Nurture: Oils + Littles
“Being a mother has taught me to be more mindful, selective and intentional about what I bring into my home.”
-Stephanie Ayres
The intention of this blog is to help parents and caretakers build confidence to use essential oils on their babies and children. I will create a separate blog about how I used oils during my pregnancy, labor and birth. For now, let’s focus on caring for the tiny humans that run our world.
If you haven’t read my doTERRA 101: Guide to Using Essential Oils blog, I strongly suggest you hop over and check that out before reading on. It’s a great educational foundation for basic oil usage. In it, I share about what oils are, what makes them so effective, and the three ways we use oils: Aromatically, Topically & Internally. This blog is going to take these principles and adjust them to be used on babies, children, teens and elderly.
This is parenthood: 90% of the time I am consumed with Owen’s health and safety. If you are reading this and you are also a parent, you probably feel the same. This is especially true if you are a new parent, but ask any seasoned parent and they will likely agree.
My husband and I call it Survival Mode. The process of figuring out what works for your unique family dynamic. With our entire world focused on the comfort, happiness, health and safety of our children, many parents begin to pay closer attention to what we use on their little bodies and what quality foods we feed them. I know this is true for me. When it comes to Owen’s health, I am a purist! I have strong opinions about what I will and won’t compromise regarding his health care, nutrition, or personal care items (creams, wipes, diapers).
Most over-the-counter children’s medicines are full of sugar, artificial flavoring, dyes, preservatives, and other harmful additives. There are a few brands that are filling the gap and putting clean medicines on the shelf, but most parents aren’t informed about these choices. This is one of the many reasons I love CPTG Essential Oils — they are pure, unadulterated, potent and effective. So, without further ado…
I put a lot of effort, time, experience and love into this blog post. If you get valuable information from this and you are looking to invest in Essential Oils for your home, I would love to support you. Reach out through my Instagram @SageandLightCo, Contact Page or if you are ready to order you can start creating your cart here.
Thank you for the support!
Step 1: Safety
dilute, dilute, dilute.
Less is more. See the dilution guide below. Take a screenshot and reference until you have enough real life experience to know what is a good amount for your children.
Use a carrier oil. Coconut oil or Jojoba Oil are generally safe bets for kids. Apply the carrier oil to the skin first, or blend the EO’s with the carrier oils and then apply. If you want to geek out on the many possible carrier oils, check out this blog I wrote.
Always test a patch of skin for sensitivity before applying to a large area.
If there is significant discomfort, visible skin irritation or burning, use a carrier oil to help it go away quicker. Do not use water in an effort to wash away oils! Water will cause the oils effects to intensify and make matters worse.
If you want to use in a bath, add a drop of the desired oil to a cup of epsom salt before distributing in the water. This helps it from sitting on the top of the water (remember water and oil do not mix).
Note: Keep in mind the dilution chart below is based on the average weight and height per age group. I prefer to determine oil dilution by the weight of the individual versus their age.
Keep that in mind when applying oils on your children.
Step 2: Topical Application
location, location, location.
Remember this acronym: F.E.B. It means FEET, EARS AND BACK. Behind the ears, along the spine and on the bottom of the feet are the best places to apply oils topically on little ones. You can apply to direct area of concern if it is not a sensitive area.
NEVER put oils inside ears, nose, genitals or eyes. In some cases, it is appropriate to put oils inside the mouth, but always diluted.
Additional Topical Advice:
The Kids Collection of rollers is the best investment. They are diluted for children, making them super easy to apply. They have one for immune, sleep, focus, digestion, grounding, confidence, and soothing for aches. In addition, all of the “Touch” Rollers doTERRA carries are diluted and are options for kiddos.
Create a routine. I apply oils on my son throughout the day. Owen looks forward to his oil routine. Don’t be shy with the oils. Involve your kids so they feel it’s a choice and they have a positive experience.
