Essential Oil Safety For Children
Are essential oils safe for children? Confusion about essential oil safety is not uncommon.
But don't worry because we can help you find out all the answers you are looking for! Learn how to use essential oils safely and get the most out of your favorite oils!
So are our essential oils safe for children? YES of course! Our essential oils are 100% pure, natural, and plant sourced. And while these are all factors that guarantee top quality, the purity of our essential oils means that it is important for one to be well versed and knowledgeable about essential oil safety before use. They have no added chemicals and preservatives, and are completely plant-based. That being said, essential oils can be incredibly powerful and can cause reactions if not used carefully or correctly. Educating yourself on safe essential oil use can ensure that you and your child will get the most benefit out of your essential oils. “At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child's success is the positive involvement of parents.” Jane D. Hull
Essential Oil Safety For Children
When it comes to topical application, we encourage our customers to keep in mind that children require a very high dilution rate. Because a child’s body is smaller in mass, the skin is thinner and more sensitive, the absorption of essential oils has a much quicker and stronger effect on them than it would for adults. *Side note: If a child is small for their age or has ever experienced special health concerns or allergies, we do suggest to adjust the oil level accordingly or consult with a trusted Aromatherapist or health professional for guidance.
Dilution and Age Appropriate Oils
We do not recommend the use of essential oils with children under the age of 6 months unless under the proper guidance of an Aromatherapist. -For infants 6 months - 24 months, it is best to start diluting to a .05% dilution rate. To get to this dilution percentage, simply add 1 drop of a safe essential oil such as Chamomile or Lavender, to 2 teaspoons of carrier oil.
Essential oils safe for children 7-24 months are:
Citronella, Coriander, Cucumber Seed, Cypress, Helichrysum italicum, Red Mandarin, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Sandalwood, Spruce, Tangerine, Rose (and all of the ones listed in the above ages) -For children 2 - 5 years, it is best to start with a 1% dilution rate and then increase to a 2% rate as needed. This would be adding 3-6 drops of a safe essential oil to 2 teaspoons of carrier oil.
Essential oils safe for kids 2-5 years would be:
Blue Tansy, Balsam of Peru, Basil, Bergamot FCF, Black Pepper, Blood Orange, Cardamom, Carrot Seed, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Copaiba, Davana, Eucalyptus citriodora, Fennel Seed, Sacred Frankincense, Frankincense carterii, Frankincense serrata, Geranium, Ginger Root, Grapefruit, Holy Basil, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Litsea Cubeba, Sweet Marjoram, Melissa, Myrrh, Oregano, Patchouli, Petitgrain Bigarade, Pine, Rosewood, Spearmint, Spikenard, Tea Tree, Thyme, Turmeric, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang Complete -For Children 6-10 years, a 2% dilution rate is suggested. This would be adding 6 drops of a safe essential oil to 2 teaspoons of carrier oil.
Essential oils safe for kids 6 years - 9 years would be:
Cornmint, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Sage, Vitex Berry, Wintergreen
Essential oils safe for kids 10 years + would be:
Eucalyptus radiata, Helichrysum gymnocephalum, Niaouli, Ravintsara, Rosemary (and all of the ones listed in above ages)
Beware of Hot Oils!
*Essential oils such as Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud, and Oregano are not the best for children under 10 years as they can cause irritation and potential sensitization.
Where to apply?
Some great areas to apply your diluted and safe oils:
- Bottom of the feet
- Back and sides of the neck
- Lower back
- Abdomen
When it comes to children under 6 - 10 years, some essential oils are not recommended for topical application or diffusion.
These would be Cornmint, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Sage, Vitex Berry, and Wintergreen for children under the age of 6. Eucalyptus radiata, Helichrysum gymnocephalum, Niaouli, Ravintsara, and Rosemary for children under the age of 10 years. These specific essential oils are very potent and do have the potential to negatively affect the lungs. These oils have a natural constituent called 1,8 cineole. This constituent can potentially cause respiration to slow in younger children. Because of the risk of the child inhaling the mist through the nose/mouth and into the lungs when diffusing, is the reason for the caution. There is a recommendation provided by essential oil expert Robert Tisserand, to not use “eucalyptus or 1,8 cineole-rich essential oils topically or around the nose of infants or young children. Do not apply 1,8 cineole or cineole-rich essential oils on the face or near the face of children under the age of 10.” Other than these essential oils, most can be diffused without any concerns unless there are allergies or specific health issues. Diffusion is believed to be the safest way to use essential oils, especially around your kids. When diffusing oils around children we always suggest implementing safe diffusion practices.
Diffusion:
- Do not place the child in the direct line of the mist.
- Diffuse in an open, well-ventilated area. (keep door or windows open)
- Diffuse in 30-60 minute intervals with larger break periods to give the body a break.
Phew! That would a lot to take in, right!? Can you tell that safety is a huge priority here at RMO? Something else that is a priority would be simplicity.
If you find that this is a little much to take in right away, we do have our RMO Kids Line Collection available. This collection is perfectly designed for your precious cargo! We are happy to offer 10 pre-diluted roll-on bottles for all of your child’s different needs.
