How Safe Is It To Use Essential Oil On Kids?

Essential oils have become popular as a natural alternative to medications and supplements. People use them in diffusers, add them to their laundry, or just enjoy them in homemade spa products. 

Although they are generally safe for adults when used as per instructions, they do pose dangers for kids. Plus, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians opposes the use of essential oils on babies. Here’s everything that you need to know.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are typically extracted from plants and bottled in high concentrations without dilution.

According to studies, essential oils have medicinal properties and are used for improving sleep, alleviating physical pain, reducing stress, and easing an upset stomach.

Do’s And Don’ts While Using Essential Oils On Children

Here are some do’s and don’ts when using essential oils on children:

Do’s:

1. It is advisable to avoid sunlight for some essential oils. Always check the caution remarks for each essential oil on the label.

2. You can store the essential oils in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and keep them out of reach of children.

3. Apply a patch test before use. You can apply the essential oil to a small area of your baby’s skin and wait for 24 hours to see if there is an adverse reaction before using it again.

4. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have any questions about how to use an oil or regarding the dilution ratios to use on your child.

Don’ts:

1. It is not advisable to use undiluted oils directly on your baby’s skin. Safe dilutions for children usually range from 0.5-2.5% depending on the condition and the age/ weight of the child.

Hence, it is safe to add essential oils to carrier oils, distilled water, and lotions.

2. Undiluted oils should not be added to bath water. Since oil and water don’t mix, the concentrated form might irritate the little one’s sensitive skin.

3. Be very careful while using essential oils as these are highly concentrated and can be toxic if swallowed.

4. Another thing that needs to be kept in mind is how often and how much essential oil you should use on your baby’s skin.

For instance, don’t use a lotion that contains lavender and then apply a lavender essential oil as well.

5. Research shows that peppermint oil used on children under 30 months of age can increase the risk for seizures. Hence, it is advisable not to use peppermint oil on children less than 30 months old.

6. Children must not be exposed to direct sunlight after using essential oils like citrus oils. It might cause severe irritation, rash, or pigmentation on the skin.

Essential Oils to Avoid

A baby’s skin is still developing and is highly sensitive. Hence, it is recommended to ensure the safety of the essential oil before it is used on them.

However, there are a few essential oils that are not safe to use on children below two years as these can cause rash, hives, and respiratory problems.

• Ylang Ylang
• Verbena
• Turpentine
• Tea tree
• Tree Moss
• Tuberose
• Tea leaf
• Savoury
• Sage
• Black Seed
• Basil
• Garlic
• Ginger Lily
• Eucalyptus

Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Babies

There’s a host of benefits that essential oils can offer to babies when used the right way. Some of these benefits are:

1. Colic: Essential oils like mandarin (citrus) and chamomile can calm your colic baby. Applying diluted forms of one of these essential oils on the stomach and the back will help soothe babies.

2. Common Cold: Cedarwood, lemon, and sandalwood essential oils have antiviral properties and can be extremely beneficial when your baby has a cold. You can apply diluted essential oil on the neck and the chest for some relief.

3. Constipation: When massaged on the stomach and the feet, essential oils like mandarin, ginger, and blue tansy can help in improving your little one’s digestive health.

4. Diaper Rash: Diluted essential oils like lavender and copaiba oil can be applied to the diaper area for quick relief.

5. Dry or flaky Skin: Dry skin in babies can result in itching and discomfort. Diluted sandalwood and rosewood essential oils moisturise the skin and provide relief.

6. Fever: You can rub some diluted lavender or eucalyptus oils on your baby’s neck, feet, or behind the ear to provide relief from fever.

7. Jaundice: Lemon or mandarin essential oils can be diluted and applied around the liver area over the child’s skin for faster recovery from jaundice along with medications.

8. Respiratory aid: A combination of diluted lavender and frankincense oil can help relieve congestion, heaviness in the chest, and breathing difficulties in the little one.

Dr. Pooja Marathe, Community Expert – Lactation & Nutrition says, “Essential oils can be harmful if applied directly to your baby’s skin. Hence, these must be diluted. Aromatherapy oils like lavender, peppermint, orange, and ginger have been determined to be both safe and effective for use with children over the age of five. Many children like the smell, and these are generally effective in calming them.”
Although essential oils have a plethora of benefits, medical reports show that these should not be used on babies below three months of age. It is advisable to discuss with a paediatrician to know the best kid-friendly essential oils that are ideal for your little one.