and peppermint, are considered hot and can be an irritant to the skin.
When using essential oils around your baby, choose mild oils, and always ensure you dilute them properly.
Safe Essential Oils to Use
It can be challenging to find effective oils with a purpose while still being mild enough for use with a baby. Here are five oils that you can use around an infant and the purpose they serve.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is the pungent plant that you can find in decongestant rubs and pucks. This can be a great oil to have on hand when you have a baby, as they can’t blow their nose during the cold season.
Use eucalyptus in a diffuser or make pucks to use in a humidifier in their room. You can also dilute eucalyptus and apply a small amount to your baby’s chest. However, be sure that you are using Eucalyptus Radiata, not Eucalyptus Globulus, as the latter is only safe for adults.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is made of argan tree (Argania Spinosa L.) that is endemic to Morocco. Although originally used for cooking, since the 2000s it’s been increasingly used in cosmetics.
It’s an ingredient in many creams, balms and soaps, and it’s safe for babies.
Check out these blog posts about argan oil to find more information about its use and benefits.
Lavender
Lavender is a commonly used essential oil for inducing calm and helping with stress-relief and sleep. This oil is generally safe to use around babies when applied with proper dilution.
Put this essential oil in a diffuser or mix it with argan oil to create a soothing massage oil for use after baths and before bedtime.
Chamomile
Chamomile is another oil that’s meant to induce calm. When blended with lavender, it can help soothe a fussy baby and offset tummy troubles.
Use chamomile in a diffuser or add it to your homemade massage oil to use in your bedtime routine.
Dill
Dill has long been used in gripe water, a natural remedy that’s meant to soothe indigestion in babies. While you should never give your baby essential oils internally, dill oil can be used to create a soothing tummy balm.
Mix your dill oil with coconut oil or argan oil and rub on your baby’s belly when they’re upset for the best results.
Tips for Using Essential Oils Around Babies
As previously stated, your baby should never eat or ingest essential oils. Keep diffusers and the oils themselves well out of reach, especially as your baby becomes more mobile.
Always dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil, rather than applying directly. Argan oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil are common choices for carriers.
Remember to be vigilant and watch your baby for signs of a reaction. While these oils are generally safe, your unique tiny human may have yet undetected sensitivities.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
