The benefits of essential oils aren’t limited to adults. Essential oils can be wonderful for your whole family- even the youngest members. When it comes to your little ones, though, it’s especially important to use oils in a way that is safe for their sensitive systems. Luckily you don’t have to dig through a pile of research on your own to find out how! We’ve conducted careful research to develop recommendations for using essential oils with your children, from the tops of their heads to the tips of their toes.
Before you administer oils to your children, consult a health care professional, especially if your child or infant is sick.
General use: Children can be especially sensitive to some essential oils. We recommend caution when using the following oils (or blends containing them) with children and infants: Idaho Tansy, Hyssop, Sage, Clary Sage, Wintergreen, Eucalyptus, Oregano, and other strong oils.
Ingestion: Because Young Living oils are so concentrated we do not recommend ingestion by infants.
Diffusing: Diffusing is a wonderful way to add humidity to the air and surround your little ones with relaxing aroma. When you diffuse oils next to cribs and play areas, add less oil than you usually would to avoid overwhelming sensitive little noses. wearing essential oils on your own skin can also help your baby become familiar with the fragrance.
Topical application: Children’s skin is very delicate, so make sure to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, grape seep oil, or v-6 vegetable oil complex. We recommend diluting the oils more heavily than you would for your own use. When you are using a new essential oil, preform a spot test on your child’s arm or leg with heavily diluted oil.If no reaction occurs it is likely okay to use.
See more in-depth guidelines for diluting essential oils for kids and babies on the Young Living blog at http://bit.ly/ChildrensDilutionGuide