One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether our blends can be used on children. Tazeka is formulated to be extremely safe and we would say that, providing your child is over eight years old, doesn’t have a sensitivity to essential oils (try a patch test) and doesn’t have an underlying chronic health condition, then absolutely! But what if they’re younger? The answer is that you can use essential oils – you just have to use them in slightly different ways.

This is a big field and we’ll be covering it in several blog posts in the future. For now, let’s look at how you can use aromatherapy to help your newborn baby.

One of the most gentle (and yet still effective) ways for your baby to get the benefits of a blend is for you to wear it. So, if you have a snuffly baby clogged up with cold, roll Breathe Easy on your pulse points. Then, as you cuddle and comfort your baby, she or he will be breathing in the decongesting powers of the oil. You can use Peaceful Slumber or Tension Tonic in the same way to relax a young baby.

Another way to use our blends is to roll a little of the blend onto a tissue or handkerchief and tuck it into their clothing or leave it close by in the cot.

 

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Steaming for Babies

Using steam is another lovely means of letting your baby inhale the molecules of the essential oil. Simply place a bowl of steaming water on the floor near your baby’s cot (obviously making sure he or she can’t knock it over). Add one drop of essential oil to a pint of hot water, no more.

Which oils should you use? For very young babies (up to two months old) we’d recommend using the following oils.

• Roman Chamomile: the gentlest, sweetest, kindest oil that is tailor-made for young babies.   Roman Chamomile soothes fractious babies and can usher in peaceful sleep.
• Dill: a fabulous oil if your baby has colic, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion or any kind of tummy upset.
• Lavender: another great soother for troubled babies. It can calm anxious babies and chill out small irritable people! Lavender also makes a great natural room cleanser – thanks to its potent antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant and anti-viral properties.
  
  

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Diffusing for Babies

Don’t use neat essential oils in a baby’s room diffuser. While the steam method will only release a certain amount of the molecules into the air, a diffuser is far more efficient, and hence stronger. Make sure you dilute your essential oils in water or a carrier oil. If using the oils given above, add one drop to a dessertspoon of sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or water.

Serene Baby Diffuser Blend 

• 1 drop Roman Chamomile
• 1 drop Green Mandarin
• 1 drop Cedarwood virginian

 

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Oils for Nappy Rash

Poor baby – who would want a sore, itchy bottom? Don’t be tempted to use chemically scented baby wipes from the supermarket or chemist – we shudder at the thought of nasty chemicals on tender baby skin! Simply use cotton wool or a washable muslin cloth dipped in a bowl of warm water to which you have added 1 drop each of German Chamomile and Lavender. Dry your baby thoroughly afterwards.  
You can also make up a Barrier cream –

Barrier Cream Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons Shea butter
• 1 tablespoon Calendula
• 1 drop German Chamomile
• 1 drop Green Mandarin
• 1 dessert spoonful of zinc
  
  

Directions

All ingredients need to be at room temperature.

1. Mash the shea butter into the coconut oil with a spoon (ideal if the coconut oil is liquid).
2. Add the essential oils and mix to a smooth cream.
3. Store in a glass jar. As long as the shea is fresh it should last 6 months.

Once your baby is two months old, you can start using gentle oils in massage blends. We’ll cover this in a future blog post. All good things come to those who wait!

 

Note: Aromatherapy is not an alternative to medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your baby’s health.