Essential Oils and Children
Before the eyes can focus clearly, a baby’s sense of smell is its most important sense, especially in the first few days after birth while bonding with parents and food sources. During the first year, as the other senses become attuned and develop, smell slowly decreases in importance, but the olfactory sense remains highly acute and sensitive, and what may be a mild odor for an adult may be overpowering for a child.
Suzanne Catty
A young child’s organs and skin are still developing which means they don’t protect, metabolize, or otherwise process chemicals they are exposed to as quickly or efficiently as a healthy adult and therefore essential oils are generally too strong for use with babies and children.
The use of essential oils with children varies depending on whose advice you seek. Below are the generally recommended safety guidelines for children.
Remember, essential oils are highly concentrated and can be dangerous for children.
Please use only age-appropriate essential oils and follow all instructions.
Essential oils should be introduced slowly, one at a time, to determine any potential adverse health concerns. Discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention for any skin irritation, headache, nausea, respiratory concerns, dizziness, lethargy, and seizures.
Use of any essential oil is not recommended.
An alternative to essential oils is the use of carrier and infused oils, butters, and hydrosols for a gentle massage and skin care.
Learn more about Hydrosols here.
Diffusion is the preferred method. Use 1 - 2 drops of essential oil. With the child out of the room, turn the diffuser on for 15 minutes and then turn it off. Wait another 15 minutes before allowing the child in the room. Do not exceed two or three times a day with at least 1 hour between use.
For topical use, the recommended dilution ratio is 0.50% (2 drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil); maximum 1% dilution.
Age-appropriate essential oils: The preceding essential oils and the following:
Niaouli 1,8-Cineole[2] Melaleuca quinquenervia
Ginger Zingiber officinale
Grapefruit[P] Citrus x paradisi
Coriander Coriandrum sativum
Howood Cinnamomum camphora ct linalool
Diffusion is the preferred method. Use 1 drop of essential oil. With the child out of the room, turn the diffuser on for 15 minutes and then turn it off. Wait another 15 minutes before allowing the child in the room. Do not exceed two or three times a day with at least 1 hour between use.
For topical use, the recommended dilution ratio is 0.25% (1 drop per 1 ounce of carrier oil); 0.5% maximum.
Age-appropriate essential oils:
Cedarwood* Cedrus atlantica
Chamomile*, German Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile*, Roman Chamaemelum nobile
Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
Helichrysum, Helichrysum italicum
Jasmine Jasminum grandiflorum
Lavender* Lavandula augustifolia
Mandarin*/Tangerine Citrus reticulata
Neroli Citrus aurantium var. amara
Orange, Sweet Citrus sinensis
Palmarosa Cymbopogon martinii
Rose, Helichrysum
Sandalwood[S]* Santalum album
Spruce Tsuga canadensis
Diffusion is the preferred method. Use 1 - 2 drops of essential oil. With the child out of the room, turn the diffuser on for 15 minutes and then turn it off. Wait another 15 minutes before allowing the child in the room. Do not exceed two or three times a day with at least 1 hour between use.
For topical use, the recommended dilution ratio is 0.50% (2 drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil); maximum 1% dilution.
Age-appropriate essential oils: The preceding essential oils and the following:
Peppermint* Mentha x piperita[1]
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus[2], Eucalyptus radiata (lower 1,8 cineole content)
Rosemary ct 1,8-Cineole* Rosmarinus officinalis[2]
Spearmint Mentha spicata
Thyme ct Linalol Thymus vulgaris
Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia
Ylang Ylang Cananga odorata
[1] high amount of menthol can cause difficulty breathing. For diffusion, 1 - 2 drops maximum. For topical use, the dilution ratio is 0.5 % maximum.
[2] high amounts of 1,8-Cineole can cause difficulty breathing.
Diffusion is the preferred method. Use 1 - 2 drops of essential oil. With the child out of the room, turn the diffuser on for 15 minutes and then turn it off. Wait another 15 minutes before allowing the child in the room. Do not exceed two or three times a day with at least 1 hour between use.
