While it can feel like new territory to use oils with our most precious little people, keep in mind that there has never once been a case of fetal complications because of therapeutic oils.  When used correctly and safely, they have no side effects like many of the medications most families use on a regular basis.  Remember this as you use oils with your children and babies.  Simply start small!

Using high quality essential oils is also key. As discussed in THIS POST, a large percentage of “oils” on the market are adulterated or synthetic, filled with cheap additives and toxic chemicals.  I would only recommend using essential oil products offered from Young Living, especially when it comes to use in children.  With a commitment to plant purity and essential oil potency, you can be assured that you are getting the best of the best with Young Living!

For a full overview of using essential oils safely with babies and children, please refer to an excellent resource like Gentle Babies: Essential Oils and Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Childbirth, Infants and Young Children.  In this post, I will discuss a few topics to help get you started.

At what age can I use essential oils with my baby?

It is generally not considered safe to use essential oils with babies who are younger than three months of age.  Their skin is not yet mature and therefore more permeable and sensitive to oils.  Extreme caution should be used for premature babies, making sure not to use oils until they are three months past their original due date.  In general, use common sense and your best judgement when choosing essential oils for your babies and children.  Start out with only one essential oil at a time, and watch for any indication of an allergic reaction, such as severe skin or respiratory irritation.  Discontinue use if any reaction is noticed.

Dilution

Babies have more delicate and much thinner skin than adults and are more sensitive to essential oils potency. For babies two years of age and under, ALWAYS, always dilute with a carrier oil before applying topically. When in doubt, use a 1:30 ratio, 1 part essential oil to 30 parts carrier oil. Not only is that a great, conservative place to start, diluting essential oils creates a more sustained effect and a slower release into the body.  For more information about carrier oils, please refer to THIS POST.

Hot Oils

I would not recommend using “hot” oils like Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Lemongrass, Oregano, Thyme, Cassia, Hyssop, and Ocotea on babies under two years of age. If you need to use one of those oils, dilute them and apply only on the feet.

Warm Oils

Other oils to be cautious with on babies under two years of age are Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Wintergreen, Juniper, and Basil.  A full list of “warm oils” can be found HERE.  Dilute and apply to bottoms of feet and under the naval until they’re two years old.

Kidscents Product Line

The Young Living Kidscents line is formulated specifically with babies and kids in mind. Each oil is pre-diluted for easy use on kids and takes out the guesswork. They’re easy peasy because you can simply pop a roller ball on top, and call it a day. Some of the oils in this line can be used for sleep, tummy, brain health, sniffles, and owies.

Eyes and Ears

As with adults, avoid the eyes and inside the ears. Those are never good places for essential oils. Likewise, do not put essential oils in open wounds.  If you do get any essential oil in the eyes, dilute immediately with a carrier oil.  You can put the carrier oil straight in the eye, as it will not cause any harm.  Water will only make the stinging worse.

Help!  My child ingested some oil!

It is not suggested that any baby or young child ever ingest oils.  If your child ingests an oil, do not induce vomiting!  Call your general practitioner unless signs of poisoning are present, then immediately take your child (and the bottle of essential oil that was ingested) to the nearest emergency room.  Most oils may be ok if ingested in very small quantities, but be proactive and keep your oils out of reach of children, particularly those with safety caps.  Storing essential oils safely out of your children’s reach should always be a highest priority.

Vitaflex and Children

The Vitaflex technique can be used with children just as with adults.  The bottoms of feet are a perfect place to use essential oils, and they’re generally considered very safe (especially when diluted properly).

Avoid the Hands

Because young babies and children often put their hands in their mouths, rub their eyes, stick their fingers in … well, lots of places, it’s probably better to avoid using oils on the hands.  I can tell you from personal experience that kids can transfer oils into their eyes from their fingers, so hold off until they’re older and know not to touch their faces.

Pregnancy and Oils

Basil, Birch, Calamus, Cassia, Cinnamon, Hyssop, Idaho Tansy, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, and Wintergreen are usually considered oils to be avoided during pregnancy. However, please do your own research before using any essential oil during pregnancy.  Use common sense and always use pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.  And when in doubt, consult an aromatherapist or your general practitioner.

Jane Buckle Ph. D. R.N., states “There are no records of abnormal fetuses or aborted fetuses due to the normal use of essential oils, either by inhalation or topical application. There are no records of a few drops of essential oils taken by mouth causing any problem either.”

Statements regarding essential oils have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and suggestions on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care provider before using these products.

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