Today, I'll introduce the benefits and safety of using essential oils on kids and babies. Plus, keep reading for a tutorial on how to make your own baby wipes with essential oils.
Replace Your Medicine Cabinet
Essential oils are an excellent way to improve the health of your family with natural remedies over many store-bought medications. Rather than give me kids over-the-counter medications filled with artificial ingredients and preservatives, I used essential oils as natural remedies to help my kids beat colds, flu and other health issues.
How to Use Essential Oils for Babies and Kids
Inhalation - Place 2-3 drops of the oil in hands, rub together and cup over the nose and mouth to inhale for a few minutes.
Diffuse - Add a few drops of oil and use in a cold-air diffuser (do not use a humidifier as the heat breaks down the oils and the oils can affect the humidifier equipment). Diffuse for 15-20 minutes or throughout the day as needed.
Topical - Apply oils to the skin either neat (undiluted) or diluted. If using neat, usually 1 drop is enough. However, for babies and children diluting the essential oils with a carrier oil is advised - I usually dilute most oils for infants and toddlers at 1 drop per Tbsp of carrier oil or for older children 1:1 with a carrier oil. I find that some oils run "hot" on the skin, such as Thieves, and should definitely be used diluted.
Massage - This is an excellent option to apply oils and promote bonding with kids. Use with a carrier oil to promote sleep, reduce fussiness, and improve mood.
Ingest or internal use - I ONLY recommend using Young Living essential oils for internal use. In most cases, it's not even needed or recommended for kids. Topical on the bottom of feet or diffusing in the air is very effective.
Essential Oils for Common Childhood Illnesses
From baby acne and ear infections to stomach aches and tantrums, there's likely an essential oil remedy to help ease the symptoms of common childhood illnesses and concerns.
Check out Essential Oils for Children for a complete list of essential oil natural remedies for kids ages 2 years and older.
For natural remedies for babies up to 2 years of age, read Essential Oils for Babies.
Essential Oils Safe for Babies and Kids
Basil (kids ages 2+ only)
Clove
Di-Gize
Eucalyptus Blue
Fennel (kids ages 2+ only)
Frankincense
Gentle Baby
Geranium
Helichrysum
Joy
Lavender
Ledum (kids ages 2+ only)
Lemon
Melrose
Peace & Calming
Peppermint
Purification
Raven (kids ages 2+ only)
Ravintsara
Roman Chamomile
Rose
Thieves
Valor (kids ages 2+ only)
I buy these quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils HERE.
How to Make Your Own Baby Wipes
One of the benefits of using essential oils is making your own DIY products. I make these Homemade Baby Wipes to cut down on cost and reduce exposure to toxins. I use these wipes for my toddler for diaper changes, as well as a gentle alternative to tissues for wipes noses and cleaning up dirty hands.
Want to Learn More?
Stay tuned... Tomorrow you'll learn more about lavender and how to use it.
