Aromatherapy & Children

Safely using essential oils with babies and children

Aromatherapy and Children is a very delicate subject, especially where wee babes are concerned, as we want to ensure we are treating their physical needs without overwhelming them with too much scent. Babies especially, have a greatly heightened sense of smell, and on top of that, they cannot verbally tell us when the product we are using smells too strong. This can end up doing more harm than good for the little one.

The best essential oils to use on newborn babies are Chamomile (R) essential oil, and Lavender essential oil blended to a maximum of 1% of the base oil (1 drop per 10 ml base). A good base oil to use is Sweet Almond oil.

Little ones LOVE to be massaged, and it creates a wonderful bond between parent and child. Areas to avoided are the face (especially the eyes) and the genitals. In an increasingly “hands-off” society, our need to be touched in a gentle, loving way has not diminished. If more of us chose to embrace our children and loved ones more often, instead of rushing here and there and speeding onward to the next meeting, chore and scheduled activity until bedtime and then repeating daily, we would all be healthier and less stressed than we seem to be today.

*This is educational information and any opinions expressed here-in do not replace professional medical advice. If you are ill, see a suitably qualified medical practitioner.*

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