Safe Options and Rules for Using Essential Oils for Babies

There are various choices of essential oils for babies that you can give. But before applying it to the baby, pay attention to the types and rules of use so that safety is maintained. As the use of essential oils in pregnant women, giving essential oils for babies should not be done haphazardly. Because in addition to the baby's skin is still thin, the baby's immune system is also not fully developed. Babies are prone to health problems, such as poisoning, if the administration of essential oils is not done properly.

Choosing Essential Oils that are Safe for Babies

There are various choices of essential oils for babies that are believed to be safe and bring benefits. Here are a few:

• Chamomile

This essential oil for babies is soothing that it can overcome the problem of insomnia in infants. In addition, chamomile essential oil has also been proven to calm fussy babies. The mixture of chamomile oil with lavender oil is also able to relieve colic symptoms experienced by your baby.

• Lavender

This essential oil for babies can be applied to the skin of babies bitten by insects or mosquitoes, because it can relieve itching. In addition, by massaging the baby using lavender oil, the baby can sleep more soundly. Recent studies reveal that lavender is effective in overcoming colic symptoms in infants.

• Eucalyptus radiata

Eucalyptus type radiata is safe to apply to the baby's body and is claimed to be able to relieve breathing, especially when the baby is having a cold. Essential oils similar to eucalyptus oil are also effective in preventing babies from mosquito bites.

• Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is believed to contain natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Mixing a few drops of tea tree oil in other natural oils can help overcome diaper rash and fungal infections. However, because this oil is hard enough, you should first test a small portion of the baby's skin to see the reaction. It is recommended to avoid using tea tree oil in infants less than 6 months old.

• Mandarin or Citrus reticulata

Almost the same as lavender oil, mandarin oil has a calming effect so it can cope with babies having trouble sleeping at night. Compared to other citrus essential oils, mandarin oil has a sweeter aroma and is more friendly on the skin so it is not easy to cause skin irritation.

Rules for Use of Essential Oils in Babies

Although the various essential oils for babies that have been mentioned above are considered safe, there are things that must be considered in giving or applying essential oils to babies. Here are a few:

• Check the packaging label

When buying essential oils, read the packaging label first. It is important to use essential oils according to their method, efficacy, and compatibility with the baby's body. From the packaging label, you can also find out the ingredients of the oil maker. Avoid the use of essential oils mixed with alcohol and synthetic fragrances, because it can cause irritation to the baby's skin. Choose the truly pure.

• Pay attention to the age of the baby

Actually there is no specific benchmark regarding the age of a baby that is safe to use essential oils. But to be safer, avoid using essential oils in babies under the age of 3 months. Some essential oils are also not recommended for babies under the age of 6 months. Do not hesitate to ask or consult a doctor before applying essential oils to the baby.

• Dilute it before applying it to the skin

Essential oils for babies must first be diluted with carrier oil before being applied to the baby's skin. If you don't have carrier oil, you can use coconut oil or almond oil to thin it. The dose of essential oil dilution depends on the baby's age. For babies over 3 years, the safe and recommended dilution ratio is between 0.5-1%.

• Apply little by little

You are advised to apply a small amount of essential oil that has been diluted to the baby's feet or arms before applying it to other parts of the body. If within 24 hours a reaction occurs in the form of redness or inflammation, stop using. It could be this is an allergic reaction to the content in the oil.

Make sure essential oils for babies are safe to use. Avoid giving certain types of essential oils to babies. Among these are fennel oil, globus eucalyptus, verbena, peppermint, rosemary and wintergreen. This is because the types of oils have not been tested for safety for infants. In addition, in certain medical conditions, the use of essential oils in infants is also not recommended. Parents should ask their doctor before using essential oils in infants.