Essential Oils For Kids – Guidelines to be Aware of

It goes without saying that we all want the absolute best for our children. As moms and dads, it quickly becomes our mission to do everything we can to ensure that our little loves are healthy, happy, and thriving. And most parents can probably agree that whenever possible, natural is always the best way to go.

Used with a little extra caution (and common sense), essential oils can have a positive, healthy impact for kids—just like they can for their older counterparts! Used correctly, they can help with everything colic, cradle cap, and diaper rash to fussiness and sleep issues.

 

Only the Highest Quality Essential Oils for Children

Twig+Petal products are an ideal introduction to essential oils for children. Our handcrafted products don’t come from huge factories—we use only the purest, Mother Nature-derived ingredients and each batch is tested before bottling to ensure the highest quality. Our commitment to transparency helps give you the peace of mind that you’re using only the best for those who matter most.

Keep in mind that essential oils are not a new concept. While it may seem like another “latest and greatest” fad, essential oils have been used by humans for centuries. So you can rest assured that if you choose to use essential oils for your children, you’re not reinventing the wheel!

However, just like any new product, there are a few important essential oil guidelines for kids to be aware of:

1.      Talk to your pedi

Like any new product, it’s always smart to give your child’s doc a heads up before use. And just to be safe, it’s generally considered best to wait until your baby is three months of age before introducing essential oils.

2.      Always dilute

Children’s skin is very different from adults’—it’s thinner, and generally more sensitive. Even though most essential oils are non-irritating to the skin, it’s still a good idea to dilute them with a really high-quality carrier oil (we recommend one drop of essential oil per 20 drops of carrier oil). Our Twig+Petal Carrier Oil is made from 100% cold-pressed, organic Jojoba oil, which is great to use for topical application.

3.      Diffusing

A great and safe way to use essential oils is to diffuse. Inhaled oils have long been studied for their efficacy and safety. Just be sure to dilute the oils according to the label instructions and be sure to use sparingly and in a well-ventilated area.

4.  Keep out of reach

As with any health product, essential oils should only be applied or used by an adult. After all, they smell so good that little ones may be tempted to go overboard. And essential oils should never, ever be ingested by children (be sure to call your local Poison Control if you suspect this has happened).

5. Application safety

If you are applying essential oils directly to the skin of your child, be sure to steep clear of the nose. A great place to start with topical application is the soles of the feet, where the skin is thicker and generally less sensitive.

6. Slow introduction is key

With babies and small children, keep in mind that you probably haven’t yet discovered any and all allergies. Introduce essential oils slowly (one at a time) and sparingly to ensure there are no sensitivities. If your child is going to have a reaction, it will most likely be within the first 15-30 minutes of application.

 

The Different Essential Oils Safe for Kids

In Shirley Price’s book, Aromatherapy for Babies and Children, she mentions 19 oils that are generally considered safe for children over three months of age:

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)*

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)**

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lemon (Citrus limon)*

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)*

Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Melaleuca-Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Orange (Citrus aurantium)*

Rose Otto (Rosa damascena)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)**

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Thyme (Thumus vulgaris CT linalol)

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

* These oils are photosensitive. Always dilute and avoid direct sun exposure following application.

** These oils should never be used undiluted on children or babies.

A word of caution: Do not use synthetic or adulterated oils. Avoid using oils with different botanical names until the safety data has been thoroughly reviewed. Twig+Petal essential oils go beyond organic—so they’re always a safe place to start.

 

As follows is a list of common childhood ailments, as well as essential oils that may help:

Colic: Bergamot, Ginger, Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang.

Common Cold: Cedarwood, Lemon, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Thyme.

Constipation: Ginger, Mandarin, Orange, Rosemary.

Cradle Cap: Mix 1 drop Lemon with 1 drop Geranium OR mix 1 drop Cedarwood with one drop Sandalwood. Dilute with high-quality carrier oil and apply a few drops to affected scalp area.

Croup: Marjoram, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Thyme.

Fussiness: Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Rose Otto, Ylang Ylang.

Diaper Rash: Lavender (dilute generously and apply to the affected area).

Digestive issues: Lemon, Orange.

Dry skin: Rosewood, Sandalwood.

Earache: Lavender, Tea Tree, Roman Chamomile, Thyme.

Fever: Lavender.

Flu: Cypress, Lemon.

General rashes: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Rose Otto, Sandalwood.

Thrush: Geranium, Lavender, Lemon.

Tonsillitis: Ginger, Lavender, Lemon.

Twig+Petal is committed to bringing you—and your family—all the best health and happiness… naturally!