Informed consent. Be sure to tell your children where you intend on putting the oil and what oils you are using. Even if they are too young to communicate with you, it helps grow their belief and trust in the oils.
See an example. Check out my Instagram video where I show Owen using Helichrysum Touch on his scraped toe. You’ll get an idea of how a 1.5 year old can completely grasp the task and enjoy it.
Step 3. Aromatic Use
diffuse, diffuse, diffuse.
Using a diffuser is about the easiest way to use oils with babies and kids. It is user friendly and incredibly effective. Breathing in the oils is a powerful and fast way to shift a person’s energy and mood.
There are some safety measures you want to consider:
Never diffuse in a closed room. You want to allow some airflow via a cracked door or window.
Always keep the diffuser out of reach (cord including) for safety reasons.
Less is more. You don’t need a lot of drops to make an impact. For diffuser recipe inspiration, see the graphics below.
Involve your children in setting up the diffuser. If they are old enough, allow them to fill the base with water (unplugged). Kids love to choose the oil and its great practice on learning what oils are good for what situation. Teach them to smell directly from the bottle so they can begin learning about each oil based on memory of the smell.
How To Use Oils On Littles
Following all the safety steps above, here are some examples of how to use oils on your children.
Tools:
10 oz Roller Bottle | Add these on your next order
Fractionated Coconut Oil (stays liquid in all temps) | Add this on your next order
Orifice Remover (makes removing the roller top much easier) | Add this on your next order
Diffuser | See all doTERRA’s diffusers here. My personal favorite for kids is the Petal Diffuser because it is hard to destroy and lightweight.
It helps to have a small oil carrier to take on the go. Oil Life is a good place to shop.
In Home Large Storage Shelf or Box. I like to put oils in different rooms (sleep oils in bedroom, skin oils in bathroom, immune oils near supplements, etc). Oil Life and Etsy have a lot of options as well.
Protocols: A to Z
The following are recommended oils for specific ailments. You can use one of the recommended oils, or you can create a blend with multiple oils. Use the dilution chart above. Remember the B.E.T acronym and know you can apply directly to area of concern if it’s appropriate. There are diluted rollers for many of these oils, making it easier to apply and safer for children. Add more dilution based on age and weight.
If you want guidance, reach out through my Contact Page or find me on Instagram.
Baby Powder Alternative
8 tablespoons Arrowroot Powder + 20 drops lavender
Bee Sting
Topical
Roman Chamomile, Blue Tansy, Copaiba, Lavender, Peppermint
Bug Repellent
2 oz Glass Bottle
Carrier Oil: Sensitive Skin Blend from doTERRA, Fractionated Coco Oil, Carrot Seed, Jojoba
10 Drops TerraShield
10 Drops Lavender
10 Drops Lemongrass
10 Drops Citronella
Confidence Boost
Topical
Brave Roller
Diffuse
Citrus, Peppermint, Spearmint, Cheer, Elevate, Bergamot
Cradle Cap
Topical:
Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree, Sandalwood, Immortelle
Croup
Topical
Almond Oil works well here, but any other carrier oil will do
Stronger Roller, Arborvitae, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, Breathe
Diaper Rash
Topical
Sandalwood, Myrrh, Lavender, Helichrysum, Tea Tree
Unscented aquaphor is a good carrier oil to use here
Keep area dry by using Baby Powder (recipe above)
Ear Infection
Topical:
Tea Tree, Lavender and/or Basil around the backside of ear.
Apply frequently
Eczema / Psoriasis / Dry Skin
First, improve gut health. Most important. If breastfeeding, this includes mothers diet.
If possible, use Terrazyme Plant Enzymes, Break apart 1 capsule and blend powder into applesauce or oatmeal and feed to your child. Avoid inflammatory foods given to the child or mother if breastfeeding,
Topical
Geranium, Frankincense, Myrrh, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Turmeric, Sandalwood
Eye Infection
If Breastfeeding, squirt milk directly into eye.
