Aromatherapy for Babies: Everything You Need to Know

Aromatherapy for babies is a technique that uses essential oils to provide well-being to the baby or improve its health. Generally, these oils are applied through massages, although they can also be used in vaporizations.

Although there are no restrictions on its use because it is natural, it is recommended that it be used in babies older than 2 months of age. It is also important to dilute the oil before applying it and not use it for two weeks before vaccination. Dilution is very important, the recommendation is not to use more than one drop in each aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy for Babies: Everything You Need to Know

Ideal Essential Oils

There are many different essential oils available, but keep in mind that not all of them are recommended for babies and that some have special benefits. For example, lavender oil is perfect for helping children fall asleep thanks to its calming effect. Chamomile oil is recommended for use when the baby feels restless or agitated as it also has a calming effect.

There is also mandarin oil , which, in addition to its calming effect, helps with digestive problems. It is very safe to use during pregnancy, with babies and children. Neroli oil is highly recommended when the child is distressed or very nervous. To help treat respiratory problems such as flu or colds, ravintsara oil is highly recommended. This oil is from the laurel family.

If your child has sensitive skin and is constantly exposed to the sun or is easily irritated, use calendula oil to help increase the skin’s defenses. Also, to help heal wounds, use rosehip oil , which also provides elasticity and flexibility to the skin.

Eucalyptus oil is also widely used to treat respiratory illnesses as it helps to clear the airways. If your baby frequently suffers from colic, try massaging his or her tummy (clockwise) with sweet fennel oil .

To treat bumps, bruises and wounds naturally, you can try rockrose oil , which also has bactericidal and fungicidal properties; a perfect natural ally to have at home.

Ways to Use

There are three ways in which you can use essential oils during aromatherapy for babies. The least common is during baths . It is important to dilute them very well because essential oils are very concentrated and can irritate the baby’s skin. A good way to do this is to dilute 0.5 ml of the oil in 100 ml of water.

Another way is with vaporizations , it is a highly recommended technique when the baby has respiratory problems. In this case, you should have a diffuser that helps spread the aroma throughout the room.

And finally, the massage technique is the most commonly used, especially because it allows for more direct and pleasant contact for the baby. The most common areas to massage are the back, chest, tummy, legs and arms.

During these aromatherapy sessions, it is recommended to be very careful that children do not put their hands in their mouth or eyes, because it is very easy for their hands to become covered in oil.

In What Cases Can You Use Aromatherapy?

When the baby has colic or digestive problems, a tummy massage will be of great help. If the baby has congestion, a cold or a flu, try massaging the back, chest and feet. If the baby has difficulty sleeping, try massaging the body with lavender oil during the bath. This helps them feel very relaxed.

Keep in mind that even though these are natural oils, people, in this case babies, may be allergic to the main component. Generally, these allergies are to nuts, so if there is a family history of allergies to nuts, it is best not to use oils such as almond oil.