My favorite essential oils for babies and toddlers

Essential oils are a great tool, even for the little ones. While there is a certain level of caution to using oils on or around young children/toddlers/babies there are a few oils that are wonderful to use in this stage. I would like to cover a few basic safeties with using oils in young children however, and also some rules that are good to follow as well.

First up, do you need to use this oil? Think of what you are wanting to accomplish? What is the end goal here? Is there another way to help that doesn’t involve essential oils? They are extremely potent and shouldn’t be used lightly or in large dilutions. A hydrosol can accomplish the exact same thing in most cases and is a lot safer/gentler than an essential oil. Try a hydrosol before turning to an oil. You can read up on hydrosols, what they are and their uses here in my blog post about hydrosols.

Second, age limits! Do not ever use essential oils topically or aromatically with babies younger than 3 months. It is preferable to wait until 6 months to use essential oils with babies but absolutely do not use them younger than 3 months. Just because an oil is safe for all ages does not mean it’s not going to cause harm.

Third, dilution. You want to use a .1% dilution on anyone under 1 no matter what and a .1%-.5% dilution 15 months and older for daily or sporadic use. If you want to use daily go lower, if its only once in a while don’t exceed .5% dilution. Now a .1% dilution would be 1 drop essential oil in 30ml and a .5% dilution is 1 drop in 10ml. If you are using multiple oils in a mix then mix the oils together first and use a dropper to drop 1 drop into the carrier oil/container.

Fourth, test it out first. Do a test patch by testing the carrier oil first for a reaction and then testing the diluted essential oil in the carrier to the appropriate max. To do a test patch, put a little oil into the inner of the elbow and cover with a bandage and leave for 24-48 and check for reactions. If there is a reaction immediately remove the bandage and wash the area gently with warm water and a mild unscented soap. Do not continue use after a reaction. If there is no reaction than go ahead and use the essential oils properly diluted.

Fifth, do not ever use essential oils on preterm babies until well past the 6 month mark. Do not use them around the baby, on the baby or diffuse within their area at all. Many essential oils can cause issues for preterm babies and we need to be sure that they are thriving and doing well before using essential oils anywhere near them. I would recommend not using oils on them at all until they are at least a year depending on the child, preterm babies can have issues well into toddlerhood sometimes. Best not to risk anything.

Now onto which oils are my favorite for younger kids, as long as we are following guidelines essential oils use with young ones can be very safe and effective. But remember, with littles essential oils are not the main thing we should be grabbing for.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender is so incredibly calming for many children. Helping to aid with sleep as well as many skin issues. Pair with Chamomile to create a wonderful bedtime diffuser bomb. Add a little to your littles lotion to help alleviate many skin issues such as dry skin, peeling skin or eczema.

Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum noblis): This is a great one to pair with lavender essential oil for calming, sleep and skin issues. This is one I generally start with on my littles. It has a multitude of uses especially with little ones. It can be used for tummy blends helping to ease upset tummies and colic, or help with gas. It can be used for sore muscles as well making this a favorite of mine with sick littles when they get those fever aches. As well as many skin conditions, bumps/bruises and scars.

Dill (Anethym graveolens): Dill is one I love in tummy blends, helping to ease gas, colic and upset stomaches. It’s not one I tend to go for until over the age of 1 but it’s useful to have especially on road trips for car sickness.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata): a germ fighting powerhouse, calming superhero and a digestion staple this is a good one to pair with other oils to help make a more powerful blend. Use for both mom and baby to help relax while breastfeeding. Diffuse to help calm tantrums and add together with dill or chamomile to make an unbeatable belly massage rub. Again, not one I go for until over the age of 1 but still a great oil to have on hand for littles.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): the antifungal powerhouse of these oils, this is a great one to use with lavender for diaper rashes, stinky feet and even those cold sores kids are prone to bring home. Everyone needs this oil in their pack honestly. Add some to you childs shampoo (over the age of 2) for a lice repellent. Use in extremely low dilutions (or use the hydrosol) with lavender to kick diaper rash in the butt. Even great for older kids and adults as well to fight athletes foot and other fungal infections such as ringworm. It’s a first aid staple.

These are my top picks for oils and little ones, again use caution and follow guidelines. Dilute like crazy, less is always better with young kids. And think about using a hydrosol instead of the oil if you can, they have many of the same benefits and are a wonderful option for using with the littles instead of potent essential oils. Happy oiling!