How to Safely Use Essential Oils for Babies and Kids: Calming Anxiety and Stress

baby essential oils

If you’re a parent or caregiver, you might be searching for gentle, natural ways to support your little one’s emotional wellbeing. Essential oils have gained popularity as soothing remedies, but it’s important to know how to use them safely, especially when it comes to infants and small children.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the most effective essential oils for promoting calm and happiness in your child’s life and share easy tips on how to use these oils safely while highlighting some recent research that backs up these natural solutions. Read on to discover how you can nurture your child’s emotional health with the power of essential oils!

The Science Behind Essential Oils for Emotional Support

Essential oils are aromatic compounds extracted from plants that have been used for centuries in various traditional therapies. More recently, scientific research has begun validating the potential benefits of essential oils, including their ability to support emotional health.

According to recent research, essential oils like lavender and chamomile have shown positive effects on mood regulation and stress reduction in both adults and children. These oils work by interacting with the olfactory system, triggering the brain’s limbic system, which plays a role in emotional regulation.

Top 3 Essential Oils for Emotional Wellbeing in Babies and Children

  1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
    Lavender is one of the most well-researched essential oils for its calming properties. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting better sleep in infants and small children.

  2. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
    Roman chamomile is gentle and soothing, making it ideal for calming fussiness and irritability in young children. Research has shown that chamomile can reduce symptoms of anxiety and may even help reduce crying episodes in infants with colic.

  3. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
    Citrus oils, especially sweet orange, are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. Sweet orange oil has been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood, making it a great choice for children who may be feeling unsettled or emotionally overwhelmed.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely with Infants and Small Children

While essential oils can be effective for emotional support, they must be used cautiously with young children and infants, as their skin is delicate and more susceptible to irritation.

  1. Dilution is Key. Always dilute essential oils when using them with infants and children. For infants (0-2 years), the recommended dilution is 0.25-0.5% essential oil to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. For older children (2-6 years), a 1-2% dilution is generally safe. This means adding 1-2 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.

  2. Diffusion vs. Topical Application. For infants, diffusion is often the safest method to deliver the benefits of essential oils. Use a diffuser in a well-ventilated room for 15-20 minutes at a time. Topical application can be used for children, but it’s essential to patch test any oil to ensure there’s no allergic reaction. When applying essential oils topically, always dilute them properly in a carrier oil like sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil and apply to the back, chest, or bottoms of feet.

  3. Avoid Oils You’re Not Sure About. Some essential oils should be avoided in young children due to their potency. For example, peppermint and eucalyptus contain compounds that can irritate the respiratory system in infants and young children. Stick to gentle oils like lavender, chamomile, and sweet orange for emotional support.

  4. Monitor for Reactions. Even safe oils should be used with care. Always monitor your child for any adverse reactions, such as rashes, redness, or breathing difficulties, and discontinue use if any issues arise.

  5. Never Allow Children to Ingest Essential Oils. Always keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Clinical Studies Supporting Essential Oils in Emotional Health for Children

Several studies have emerged in recent years, showing the efficacy of essential oils in helping manage emotional and psychological symptoms in young children.

  • Lavender and Sleep Quality
    A 2022 study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that diffusing lavender essential oil significantly improved the sleep patterns of infants, including colic infants. Lavender’s calming effects were shown to reduce crying and promote relaxation before bedtime. Another study has shown that lavender had the ability to comfort premature infants in the NICU. 

  • Chamomile for Infant Colic
    Roman chamomile is known for its gentle, soothing effects. Research has shown that chamomile can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and may even help with sleep issues in children. Roman chamomile has also been studied for its effects on colic in infants, and a 2017 case report found that topically applying chamomile significantly reduced crying in colicky infants, providing both physical and emotional relief.

  • Citrus Oils and Mood Enhancement
    Citrus oils, particularly sweet orange, have been found to have uplifting and calming effects. A 2013 study explored the impact of sweet orange essential oil on mood in children. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in anxiety levels and overall mood in children exposed to the oil during emotionally stressful situations.

Conclusion

Essential oils, when used safely, can be a wonderful tool to support the emotional health of infants and young children. Oils like lavender, chamomile, sweet orange, and sandalwood offer calming and uplifting effects that are backed by research. However, it is important to prioritize safety by using proper dilution, opting for diffusion over topical application for infants, and always avoiding potentially irritating oils like peppermint and eucalyptus.

As with any natural remedy, consult with your pediatrician before introducing essential oils into your child’s routine, especially if your child has underlying health conditions or allergies.

By incorporating essential oils thoughtfully and safely, you can create a nurturing environment that supports the emotional wellbeing of your little ones.

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