What’s the big deal about using essential oils for children, anyways? Children are more sensitive in general to fragrance and more receptive to the therapeutic use of essential oils. Young children’s immune systems have not completely developed and they are overall less able to deal with adverse effects when concentrated substances, such as essential oils, are used in the air around them via diffusion. So we suggest no essential oils on or around babies before the age of 6 months. When using essential oils around children you need to be very careful. Certain essential oils could be toxic if ingested. Keep all essential oils out of reach of children and babies.
Essential oils are far more concentrated than herbal extracts and tinctures and should always be diluted before applying to the skin. No matter what brand you use, what essential oil it is, or how much you are using, all essential oils should be diluted for use with babies and children. It is also important to note that when adding essential oils to baths of children, they must first be diluted in a water soluble carrier, such as raw unfiltered honey or vegetable glycerin. Adding essential oils straight to bath water, without a carrier, runs you the risk of causing irritation to the skin. There are many applications for essential oils with babies and children, but they should be kept away from a child’s face. Essential oils should not be used in or around the nose in children. Diluting essential oils before applying to the skin has many benefits. It provides a good medium for the essential oils to be absorbed; spreads the essential oil over a larger surface of the skin; and provides a measure of safety against irritation, sensitivity, phototoxicity, and sensitization.
From ages 6 months – age 2, you may diffuse child safe oils (below) for a specific purpose and short periods of time. After the age of 2 you may start topical use with a very low dilution, but keep in mind a child’s immune system takes years to fully develop, making them less able to deal with the adverse affects which may arise when concentrated products are used improperly on or around them. Herbs and hydrosols are often a better and safer choice for children.
The maximum recommended amount of essential oils used on babies 3+ months topically, should not exceed .2% of the recipe, or 1-2 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
The maximum recommended amount of essential oils used on babies 6+ months topically, should not exceed .5% of the recipe, or 3-5 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
The maximum recommended amount of essential oils used on babies 6+ months topically, should not exceed .5% of the recipe, or 3-5 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
The maximum recommended amount of essential oils used on children 2+ years topically, should not exceed 2% of the recipe, or 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
The maximum recommended amount of essential oils used on children 6+ years topically, should not exceed 3% of the recipe, or 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
By this age, most of the essential oils are safe for topical use or diffusion for children, though you should always be sure to slowly introduce each oil individually, to be sure that there are no adverse reactions or allergies. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils are all avoided in younger children because they contain a chemical constituent called cineol 1,8 and menthol.
There are always some people feel confused about children and aromatherapy. I hope the information in this post will help you to feel confident about using essential oils for children safely.