Essential oils have been growing in popularity over the years as a natural means to support a healthy lifestyle and overall wellbeing. While many adults have incorporated these aromatic wonders into their daily routine, the question remains: Are essential oils safe and beneficial for children? In this blog post, we will explore the use of essential oils for kids, including safety precautions, age recommendations, and some kid-friendly essential oil blends.
Table of Contents
Choosing a Quality Oil: Safety First!
It’s important to use only high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable brands when using them for your children. Oshu Oils, for example, produces Artisan Essential Earth Oils, expertly blended by a team of aromacologists. These oils are carefully formulated to provide balance and support to our modern lifestyles, making them a great choice for children as well.
Age Recommendations and Dilution Ratios
When using essential oils with children, it’s important to consider the child’s age. Not all oils are suitable for all age groups, so be sure to verify which oils are age-appropriate for your child.
– Newborns and infants: Only a select few oils are suitable for this age group (0-1 years), such as lavender and chamomile, which can help soothe fussy babies. A dilution of 0.1% to 0.2% is recommended for this age group.
– Toddlers: For children aged 1-2 years, essential oils can be used to aid in sleep, enhance feelings of calm, and even minor wound care. A dilution of 0.25% to 0.5% is recommended.
– Pre-school aged kids: Children aged 3-5 can benefit from essential oils that support respiratory, immune, and digestive health. A dilution of 1% to 2% is recommended.
– School-aged kids and preteens: For ages 6-12, essential oils can help with focus, concentration, and emotional support. A standard 1% to 3% dilution is typically recommended in this age group.
It’s crucial to always dilute essential oils for children, as their skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation. A high-quality carrier oil, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil, can be used to dilute the essential oil.
Kid-Friendly Essential Oil Blends
Here are a few examples of essential oil blends that can offer various benefits for kids:
Calming Blend
– 2 drops lavender
– 1 drop Roman chamomile
– 1 drop ylang ylang
Dilute in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and apply to wrists or back of the neck before bedtime.
Focus Blend
– 3 drops rosemary
– 2 drops orange
– 1 drop peppermint
Dilute in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and apply to the base of the skull or diffuse in a well-ventilated area during study or homework time.
Immune Support Blend
– 2 drops tea tree
– 2 drops lemon
– 1 drop frankincense
Dilute in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and apply to the bottom of the feet or along the spine during cold and flu season.
Essential Oils For Kids Example:
Samantha, a mother of three, wants to help her youngest child, a 2-year-old, fall asleep more easily. Instead of relying on over-the-counter sleep aids, she creates a soothing blend of lavender and chamomile oil with a carrier oil and applies it to her child’s wrists and the back of their neck. This gentle aromatherapy assists in calming her child and providing a more restful night’s sleep.
Understanding the safe use of essential oils for kids can make a world of difference in enhancing their overall wellbeing. With the proper age-appropriate oils and dilution ratios, parents can safely and effectively incorporate essential oils into their children’s daily routines. We encourage you to share this helpful guide with fellow parents and explore Oshu Oils’ range of high-quality, artisan essential oils to discover the natural benefits these oils can provide not just for you but also for your children. Dive deeper into the world of essential oils and aromacology with our other guides on the Oshu Oils blog!
