15 Most Safest Essential Oils for Babies and How To Use Them

What essential oils are safe for babies?

Let’s get into it! Here are 15 essential oils safe for babies.

1. Organic German Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile is a safe essential oil for babies. It’s particularly effective for soothing upset stomachs, reducing colic symptoms, and promoting relaxation. Chamomile is also beneficial for treating skin conditions such as diaper rash.

Use Organic German Chamomile Oil for baby or babies with sensitive skin, as it can soothe irritation and has a sweet, herbaceous scent that calms a crying toddler.

2. Lemon Essential Oil

If you’re thinking “is lemon essential oil safe for babies?” yes it is! Bright and zesty Lemon Oil uplifts moods. We recommend diffusing it after nap time.

For babies, this oil can be used to create a refreshing and positive environment. When diffused, it can help to clear the air and provide a clean, invigorating atmosphere, especially after nap time when your baby needs a gentle pick-me-up. However, it is important to note that lemon oil should be well-diluted and never applied directly to a baby's skin as it can cause photosensitivity, especially when exposed to sunlight. To use lemon oil safely, diffuse a few drops in a well-ventilated room or mix it with a carrier oil for use in a diffuser blend.

3. Organic Lavender Essential Oil for Babies

Lavender essential oil is one of the most widely recommended oils for babies due to its gentle and calming properties. It helps soothe restlessness and can be particularly effective in promoting sleep and reducing fussiness. Lavender oil is also known to boost mood, making it a versatile oil for both daytime and nighttime use. Lavender Essential Oil for babies may also boost the mood.

However, caution is advised when using lavender oil around babies. It should not be applied directly to the skin or pillow, as accidental ingestion could occur. Instead, diffusing lavender oil in the baby’s room before bedtime can help create a peaceful environment conducive to sleep.

4. Mandarin Essential Oil

Mandarin Oil offers a sweet, fruity aroma that is both calming and uplifting. Similar to lavender, mandarin oil can be used to promote relaxation and help prepare your baby for bedtime. It’s a great alternative for babies who may not enjoy the scent of lavender. The gentle, soothing properties of mandarin oil make it a favorite for creating a serene bedtime routine. Diffuse a few drops in your baby’s room or mix it with a carrier oil to apply to the bottom of their feet, ensuring it is well-diluted.

5. Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil is well-known for its powerful antimicrobial properties, making it a go-to for overall health and wellness. If you’re looking for essential oils for overall health, look no further. Tea Tree Oil for babies has many properties suitable for babies. However, avoid using it on babies younger than six months old and patch test on older infants as Tea Tree Oil may be harsh on the skin. When used correctly, tea tree oil can help with minor skin irritations and support a healthy immune system.

6. Petitgrain Essential Oil

Petitgrain Oil is an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. Its floral and woodsy scent uplifts moods for adults and infants alike. Petitgrain essential oil, derived from the leaves and green twigs of the bitter orange tree, has a refreshing, floral, and woody scent. It is an excellent choice for moisturizing dry skin in both babies and adults. The soothing properties of petitgrain oil make it ideal for calming irritated skin and promoting a sense of well-being. Its gentle nature allows it to be used in blends designed for baby skincare routines, helping to keep your baby’s skin soft and hydrated. Diffuse this oil in the nursery to create a relaxing atmosphere or dilute it with a carrier oil for a moisturizing massage.

7. Organic Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil

Sweet, earthy and woodsy Organic Atlas Cedarwood Oil is great for the body and promotes overall wellbeing. Cedarwood essential oil has a warm, woodsy scent that is both grounding and soothing. For babies, cedarwood oil can promote overall well-being by helping to calm the mind and body. Its gentle, earthy aroma is perfect for creating a peaceful environment, especially during bedtime. Cedarwood oil is also known for its ability to support respiratory health, making it a good choice during the cold season. When using cedarwood oil, dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it to the soles of the feet or diffuse it in the room to help your baby relax.

8. Organic Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Extracted from the freshest roses, Organic Rose Geranium Oil relaxes the mind and body with its sweet and floral scent. It is a wonderful oil to use for soothing restlessness in babies, helping to create a calming environment. Additionally, rose geranium oil has moisturizing properties that can help keep your baby’s skin soft and hydrated. This oil is particularly useful in baby skincare routines, where it can be added to lotions or used in a diluted form for gentle massages. Diffuse rose geranium oil to fill the room with its pleasant aroma or add a drop to your baby’s bath for a soothing experience.

9. Organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Organic Ylang Ylang Oil with its exotic and floral scent, is known for its ability to calm moods and reduce stress. It is especially useful for helping your baby relax and prepare for nap time. The calming properties of ylang ylang oil can help to soothe anxiety and promote a sense of peace, making it an excellent choice for a bedtime routine. This oil should be used sparingly and always diluted, as its strong scent can be overwhelming if not properly balanced. Diffuse ylang ylang oil in your baby’s room or blend it with a carrier oil for a relaxing massage. 

10. Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot Oil offers a sweet, zesty, and slightly tangy aroma that is both uplifting and soothing. This oil is particularly effective in improving low moods and soothing the mind, making it ideal for use during the day to keep your baby happy and content. Bergamot oil can be diffused to create a bright and cheerful atmosphere or added to a carrier oil for a gentle massage. Due to its photosensitivity, it’s important to avoid direct sunlight exposure on areas where bergamot oil has been applied to the skin. 

11. Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Sweet Orange Oil has a light, citrusy scent that is naturally uplifting and energizing. It’s perfect for diffusing in your baby’s bedroom to create a cheerful and positive environment. The refreshing aroma of sweet orange oil can help lift your baby’s spirits and bring a sense of joy to their day. As with other citrus oils, it’s essential to dilute sweet orange oil properly before applying it to the skin and to be mindful of sun exposure. This oil can be used during the day to keep your baby happy and engaged.

12. Organic Frankincense Essential Oil

Organic Frankincense Oil often referred to as ‘The King of Oils,’ is revered for its powerful soothing properties. It helps to calm the mind and promote a sense of peace, making it ideal for both daytime and nighttime use. Frankincense oil is also known for its ability to support healthy skin, making it a good choice for baby skincare routines. Use this oil in a diffuser to create a tranquil environment or add it to a carrier oil for a gentle massage. Frankincense oil’s versatility and safety make it a valuable addition to your essential oil collection for babies.

13. Myrtle Essential Oil

Myrtle Oil is a gentle oil with a fresh, sweet scent and camphorous notes. It is particularly beneficial for babies with colds, as it helps to clear congested breathing and soothe coughs. Myrtle oil is a safe and effective option for supporting respiratory health in babies, especially during the cold and flu season. It can be diffused in the nursery to help your baby breathe easier or diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the chest and back. Myrtle oil is a must-have for parents looking to support their baby’s respiratory well-being naturally. 

14. Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit Oil is known for its cleansing and refreshing properties. With a vibrant citrusy aroma, it helps to freshen the air and energize the senses, making it perfect for keeping the nursery free of musty smells. Grapefruit oil can be diffused to purify the air and create an invigorating environment that uplifts both babies and parents. As with other citrus oils, it should be diluted properly before application and used with caution to avoid sun exposure on the skin. This oil is an excellent choice for maintaining a clean and pleasant atmosphere in your baby’s space. 

15. Tangerine Essential Oil

Last but certainly not least, Tangerine Oil can be used to create an ambience that soothes the mind of both babies and parents. Tangerine essential oil offers a sweet, uplifting aroma that can soothe the mind and promote a sense of calm. It’s a wonderful oil to use during quiet moments with your baby, helping both of you to relax and enjoy the peace. Tangerine oil can be diffused to create a serene environment in the nursery or added to a carrier oil for a gentle massage. Its mild and pleasant scent makes it a favorite for babies and parents alike. Incorporating tangerine oil into your baby’s daily routine can help foster a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Baby Scent Essential Oil

Baby scent essential oils are (generally) carefully crafted blends designed to offer a delicate and soothing aroma for babies. These oils often incorporate safe, baby-friendly essential oils like lavender oil for babies, chamomile, or mandarin, ensuring that the fragrance is both calming and mild. Chamomile oil for babies, for instance, is a baby scent essential oil as it has a mild fragrance that does not affect the respiratory senses of the baby.

