Essential Oils for Kids – Safe & Effective Uses.

In recent years, essential oils have gained tremendous popularity as natural alternatives for supporting children's health and well-being. However, as parents look to incorporate these potent plant extracts into their children's lives, safety must remain the top priority. This comprehensive guide will explore how to safely and effectively use essential oils with children, backed by research and expert recommendations.

Understanding Essential Oils and Children's Sensitivity

Children are not simply small adults when it comes to essential oil use. Their developing bodies metabolize substances differently, making them more sensitive to the potent compounds found in essential oils.

"Concentrated oils are highly potent and can be risky if not used on children correctly," warns Dr. Harpreet Gujral, program director of integrative medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Children have thinner, more permeable skin and less developed detoxification systems than adults, which means essential oils can have more pronounced effects—both beneficial and potentially harmful.

Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Essential Oil Use

Safety guidelines vary significantly depending on a child's age:

Infants (0-3 months)

  • Most experts recommend avoiding essential oil use entirely for this age group
  • If absolutely necessary, consult with a healthcare provider trained in aromatherapy
  • Maximum dilution of 0.1-0.2% if used (1 drop in 30ml carrier oil)

Babies (3-24 months)

  • Use only the gentlest oils (Roman chamomile, lavender)
  • Always dilute at 0.25-0.5% (1-2 drops per 10ml carrier oil)
  • Primarily diffuse rather than apply topically
  • Never apply near the face

Toddlers and Preschoolers (2-6 years)

  • Expand to include oils like sweet orange, mandarin, and frankincense
  • Dilute at 1-2% (4-8 drops per 10ml carrier oil)
  • Brief diffusion periods (15-30 minutes)
  • Always supervise use

School-Age Children (6-12 years)

  • More oils can be introduced with proper dilution
  • Still maintain dilution of 1-3% for topical use
  • Teach proper handling and respect for potency

Essential Oils Generally Considered Safe for Children

When used appropriately, these oils are generally regarded as safe for children over 2 years:

  1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Known for its calming properties, lavender can help with relaxation, sleep difficulties, and minor skin irritations.

  2. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): One of the gentlest essential oils, effective for soothing irritability, promoting sleep, and easing discomfort during teething.

  3. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis): Uplifting and calming simultaneously, helpful for anxious feelings or low mood.

  4. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): Supports focus and calm breathing.

  5. Mandarin (Citrus reticulata): Gentle citrus oil that promotes happiness and calm.

  6. Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica): Grounding and beneficial for focus issues.

Essential Oils to AVOID with Children

Some essential oils are too potent or contain compounds inappropriate for children. According to multiple sources, these oils should be avoided with children under 10-12 years:

  • Eucalyptus (all varieties)
  • Rosemary
  • Peppermint (under 6 years)
  • Tea tree (use caution under 2 years)
  • Wintergreen
  • Birch
  • Clove
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Cinnamon
  • Cassia

These oils contain 1,8-cineole, menthol, or phenol compounds that can cause respiratory issues or skin sensitivity in young children.

Safe Application Methods for Children

1. Diffusion

The safest method for using essential oils with children is diffusion, which disperses tiny oil particles into the air.

Best practices:

  • Use an ultrasonic or nebulizing diffuser
  • Diffuse in open, well-ventilated areas
  • Limit diffusion to 15-30 minutes, 1-2 times daily
  • Use 3-5 drops of essential oil in diffuser
  • Always supervise children around diffusers

"Overexposure to aerosols with essential oils in them can irritate the lungs, eyes and skin of young children, sensitive adults and even pets," cautions Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

2. Topical Application

When applying essential oils to a child's skin, proper dilution is critical:

Dilution guidelines:

  • Use appropriate carrier oils (sweet almond, fractionated coconut oil, jojoba)
  • Follow age-appropriate dilution ratios
  • Apply to feet, back, or chest (avoid face, hands, and sensitive areas)
  • Always conduct a patch test first

A common and effective method is to apply diluted essential oils to the child's feet rather than directly to the skin elsewhere on the body.

3. Personal Inhalers

Personal inhalers provide aromatherapy benefits without affecting others in the space:

  • Add 15-20 drops to a cotton wick inside a personal inhaler
  • Allow child to inhale as needed
  • Great for on-the-go support

4. Bath Products

For children over 2 years:

  • Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or unscented body wash
  • Add this mixture to bathwater
  • Mix well before child enters bath

Effective Uses for Common Childhood Concerns

Sleep Difficulties

  • Recommended oils: Lavender, Roman chamomile, mandarin
  • Application: Diffuse in bedroom 15-30 minutes before bedtime, or apply diluted to feet

Occasional Anxious Feelings

  • Recommended oils: Sweet orange, lavender, frankincense
  • Application: Personal inhaler, or diluted application to back of neck or chest

Concentration Support

  • Recommended oils: Cedarwood, frankincense
  • Application: Diffuse during homework time, or use in personal inhaler

Seasonal Respiratory Support

  • Recommended oils: Frankincense, fir, lavender (NOT eucalyptus for young children)
  • Application: Diffuse or apply diluted to chest and back

Digestive Discomfort

  • Recommended oils: Roman chamomile, sweet orange, lavender
  • Application: Dilute and apply in clockwise massage around navel

Essential Oil Safety Guidelines for Children

  1. Store properly: Keep oils out of reach of children in childproof cabinets.

  2. Never ingest: Essential oils should never be consumed orally by children.

  3. Avoid neat application: Always dilute oils before applying to children's skin.

  4. Supervise use: Children should never handle or apply essential oils unsupervised.

  5. Watch for reactions: Discontinue use if irritation, headaches, or behavioral changes occur.

  6. Consult professionals: Talk with healthcare providers before using essential oils, especially if your child has health conditions or takes medications.

The Research Behind Essential Oils and Children

While anecdotal evidence abounds, scientific research on essential oil use in children is still developing. A 2021 integrative review published in the Journal of Scientific Medicine analyzed studies that evaluated essential oil use in pediatric care. Their findings showed promising results for certain applications, particularly for lavender oil's effects on sleep quality and anxiety reduction.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia notes that "aromatherapy can help children (and adults) feel calmer and sleep better. It can also help to reduce the perception of nausea, discomfort and pain."

However, researchers emphasize that more rigorous studies are needed, and parents should approach essential oil use with appropriate caution.

Conclusion

Essential oils can be valuable tools for supporting children's wellness when used correctly. The key is starting with thorough education, choosing child-safe oils, practicing proper dilution, and using appropriate application methods.

By following these evidence-based guidelines, parents can incorporate the benefits of essential oils into their children's lives while ensuring safety remains the primary focus. Remember that essential oils are complementary tools, not replacements for conventional medical care when needed.

As with any wellness approach, what works for one child may not work for another. Observe your child carefully, start with minimal amounts, and adjust accordingly to find what supports your child's unique needs.

Back to blog