The use of essential oils on babies is still uncommon and parents are not always ready to take the plunge. Their beneficial properties will also act on your baby if used with care. A basic rule: essential oils are not allowed in infants under 3 months. In addition, not all of them are authorized for babies. Be sure to check their authorization and the route of application to be considered in babies over 3 months old, before using a new essential oil.
This article was updated on 23/11/2023General precautions for using essential oils for babies
Essential oils are substances active, concentrated and very powerful. For babies, they are daily allies if they are used with caution, but also potential dangers if used in too large quantities. In addition, they can be allergenic or irritating. Certain precautions should be taken to use essential oils on babies over 3 months with complete peace of mind:
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By definition, the precautions taken for children are even more so for babies (cf. Essential oils for children aged 3 and over) :
- Always check before using a new essential oil or a mixture of essential oils that your baby is not allergic to any of its constituents by applying a few drops to the crook of the elbow. Then wait 24 hours to notice - or not - a skin reaction (description of the allergic test on our site) ;
- Never apply pure essential oil directly to the eyes, nose or ears;
- No exposure to the sun within 12 hours following the application of so-called photosensitizing essential oils;
- Please refer to the advice pages for each essential oil to follow the specific instructions for use.
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Generally, it is not recommended to use pure essential oils on babies' skin. We prefer to dilute them in a fatty substance, such as a natural vegetable oil, for example.
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Oral use of essential oils is only authorized from the age of 6, unless otherwise indicated. For babies from 3 months, we will therefore favor the skin route and atmospheric diffusion.
How to use them?
They can be diffused in the bedroom or incorporated into vegetable oils for massages. But we must remain vigilant about the quantities used and the frequency of their use. Be careful to follow the instructions for use. Do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Our team of aromatherapy experts is also at your disposal. With the advice of a professional, it is possible to use them in the form of suppositories, made by a pharmacist.
Which ones are authorized from 3 months?
Without medical advice
- Matricaria Chamomile
- Roman chamomile
- Cistus
- Eucalyptus Radiata
- Odorous Inula
- Fine Lavender
- True Lavender
- Marjoram with Shells
- Petit grain bigarade
- Ravintsara
- Saro
- Tea Tree
- Thyme in Linalool
- Thyme in Thujanol
- Ylang ylang complete
- Ylang ylang iii
With medical advice
- Clove
- Lemon Eucalyptus
- Sweet Fennel
- Italian Helichrysum
- Green Mandarin
- Lemon Myrtle
- Green Myrtle
- Niaouli
- Green Oregano
- Palmarosa
- Annual Tansy
Prohibited
Ajwain, Dill, Angelica, Basil, Bergamot, Bergamot without Bergapten, Cade, Cajeput, Wild Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Caraway, Atlas Cedar, Lemon, Java Lemongrass, Combava, Coriander Seeds, Sea Cristus, Turmeric, Cypress de Provence, Incense, Black Spruce, Tarragon, Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Smithii, Galbanum, Wintergreen, Juniper, Rosat Geranium, Ginger, Madagascar Helichrysum, Khella, Noble Laurel, Lavender Aspic, Lavandin Super, Lavandula Stoechas, Greenland Ledon, Lemongrass, Pistachio mastic, Lovage, Wild marjoram, Lemon balm, Field mint, Peppermint, Spearmint, Nutmeg, Red myrtle, Himalayan spikenard, Neroli, Sweet orange, Compact oregano, Spanish oregano, Grapefruit, Patchouli, Douglas Pine, Scots Pine, Black Pepper, Hemlock, Camphor Rosemary, Cineole Rosemary, Verbenone Rosemary, Balsam Fir, Siberian Fir, Mountain Savory, Lavender Leaf Sage, Clary Sage, Turpentine, Savory Leaf Thyme , Thyme in Thymol, Goldenrod, Exotic Verbena, Fragrant Verbena, Vetiver.
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Bibliography
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.