We always advocate to exercise caution while using essential oils around babies, but these specially formulated blends are designed to provide a touch of aromatherapy in a gentle and comforting manner. Essential oils on babies enhances the sensory experience for both babies and parents. Always ensure that the selected baby scent essential oil is age-appropriate and safe for your little one's delicate skin and senses.

But is it safe to use essential oils around babies?

Yes, essential oils around babies (diffusion) and essential oils on babies (topical application) are safe as long as essential oils safe for babies are used (listed in this article).

Essential Oils For Gassy Baby

When addressing gas discomfort in a baby, gentle essential oils like chamomile oil for baby or fennel oil for baby, appropriately diluted and applied in a massage, can provide relief. As always consult a pediatrician first.

Essential Oils Not Safe For Babies In Diffuser

While we are talking about the essential oils safe for babies, it is only fair to talk about the essential oils not safe for babies in diffuser. Not all essential oils are safe for babies in a diffuser. Oils like eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint can be too strong and may cause respiratory issues.

Some of the other essential oils that should be avoided on or around babies are thyme, cumin, bay leaf, lemongrass, citronella and oregano. Again, always consult doctor before using essential oils on or essential oils around babies. It's crucial to choose mild, baby-friendly essential oils like lavender oils for babies or chamomile oil for babies when diffusing around infants.

Best Practices for Using Essential Oils for Babies

When using essential oils for babies, it’s crucial to follow best practices to ensure their safety and well-being. Babies have delicate and sensitive skin, and their bodies are more vulnerable to the effects of essential oils. Here’s a guide to help you use essential oils safely and effectively with your little one:

Choose Safe, Baby-Friendly Oils

Not all essential oils are safe for babies. Always choose oils that are known to be gentle and safe for infant use. Some of the best essential oils for babies include lavender, chamomile, mandarin, and frankincense. Avoid using strong or potentially irritating oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary, especially on very young infants.

Dilute Essential Oils Properly

Essential oils are highly concentrated and must be diluted before applying to your baby’s skin. A general rule of thumb is to dilute essential oils to 0.5% to 1% for babies. This means adding about 1 drop of essential oil to 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. Proper dilution helps prevent skin irritation and ensures the oil is gentle enough for your baby’s sensitive skin.

Patch Test Before Use

Before using any essential oil on your baby, perform a patch test. Apply a small, diluted amount of the oil to a tiny area of your baby’s skin, such as the forearm or leg. Wait for 24 hours to see if any redness, irritation, or allergic reaction occurs. If the skin remains clear, the oil is likely safe to use.

Avoid Ingesting Essential Oils

Never allow your baby to ingest essential oils. Ingestion can be harmful and potentially toxic, even in small amounts. Essential oils should only be used externally, either through diffusion or diluted topical application.

Use a Diffuser Safely

Diffusing essential oils is one of the safest methods for using them with babies. However, it’s important to use a diffuser in a well-ventilated room and to limit the diffusion time to 15-30 minutes. Avoid placing the diffuser too close to the baby’s crib or sleeping area to prevent overexposure. Additionally, use only a few drops of essential oil in the diffuser to maintain a mild and gentle aroma.

Avoid Direct Application to the Face

Essential oils should never be applied directly to a baby’s face, especially around the nose, mouth, and eyes. The strong concentration of oils can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and in some cases, it may cause respiratory distress. Instead, apply diluted oils to areas like the back, chest, or soles of the feet.

Store Essential Oils Safely

Keep all essential oils out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion or spills. Store oils in a cool, dark place, and ensure that they are securely capped when not in use. Proper storage helps maintain the potency and safety of the oils.

Consult with a Pediatrician

Before introducing essential oils into your baby’s routine, consult with your pediatrician or a certified aromatherapist. They can provide personalized advice based on your baby’s health, age, and specific needs. This step is especially important if your baby has any existing health conditions or allergies.

Use Essential Oils Sparingly

Less is more when it comes to using essential oils with babies. Essential oils are powerful, and a little goes a long way. Use them sparingly and only when necessary. Overuse of essential oils can lead to sensitization, where the skin becomes more reactive to the oils over time.

Watch for Signs of Discomfort

Always monitor your baby for any signs of discomfort or adverse reactions when using essential oils. If you notice any redness, swelling, difficulty breathing, or changes in behavior, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.