For topical use, the recommended dilution ratio is 0.50% (2 drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil).
Age-appropriate essential oils: The preceding essential oils and the following:
Bergamot[P]* Citrus bergamia
Blood Orange, Citrus x sinensis
Blue Tansy Tanacetum annuum
Cardamon Elettaria cardamomum
Copaiba Copaifera officinalis
Frankincense[S] Boswellia carteri (also known as Boswellia sacra)
Helichrysum Helichrysum italicum
Juniper Berry Juniperus communis
Lemon[P-cold pressed] Citrus x limon
Lime[P-cold pressed] Citrus x aurantifolia
Petitgrain Citrus aurantium var. amara
Pinon Pine Pinus edulis
Sweet Marjoram Origanum marjorana
Vetiver* Vetiveria zizanioides
See general safety guidelines here.
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Perform a skin patch test before using a new essential oil.
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Do not use phototoxic essential oils topically before sun exposure.
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Do not use essential oils around the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. If essential oil gets into the eye, apply carrier oil to a cotton cloth and carefully wipe over the closed lid.
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In the event of a dermal irritation, apply a small amount of vegetable oil or cream to the area affected to calm the irritation. Do not wash or rinse the area with water. Seek medical attention, as appropriate.
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In the event of ingestion, contact the nearest poison control unit. Keep the bottle for identification and encourage the child to drink whole or 2% milk. Do not give them water or try to induce vomiting.
P = Photoxic
S = Sustainability concern.
*Autism and ADHD as recognized by Autism Parenting Magazine and Healthline.
Lotions, Creams, and Gels
Add age-appropriate essential oil, in the appropriate dilution ratio, to a carrier base or oil, such as coconut oil or aloe vera gel, making sure to mix thoroughly.
Aroma
Inhaler or Aromastick
For older children.
Add age-appropriate essential oil, in the appropriate dilution ratio, to the cotton wick fitted within a metal/glass tube with a threaded closure. To use, hold the aroma inhaler under the nose. Close one nostril and take a deep inhale with the other nostril; repeat on the other side.
Aromatherapy inhalers/aromasticks are available at Plant Therapy.
Sensory Toys and Projects
Enjoy engaging and teaching your child about botanicals and essential oils with this sensory toys and projects:
Slime
Silly Putty
Sleep Sachet
Sock Bath
Bath Bombs
Shower Steamers
Difussion
Add the age-appropriate essential oil, in the appropriate dilution ratio. Diffusion should not exceed fifteen, two or three times a day. The diffuser should not be placed directly next to the child.
Roll-On
For older children.
Add age-appropriate essential oil, in the appropriate dilution ratio, and carrier oil to an amber glass bottle with a roller ball and threaded closure. To use, roll the bottle over the hands, arms, feet, or neck.
Glass roller ball bottles are available at Plant Therapy.
Kid Friendly
Anxiety
Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender, Orange, Neroli
Calm and Focus
Cedarwood, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Energizing
Lime, Grapefruit, Orange, Mandarin, Peppermint
Respiratory
Cardamon, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fir, Lemon, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Spruce
Sleep
Lavender , Roman Chamomile, Vetiver
Rooms Fresheners and Spritzers
Add age-appropriate essential oil, in the appropriate dilution ratio dilution ratio of essential oils to distilled water. Mist the bed linens and pillows.
Bath
For children over 2 years old.
Add 1-2 drops of age-appropriate, bath safe essential oils to 1 teaspoon of a dispersing agent or emulsifier and mix together. Once the tub is filled with water, add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water. Enjoy the bath for about 10 minutes.
Note: Dispersing agents include Castile soap, milk, honey, glycerin, Solubol or Disper, etc. If using a carrier oil or other high slip dispersing agent, please use extreme caution as the tub will become slippery and pose an unsafe situation.
