Worried about which essential oil will suit your baby?Are you in a dilemma about using them on your baby?
Don’t worry mothers, because this article is going to solve all your problems!
Table of Contents
Essential Oils
There are some essential oils that work best for your babies while some prove to be dangerous to their health. Following is the list of essential oils that are safe to use on your babies:
1. Bergamot Oil
Extracted from the ripe fruit of a plant obtained from cross breeding of orange and lemon plant, this oil is known to reduce stress and relax your baby’s body
It’s color is yellow-green. Do not use this outside in the sun as it is phototoxic oil.
2. Cypress Oil
This oil is obtained from Cypress tree which is found in coniferous and deciduous areas. It has a sweet smell has can be used to lift your baby’s mood if he/she becomes cranky.
Cypress oil also helps in treating respiratory problems.
3. Frankincense Oil
This oil is extracted from the white sap of Boswellia genus trees. This sap is allowed to harden and then scraped off in a tear shaped droplets.
It has woody, spicy and slightly fruity smell. This smell helps in relaxation of mind and soul.
4. German Chamomile Oil
This oil is obtained by steam distillation or solvent extraction of Compositae flower, which are golden-yellow in color.
This oil can be used in case of colic which is severe pain in the abdomen due to intestinal problems.
5. Geranium Oil
It is obtained by steam distillation of fresh leaves of Geranium plant. In case your baby is suffering from jaundice, use of geranium oil can help to cure it speedily. It can also be used to relieve stress and fatigue.
6. Helichrysum Oil
Obtained from a medicinal plant ‘Helichrysum’, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Helichrysum oil is useful in treating cold and cough, stomach aches, and constipation.
7. Mandarin Oil
This oil is one of the citrus oil. It is also used for its fruity smell. This oil is used in case of colic, jaundice. It is also used to get relief from constipation.
8. Sandalwood Oil
We are all aware of the pleasant smell sandalwood has. It is extracted from the wood of sandalwood tree. It is very well known for its ability to clear skin and keep it healthy. If you are worried about rashes, then sandalwood oil is the best choice.
9.Sweet Orange Oil
This oil is also one of the citrus oil. It is extracted from the orange fruits and has very fruity smell. If your baby is cranky, make sure you have sweet orange oil around you.
Its smell will quickly lift your baby’s mood. It promotes joy and is also useful in sluggish digestion.
10.Tea Tree Oil
Obtained from twigs and leaves of Tea tree, this oil is useful in case of earaches, common cold problems, and tonsillitis.
This oil is very useful in treating a lot of diseases as it has very useful properties like balsamic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, etc.
These are oils that will be safe with your baby, but it is always better to consult a doctor before you use any of them on your baby.
Essential Oils To Be Avoided On Babies
While some essential oils are so useful, some essential oils are strict NO for use on babies. Their use should strictly be avoided on them. Following is the list of essential oils to be avoided and reasons why they should be avoided:
1. Cassia Oil
Cassia is commonly known as Chinese cinnamon. It is very common in China and Burma. It is extracted from leaves and twigs of Cinnamon plant.
The oil can cause serious irritations on skin and mucous membrane, and so it should be avoided.
2. Clove Oil
Clove oil is obtained from clove bud. It has a strong smell that is harmful to babies as babies are very sensitive to smell.
Eugenol, the main element found in clove, can cause allergic reactions. So it should be avoided.
3. Garlic Oil
Like clove oil, garlic oil also has a strong aroma associated with it. Its smell may cause adverse effects on babies and so it should be kept away from babies.
4. Lemongrass Oil
Obtained from steam distillation of dried lemongrass, it should be kept away from eyes as it can cause severe damage. Lemongrass oil can cause serious skin irritations and itching.
5. Oregano Oil
This oil is extracted from fresh Oregano leaves using steam distillation. It can cause irritations in mucous membranes if it is taken in high doses.
6. Wintergreen Oil
This is a highly poisonous oil if ingested. It can cause serious damage to internal organs due to high contents of Methyl Salicylate.
7. Peppermint Oil
It has very good healing properties and helps to relax our mind, but it is highly strong in nature. It can cause irritations on skin.
These oils are very strong in nature, and so babies find it difficult to absorb them, and that results in adverse effects on their body.
Common Uses Of Oils For Babies
Following is the list of essential oils that can be used to get rid of some common problems that almost every mother encounters:
1.Cold And Cough Related Problems
In the case of such problems, eucalyptus oil is very useful.
2.Bathing
If you want your baby to enjoy his/her bathing time, make sure you add some citrus essential oils to the water. Remember to dilute them. Their fruity smell makes them feel fresh.
3.Hygiene
Lemon oil has anti-bacterial properties, and this property helps to kill germs and keep your baby healthy and fit.
4.Sleep
Only a mother can understand how difficult it is to make a baby sleep. Lavender oil is known to soothe your baby’s mind and help them sleep longer and deeper.
5.Anxiety And Stress
Mandarin oil helps to relieve babies of stress and anxiety. It helps to lift their mood.
6.Lifting Their Mood
Sweet orange oil promotes joy. It helps to make your baby stay in a joyful mood.
7.Massage
Children love massages. Body massage to your baby makes their body relaxed and also keeps them happy. Lavender oil can be a good choice for such purpose.
8.Teeth Pain
Chamomile oil wrapped in an ice cube can help to reduce teeth pain in babies.
Though essential oils are very useful in treating a lot of health problems, it is always better to consult a doctor and only then use an oil on your baby, because each baby reacts differently to different oils!
Is It Safe To Use Essential Oils On Babies?
Studies show that it is safe to use essential oils for your little ones. They help in developing your baby’s health.
Precautions to be taken while using essential oils on babies:
1. No Ingestion
Remember never let your little ones ingest any of the essential oils. Some oils can be dangerous if ingested.
2. Dilution
Remember, let it be any essential oil, do not forget to use it in diluted form. If you are going to add it to bath water, first dilute it in water-soluble carrier and then add it to bath water.
3. Only One Oil At A Time
You know that you are unaware of allergies your baby has. So make sure you introduce only one essential oil to your baby in a day. If your baby is allergic to it, he/she will show some signs within 15-20 minutes of application.
What Will An Adverse Reaction Look Like?
It is very important to see if your baby reacts differently to an essential oil. If the baby is allergic to the oil, he/she may develop adverse reactions.It is very essential that you know what an adverse reaction will look like!
1.Skin Irritations
In case you don’t dilute the essential oil while using, the skin may develop redness, itching, and irritation. This may also happen if the baby is exposed to sunlight.
2.Sensitization
It may happen anytime. It is a more serious reaction as it is virtually irreversible.If you observe any of the above after application of any essential oil, it is time just to stop applying that oil on your baby!
