Aromatherapy & Babies

The most important thing to remember when using Aromatherapy with babies and children is that their skin is extremely sensitive. Most bath and body products for children and even babies include synthetic fragrances. Any kind of fragrance for the sake of scent is totally unnecessary. When looking for Baby wash, shampoo, and soap look for ones that have no fragrance.

Guidelines for using aromatherapy for Babies and children:

• Be educated and do thorough research. If in doubt consult with a Certified Aromatherapist
As a certified aromatherapist I am shocked by some of the recipes in books and on the internet that are for children.

• If you do use essential oils in a bath. First put essential oils in a bowl of water and swish around before adding to main bath water. If putting it in a babies bath its best to pour through a paper coffee filter first.

• When using a diffuser make sure child cannot touch the diffuser or essential oils

• Always keep essential oils and carrier oils (Oils used to dilute essential oils) away from children to prevent accidental contact and swallowing.

• Breastfeeding women should follow the safe oils for babies.

• If buying essential oils make sure you buy from a reputable brand.

Babies – New Born – 3 months

Use of plain oil for massage
Apricot kernel oil is considered hypoallergenic

3- 6 months

Roman Chamomile (anthemis nobilis)
Lavender (lavendula officinalis)
Neroli (citrus aurantium var. amara)
Eucalyptus radiata
Mandarin* (citrus reticulate)

6- 12 months

Palma Rosa
Grapefruit * (citrus x paradise)
Tea Tree (melaleuca alternifolia)

* Citrus oils increase sensitivity to the sun and are irritating to the skin. Recommend using only in diffuser blends.