The use of essential oils on babies is not yet common and parents are not always ready to take this step.
However, if used with caution, essential oils can have beneficial effects on your baby.
As a rule of thumb, essential oils should not be used on babies under three months old.
Also, not all babies are allowed.
Before using any new essential oil, make sure that you know whether it is allowed and how to use it on babies over 3 months old.
General precautions when using essential oils on babies
Essential oils are active, concentrated and very powerful substances.
For babies, they are everyday allies if used with care, but they are also potential hazards if used in excessive amounts. They can also be allergenic or irritating.
Certain precautions should be taken when using essential oils on babies over the age of 3 months.
By definition, the precautions taken for children are even more important for babies:
- Before using a new essential oil or blend, always check that your baby is not allergic to any of the ingredients by applying a few drops to the crease of their elbow. Then wait 24 hours to see if there is any skin reaction.
- Never apply pure essential oils directly into the eyes, nose or ears.
- Do not expose yourself to the sun within 12 hours of using light-sensitive essential oils.
- Refer to the pages of each essential oil to follow the specific instructions for use.
- In general, pure essential oils are not recommended for use on baby skin. It is preferable to dilute them in a fatty medium such as a natural vegetable oil.
Oral use of essential oils is only permitted from the age of six years, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, for babies over 3 months of age, the cutaneous route and atmospheric diffusion are preferred.
How do we use them?
They can be distributed in the rooms or incorporated into vegetable oils for massages.
However, one must be careful about the quantities used and the frequency of their application.
Make sure you follow the instructions for use.
Don't hesitate to seek medical advice.
With the advice of a specialist, it is possible to use them in the form of suppositories prepared by a pharmacist.
Which ones are allowed after three months?
Please refer directly to the plant presentation if the essential oil is authorised by the following symbols:
