Aromatherapy Tips for Children

Essential oils can be a gentle, natural support for babies and children when used safely and at the correct dosages. Children respond very well to low doses, and their skin is more delicate than adults, so dilution is especially important.

Getting Started with Babies

To introduce aromatherapy to a baby, place 2 drops of lavender on a tissue and keep it nearby during feeding. The baby will come to associate the scent with love and comfort. Use the same scent at bedtime to encourage sleep, and leave it with a sitter for reassurance when you are away.

Dosage Guidelines

Children respond well to low dosages, especially for emotional concerns like anger and irritability. Use the following as a general guide.

Babies (0–12 months): 1 drop of a safe oil (lavender, chamomile, or rose) diluted in 10 ml base oil for massage or bathing. Infants (1–5 years): 2–3 drops diluted in 10 ml base oil. Children (6–12 years): half the adult dose. Teenagers: adult dose. When diffusing in a child’s room, use half the usual amount. The number of drops should vary in proportion to body weight, age, and health. The elderly should use the same amount as children.

Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as sweet almond or apricot kernel before applying to a child’s skin. When adding to a bath, blend the correct number of drops with the carrier oil or whole milk first, then add to the bath water.

Tips by Situation

Bath Time

Children love scented bath water. Lavender and Roman chamomile are ideal for small children. Blend 1–3 drops total into milk or liquid soap before adding to the tub. Keep all essential oil bottles out of reach of children.

Teething Pain

Place 1 drop of Roman chamomile on a washcloth-wrapped ice cube and apply gently to relieve teething discomfort.

Sleep and Bedtime

Place 4 drops lavender and 4 drops chamomile on a tissue and tuck it between the sheets 30 minutes before bedtime. Remove the tissue before the child gets in. Roman chamomile on the pillow at bedtime also soothes tantrums and promotes restful sleep.

Crying or Irritable Baby

Place 1 drop lavender on your shoulder and rock the baby to sleep with their head resting on your shoulder.

Hand and Foot Massage

Children love a hand massage. Use 3–5 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, at half the adult dose. Lavender is a wonderful choice.

Tantrums and Anxiety

Roman chamomile is soothing for tantrums. Mandarin is an excellent first choice for children experiencing anxiety, nervousness, or stress — it has no sedative effects and a scent children love. Sweet orange, the oil of happiness, is warm and uplifting and great for diffusing during the day.

Children’s Parties

Choose citrus oils like orange and mandarin for the diffuser or aroma lamp. They are happy, calming scents that children universally enjoy.

Natural Cleaning Around Children

Citrus oils make excellent natural cleaning agents. Add a few drops of orange, lemon, bergamot, or mandarin to water, moisten a cloth, and wipe down children’s rooms and school bags.

Lemon for Germ Control

Keep a spray bottle of lemon essential oil and water handy for quick cleanups in the playroom. Add to dishwashing liquid or mild hand soap. Lemon has high antibacterial properties and its antiseptic action lasts up to 20 days.

Scenting Drawers

Apply lavender and chamomile to cotton balls and place in drawers containing nighttime clothing. Sweet dreams for the whole family.

Colds and Stuffy Nose

At the first sign of a stuffy nose, place 1 drop of eucalyptus on the corner of a pillow. For young children, always use Eucalyptus smithii, which is much gentler than the common Eucalyptus globulus and the only eucalyptus suitable for children. Do not use any eucalyptus on babies younger than 2 months.

For colds and coughs, place a bowl of hot water with 3 drops of Eucalyptus smithii under the bed. The steam will rise and release the molecules into the room.

Sneaker Sachets

2 tsp sandalwood essential oil, 1 tsp tea tree, ½ tsp each lemon and grapefruit, ¼ tsp each spruce and lavender, 4 cups natural clay kitty litter. Stir the oils into the kitty litter in a glass jar, cover, and let age for one week. Fill old socks with the blend and secure with rubber bands. Place inside sneakers overnight.

Recommended Reading

For more detailed guidance on using essential oils with babies and children, we recommend Aromatherapy for Mother and Baby by Allison England, R.N., and The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood.

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