Top 10 Essential Oils Safe for Kids
Essential oils are the purest, most natural products available on the market. Despite that, you cannot use them on kids thoughtlessly. Essential oils are very potent and kids’ skin is too delicate and fragile to handle their power. Moreover, we might still not what our kids are allergic to.
Essential oils are generally safe for kids as they are extracted from plants and no harmful chemicals are used in their extraction or purification. Still, doctors recommend that essential oils must never be used on babies younger than three months old.
However, essential oils are too beneficial to not use them on our children. Therefore, we have assembled this list of essential oils safe for kids so you may know which ones to use and which ones to avoid.
Why Some Essential Oils Are Unsafe for Kids
Essential oils are potent and concentrated plant extracts and must be used with the same caution as you would use any other medicine. Some essential oils are too strong for kids' delicate skin and cause painful rashes on their bodies.
Wrong or excessive application is poisonous for kids. It can cause agitation of skin and may also cause hallucinations and seizures. In extreme cases, the child may develop breathing issues, liver failure, brain swelling, and similar complexities.
Essential oils must always be kept out of reach of kids. Ingestion is poisonous and may even be fatal. Less than half a tablespoon is enough to poison a child. 4 out of 5 cases of essential oil poisoning involve kids who swallow them accidentally.
Therefore, before using any essential oil, a parent needs to keep two things in mind:
- Is the essential oil safe for the kids?
- How to use essential oils safely around kids?
Unsafe Essential Oils for Kids
Of all the essential oils harmful for kids, two stand out:
Bergamot Oil:
Bergamot oil may be used with older children but even then there is a risk. It is phototoxic and sun exposure must be avoided for 24 hours after its application. It makes skin more vulnerable to diseases especially skin cancer. Even people who work with Bergamot oil are at risk of skin issues such as scabs, blister, pigmentation, rashes, and cancerous plaques.
Cinnamon Bark Oil:
Cinnamon Bark essential oil is generally listed as safe only for diffusion. You can use it safely in an aromatherapy diffuser. If applied directly to the skin, it causes extreme irritation and damages the area.
Top 10 Essential Oils Safe for Kids
Many essential oils are safe for most kids. However, always dilute essential oils with carrier oils or cream before applying them to children.
1. Dill Oil
Dill is a calming oil that helps relieve symptoms of indigestion. To use it we dilute it in a ratio of 1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil (either coconut or olive oil). Blend them thoroughly and massage the concoction on the baby’s skin, especially around the tummy.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has a calming and tranquilizing effect. A lavender oil massage can help relax a fussy baby. It initiates a peaceful sleep. The lavender essential oil can also be used to soothe mosquito bites and reduce itchiness.
3. Mandarin oil:
Mandarin oil is also known as citrus oil. It has a calming effect similar to Lavender oil and can be an important part of your baby’s bedtime ritual. For babies who find lavender scents irritating, they often settle for Mandarin oil easily and gain the same benefits.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is a natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and air purifier. Adding a few drops to any unscented oil can easily remove diaper rashes and minimize the risk of fungal infections. Tea Tree is a strong oil, harsher on delicate baby skin. So, it’s better to avoid its use on babies younger than 6 months. Even on older kids, it’s advised to carefully patch test before application.
5. Neroli Oil
Neroli essential oil is expensive as it is freshly made from picked flowers of the bitter orange tree. The extraction process is very lengthy. Neroli essential oil can be used without diluting it but if you prefer a milder formulation, you can mix it up with any carrier oil.
6. Blue Tansy Oil:
Also known as Moroccan Blue Chamomile, this oil is very soothing for the skin. Getting original Blue Tansy oil is hard to acquire as many fake ones are in the market. That’s why it’s important to buy from trustworthy essential oil brands. Blue Tansy oil is the best natural remedy for kids suffering from pollen allergies.
7. Frankincense Frereana Oil:
It’s the most versatile essential oil with innumerable benefits. Frankincense essential oil strengthens the child’s immune system. It is useful in soothing cuts, bruises, and other injuries a child may have. It is the safest essential oil in the market and has many applications.
8. Cypress Oil:
This oil supports healthy respiratory functions and helps the baby in breathing better. The recommended safe dose for kids is 7 drops in two tablespoons of carrier oil. It also helps regulate emotions during growth.
9. Sandalwood Oil:
This essential oil comes handy in calming a fussy baby. It not only soothes a baby bust also reduces inflammations and skin eruptions. Therefore, it also works wonders for children and adults with oily skin.
10. Spearmint Oil:
Spearmint essential oil is similar in properties to Peppermint oil. However, you can safely use Spearmint oil with small children. It promotes better digestion. The maximum recommended dose is 10 drops in two tablespoons of carrier oil.
Safest Ways to Use Essential Oils for Kids
Many parents wonder what’s the safest way to use essential oils for kids. The answer is very simple, Dilution. Most essential oils are safest when they are diluted in some carrier oils to make them less concentrated. Some of the usual carrier oils are:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Jojoba oil
- Sweet Almond oil
- Argan oil
To test whether an essential oil is safe for your kid, always do a precautionary patch test. Also remember, essential oils must not be used with premature babies. They should only be applied to children who are older than three months.
Using essential oils instills an appreciation for the natural lifestyle in kids from a very young age. They are an amazing way to enhance a child’s health, to care for their body and to nurture their mind. However, like any other product or medicine, moderation is the key to getting the most benefit out of essential oils.