Topical
Lavender around the eye bone, being mindful to not get into the eye. Temple, eyebrow and upper cheek.
Fever
Topical
Peppermint, Lavender or Patchouli to bottom of feet and spine
Diffuse
On Guard
Focus
Topical
Focus Roller, Vetiver, Rosemary, Frankincense, Citrus
Diffuse
Rosemary + Lemon / Peppermint + Wild Orange
Gut: Colic / Upset Stomach / Stomach Flu, Bug / Constipation / Diarrhea / Nausea / Gas / Bloating/ Indigestion / Acid Reflux
Topical
Tamer Roller, Stronger Roller, Peppermint, Fennel, Frankincense, Meli Ginger, Basil, Thyme* (hot oil, heavily dilute)
Diffuse
Peppermint, Ginger, On Guard
Mother - consider diet change if breastfeeding. Pay close attention to if situations arise after you eat certain foods/drinks. Specifically cut all dairy.
Hand, Foot and Mouth
Topical
Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Helichrysum, Lemongrass, Tea Tree, Thyme*, Melissa, Oregano, Rosemary, Stronger Roller (heavily dilute*)
Immune Support: Viral Infections / Bacterial Infections
Topical
Stronger Roller, Breathe, Frankincense, Tea Tree, Oregano* or Thyme* (heavily dilute*), Breathe Stick, Melissa
Diffuser
Breathe, On Guard
Jaundice
Topical
1 drop on bottom of feet: Geranium, Lemon, or Rosemary
Apply oils frequently. I recommend at every diaper change.
Consider indirect sunlight and skin to skin contact to help.
Pink Eye
Topical, around the eye bone. Do not put in eye.
Clary Sage, Lavender, Frankincense, Tea Tre
Quiet Time / Calming
Topical
Adaptiv Roller, Vetiver, Serenity, Lavender, Wild Orange
Diffuse
Adaptiv, Serenity, Peace, Balance,
Seasonal Allergies
Topical
Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Breathe
Diffuse
Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Breathe
Skin: Scrapes / Cuts / Skin Rash / Skin Irritation Bumps / Bruises
Topical
Helichrysum, Lavender, Frankincense, Copaiba, Tea Tree, Myrrh Roller
Apply Correct X to prevent infection and aid in scarring. (FYI this can sting depending on the size and severity of the wound. When in doubt, wait until a scab has formed before using).
Diffuse:
Citrus for uplifting: Peppermint + Wild Orange, Spearmint + Lemon
Wood oils for grounding: Balance, Cedarwood + Lavender,
Sleep / Bedtime Routine
Topical
Calmer Roller, Balance, Serenity, Roman Chamomile, Vetiver, Steady Roller
In a bath — add 1-2 drops of Serenity or Lavender to a scoop of Epsom Salt and then dissolve in bath. NEVER add hot oils to a bath (Cassia, Oregano, Thyme, Cinnamon, Lemongrass, Clove). It will cause serious irritation and you will have a very upset child. And they may build a fear of oils.
Diffuse:
Serenity / Lavender + Vetiver / Lavender alone/ Lavender + Roman Chamomile / Cedarwood + Lavender
Sunburn
Topical
Blue Tansy, Lavender, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Immortelle
Teething
Topical
Clove, Frankincense, Copaiba, Siberian Fir, Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum, Rescuer
Internal
1 drop Clove with a tablespoon carrier oil and apply to gums. You could also try Melissa or Roman Chamomile
Thrush
Topical:
Tea Tree
If breastfeeding, treat both your nipple and babies mouth
Umbilical Cord Care (New Born)
Topical
Myrrh, Frankincense, Lavender
Whooping Cough or Persistent Cough
Topical
Stronger, Frankincense, Lavender, Neroli, Cardamom, Breathe, Rosemary, Purify, Clary Sage
Diffuse
Breathe, Rosemary, Serenity, On Guard
Resources:
Essential Oils for Pregnancy and Baby, by Stephanie Fritz
The Essential Life Book
