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Aromatherapy for Babies

Babies love essential oils, particularly if their mother has used them throughout her pregnancy, and they respond so rapidly to them. The use of essential oils helps to boost the immune system and if the body does become ill, the recovery will be much more speedy and the baby will experience far less discomfort.

Massage is a powerful and wonderful way for the parents to bond with their baby.

Essential oils are used in low dilutions for aromamassage and baths. Babies should never be given essential oils internally. For babies up to the age of twelve months, the appropriate dilutions are:

Babies (0-2 months) 1 drop per 15 ml carrier oil in a massage; 1 drop in the bath.
Babies (2-12 months) 1 drop per 10 ml carrier oil in a massage; 1 drop in the bath.

Colic

Colic is a distressing condition for both the baby and the parents. The baby continues to cry even when picked up, which makes the parents feel helpless. However, essential oils can provide an answer.

One drop of Roman chamomile or one drop of dill or one drop of mandarin can be added to 15 ml of carrier oil and massaged gently into the baby's abdomen.

If the baby continues to cry, try a compress of Roman chamomile. Add one drop of Roman chamomile to a small amount of water in a bowl. Stir well and soak a flannel in the solution. Place the flannel on the baby's abdomen.

If the colic persists, the mother should consider her diet carefully. Perhaps the baby is allergic to the dairy foods that she is eating? It is also well worth the effort to take the baby to see a fully qualified osteopath who has experience in the cranial field with babies.

Coughs and colds

Aromatherapy is an excellent way of preventing babies from picking up coughs and colds. If someone in the household has a cold, the baby can be protected by using essential oils in a diffuser or by using the plant spray method. Tea tree, eucalyptus and cajeput are all excellent oils to diffuse.

You may also place a small bowl of boiling water under the baby's cot to which you have added one drop of cajeput/myrtle and one drop of tea tree.

One drop of lavender on a piece of cotton wool placed at the bottom of the crib or the cot will also help the baby to breathe and sleep more easily.

Cradle cap

'Cradle cap' is the term given to 'crusting' on the scalp. It is easy to relieve with essential oils. Add one drop of geranium to 15 ml of sweet almond oil and massage gently on to the scalp. This mixture should be used daily until the cradle cap subsides.

Insomnia/restlessness

It is often difficult to get a baby into a sleeping routine which suits the parents. Some babies like to sleep in the day and wake up in the night. To establish a good pattern put one drop of lavender and one drop of Roman chamomile into a diffuser or vapouriser and light it or switch it on about half an hour before bedtime, ensuring that you close the bedroom door.

Alternatively, place a small bowl of boiling water under the cot to which you have added two drops of Roman chamomile.

Nappy rash

Nappy rash can be prevented and treated by essential oils. When you change the baby, avoid using chemically perfumed 'baby wipes'. Instead add one drop of Roman chamomile or lavender or yarrow to one pint of water and agitate the water thoroughly.

You can also add essential oils to a jar of pure organic skin cream or zinc and castor oil cream. Add approximately one drop per 15 g. To a 60 g jar of cream add two drops of Roman chamomile, one drop of lavender and one drop of yarrow. To a 100 g jar add two drops of Roman chamomile, two drops of lavender and two drops of yarrow.

Teething

Teething usually begins around four to six months although there are wide variations and it has been known for a baby to be born with teeth. Teething can be a painful experience for the baby and for the parents who often have to endure many sleepless nights. Roman chamomile, lavender and yarrow are three of the best essential oils for teething. Put one drop of any of the essential oils into an egg cup full of carrier oil. Stir the mixture well and using your finger or a cotton bud massage baby's gums and also massage externally on the affected side of the face.

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