
Using doTERRA Essential Oils Safely and Effectively with Babies
Donna SmithUsing doTERRA Essential Oils Safely and Effectively with Babies
Essential oils can offer natural solutions to help soothe, calm, and support the well-being of your baby, but it’s important to approach their use with care. doTERRA essential oils are known for their purity and potency, making them a great choice for families seeking natural alternatives. With the right knowledge and precautions, essential oils can be safely integrated into your baby’s routine to support sleep, digestion, immune health, and more.
Why Choose doTERRA Essential Oils for Babies?
doTERRA essential oils are rigorously tested for purity and potency through the CPTG® (Certified Pure Tested Grade) process, ensuring they are free of harmful contaminants and safe for use when properly diluted. This makes them a reliable choice for families looking to incorporate natural solutions into their baby’s care routine.
Benefits of Essential Oils for Babies
1. Promoting Restful Sleep
Babies often struggle to establish a regular sleep routine. Calming essential oils can help soothe them to sleep.
- Recommended Oils: Lavender, Roman Chamomile
- How to Use: Diffuse 1–2 drops of Lavender or Roman Chamomile in the nursery 30 minutes before bedtime. Alternatively, dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage onto the soles of the feet.
2. Soothing Digestive Discomfort
Babies can experience digestive upset due to colic, gas, or teething. Essential oils can provide gentle relief.
- Recommended Oils: Ginger
- How to Use: Dilute 1 drop of Ginger with 2 tablespoons of Fractionated Coconut Oil. Gently massage onto the baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion.
3. Supporting Immune Health
A baby’s immune system is still developing, and essential oils can help provide additional support.
- Recommended Oils: Frankincense, Tea Tree
- How to Use: Dilute 1 drop of Frankincense with 1 tablespoon of Fractionated Coconut Oil and apply to the bottoms of the feet for gentle immune support.
4. Easing Teething Discomfort
Teething can be challenging for babies and parents alike. Essential oils can help ease discomfort.
- Recommended Oils: Lavender, Roman Chamomile
- How to Use: Dilute 1 drop of the oil with 1 tablespoon of Fractionated Coconut Oil and gently massage onto the outside of the jawline.
5. Calming Irritated Skin
Babies have sensitive skin that can be prone to diaper rash or dryness. Essential oils can support healthy, soothed skin.
- Recommended Oils: Lavender, Tea Tree
- How to Use: Mix 1 drop of essential oil with Fractionated Coconut Oil or a baby-safe cream and apply to the affected area.
doTERRA Oils Safe for Babies
Not all essential oils are suitable for babies due to their sensitive systems. Here’s a list of baby-safe oils when properly diluted:
- Lavender: Calming and soothing.
- Roman Chamomile: Promotes relaxation and healthy skin.
- Frankincense: Supports immune health and overall wellness.
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca): Gently supports skin and immune health.
- Copaiba: Soothes discomfort and promotes relaxation.
- Wild Orange: Uplifts mood (use aromatically only).
Note: Always dilute oils heavily for babies and avoid “hot” oils like Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Cinnamon, as they can be too strong for delicate skin and respiratory systems.
Dilution Guidelines for Babies
Proper dilution is critical when using essential oils with babies. Always use Fractionated Coconut Oil to dilute essential oils before applying them to a baby’s skin.
- Newborns (0–3 months): 1 drop of essential oil per 2 tablespoons of Fractionated Coconut Oil.
- Infants (3–12 months): 1 drop of essential oil per 1 tablespoon of Fractionated Coconut Oil.
Apply oils sparingly and only to the bottoms of the feet, avoiding sensitive areas like the face, hands, or eyes.
How to Use Essential Oils for Babies
1. Aromatic Use
- Diffuse 1–2 drops of a baby-safe essential oil in a diffuser designed for small spaces.
- Avoid diffusing for extended periods; limit sessions to 15–30 minutes at a time.
2. Topical Use
- Always dilute essential oils with Fractionated Coconut Oil and apply only to the bottoms of the feet or as directed.
- Perform a patch test before using a new oil to check for sensitivities.
3. Bath Time
- Add 1 drop of Lavender or Roman Chamomile to 1 tablespoon of Fractionated Coconut Oil and mix into a warm bath for a calming soak.
DIY Baby-Friendly Essential Oil Recipes
Calming Sleep Blend
- 1 drop Lavender
- 1 drop Roman Chamomile
- 2 tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil
Mix in a roller bottle and apply to the soles of the feet before bedtime.
Tummy Soother
- 1 drop Ginger
- 2 tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil
Gently massage onto the tummy in a clockwise motion to ease discomfort.
Gentle Skin Balm
- 2 drops Lavender
- 1 drop Tea Tree
- 2 tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil
Apply to dry or irritated skin as needed.
Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils with Babies
- Always Dilute: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted heavily for babies.
- Use High-Quality Oils: Choose CPTG-certified oils like doTERRA for safety and effectiveness.
- Avoid Certain Oils: Refrain from using strong or “hot” oils like Peppermint, Clove, or Cinnamon on babies.
- Diffuse Safely: Ensure the room is well-ventilated and avoid direct exposure to diffused oils.
- Patch Test: Test diluted oils on a small area of skin before widespread use.
- Consult Your Paediatrician: Always consult a healthcare professional before introducing essential oils to your baby’s routine.
Conclusion
doTERRA essential oils offer a natural, safe, and effective way to support your baby’s well-being, from promoting restful sleep to soothing sensitive skin. By using baby-safe oils and following proper dilution guidelines with Fractionated Coconut Oil, you can confidently incorporate essential oils into your baby’s care routine.
Remember, a little goes a long way with babies, so always start with minimal amounts and monitor for any sensitivities. With the right precautions, doTERRA essential oils can become a trusted part of your baby’s wellness journey, helping you nurture their growth and happiness naturally.