Essential Oils for Babies & Children

If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know essential oils are a big part of our wellness regime. Now that Jackson is 18 months, I’ve seen how much essential oils have helped us from the newborn to toddler stage.

It’s very safe to use essential oils for babies and children – when used correctly. These natural compounds are very potent, so only small amounts are needed on our tiny humans.

Don’t forget to download my FREE guide Essential Oils for Children to get an extended version of this blog. You’ll also get an easy dilution chart, plus diffuser blends and rollerball recipes!

Let’s go over a few quick safety precautions, first.

• Only use 100% pure essential oils that are free of all contaminants. I only use and trust doterra on my family. Learn more, here.
• Only use essential oils topically and aromatically for babies and small children.
• Dilute, dilute, dilute! Children, and especially babies, need much less than an adult because of their body mass (get the dilution chart in the guide book).
• Their skin is also much thinner and more sensitive than an adults – another reason to dilute.
• Apply to the bottoms of the feet because the skin is the thickest and the risk of sensitivity is much lower. The feet are also far away from the eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Can also be applied to the spine if there is no sensitivity from the oil.
• Avoid using directly in the eyes, ears, or nose.
• Dilute in natural shampoo or coconut milk for use in the bath. Not epsom salt – the essential oils will not disperse properly.
• Although safe to use, be mindful of photosensitive oils like the citrus oils. If applied topically, avoid exposure to sunlight for up to 12 hours afterwards.

Best Oils to Use

While there are many amazing single oils and blends to use for children, these are my top ten favourites. I like these oils because they are gentle for sensitive skin and very versatile.

• Copaiba
• Frankincense
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Roman Chamomile
• Tea Tree
• Vetiver
• Wild Orange
• Balance (blend specific to doterra)
• Serenity (blend specific to doterra)

Cassia, cinnamon, oregano, and peppermint can cause skin sensitivity or irritate respiratory systems of new babies.  These oils will pose less of an issue if part of a blend.

Ways to Use

While there are many different ways you can use each of the essential oils I listed, here’s some of the top uses for babies and children.

1. Calming/Sleep – Dilute and apply to the bottoms of the feet before nap or bedtime. Use:  a frankincense, lavender, vetiver, copaiba, roman chamomile, wild orange, serenity, and/or balance.
2. Teething – Dilute and apply to the jawline. Use: lavender, frankincense, roman chamomile, and/or copaiba.
3. Digestion – Dilute and apply in clockwise motion over the abdomen. Use: lavender and wild orange or copaiba. ZenGest or peppermint are other options.
4. Respiratory – Dilute and apply to upper back or chest (for older children). Use: lemon and tea tree + frankincense. EasyAir is another great blend.
5. Owies – Dilute and apply to area of concern. Do not apply to broken skin or open wounds. Use: frankincense and lavender.
6. Lice – Dilute and spray on to apply to scalp. Brush through. Use: lavender and tea tree.
7. Skin – Dilute and apply to area of concern. Do not apply to broken skin or open wounds. Use: frankincense, tea tree, and lavender.
8. Ears – Dilute and use a cotton ball to apply around the ear – never in the ear. Massage towards lymph nodes to help drain. Use: lavender and tea tree.

Remember to download my free guide, Essential Oils for Children, to get these tips + easy dilution chart, diffuser blends and rollerball recipes!