Essential Oils & Your Little Sprouts: A Safe & Simple Guide
Essential oils have taken the wellness world by storm, and for good reason! They smell amazing, support emotional balance, and can even help with focus and sleep. But when it comes to using essential oils with kids—our little Sprouts—it’s important to know how to do it safely. After all, children have delicate skin, developing immune systems, and their own unique sensitivities.
So, let’s break it down and make essential oil use easy, safe, and fun for the whole family!
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture all the goodness of nature in tiny bottles. They come from leaves, flowers, bark, roots—you name it! But because they’re so potent, a little goes a long way, especially with kids.
Since children’s skin is thinner and their bodies are still developing, it’s super important to use essential oils correctly. Some can cause skin irritation, and others (like citrus oils) can even make skin extra sensitive to sunlight. That’s why knowing which oils to use and how to apply them safely makes all the difference!
Why Use Essential Oils with Kids?
When used properly, essential oils can be an awesome tool to support your child’s well-being. Here’s how they can help:
- Calm & Relaxation: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, and Cedarwood work wonders for bedtime or stressful moments.
- Easier Breathing: Gentle oils like Lavender and Cedarwood can help with congestion.
- Better Focus: Citrus oils like Sweet Orange and Peppermint can boost concentration during homework or play.
- Immune Support: Some essential oils have natural germ-fighting properties to help keep your Sprouts feeling their best.
Using Essential Oils by Age
Not all essential oils are safe for all ages, so let’s go step by step:
Infants (0-12 months)
???? No direct application on baby’s skin unless recommended by a pro. ✅ Diffuse for short bursts (no more than 15 minutes) in a well-ventilated room. ???? Hydrosols (gentle, water-based versions of essential oils) are a great alternative. ✨ Best oils: Lavender, Cedarwood, Roman Chamomile, Sweet Orange.
Toddlers & Preschoolers (2-4 years)
- Keep topical use minimal (.25%-1% dilution) and always diluted in a carrier oil.
- Short, well-ventilated diffusion is best.
- Go-to oils: Lavender, Chamomile, Cedarwood, and some citrus oils.
School-Age Kids (5-12 years)
- Always dilute before applying to skin.
- Let them explore essential oils for self-care and focus—just under supervision!
- Peppermint and Sweet Orange can be fun for focus and energy.
How to Apply Essential Oils Safely
- Topical Use: Always dilute! A safe starting point is 1 drop of essential oil in 10ml of a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba).
- Inhalation: Diffuse in short sessions and always monitor your child’s reaction.
- Bath Time: Mix essential oils with a carrier oil or unscented soap before adding to water.
- Patch Test: Test on a small area (like the inner forearm) and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction.
Oils to Avoid for Kids
Some oils are just too strong for little bodies. Here’s what to steer clear of:
- Peppermint (Avoid under 6 years old—it’s too intense for young lungs.)
- Wintergreen & Birch (Contains compounds that can be toxic for kids.)
- Eucalyptus (Can cause breathing issues.)
- Oregano & Cinnamon (Highly potent and can be irritating.)
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
Moms, essential oils can be an amazing tool for relaxation, better sleep, and even nausea relief—but safety first! Here’s what to keep in mind:
Safe Oils for Pregnancy
- For stress & relaxation: Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, and Bergamot.
- For nausea: Ginger and Peppermint (use sparingly and with guidance).
- For sleep: Mandarin and Lavender.
- For skincare: Rosehip, Frankincense, and Neroli (dilute well!).
???? Safety Tips:
- Always check with your doctor before using essential oils.
- Stick to a 1-2% dilution (1-2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil).
- Avoid oils that can trigger contractions (like Basil, Clary Sage, Rosemary, and Cinnamon).
- Diffusion or using a personal inhaler is often the safest method!
Essential Oils & Breastfeeding
- Keep oils away from the chest area so baby doesn’t ingest them.
- Use diluted oils on your back instead.
- Watch for baby’s reactions and stop if needed.
Storing Essential Oils Safely
To keep your oils fresh and your Sprouts safe:
- Store in dark glass bottles, away from heat and sunlight.
- Keep out of reach of little hands—consider a locked cabinet.
- Keep them away from open flames (some oils are flammable!).
Why Essential Oil Safety Matters
Essential oils can be a fantastic way to support your child’s health naturally—when used correctly. Stick to dilution guidelines, choose age-appropriate oils, and store them safely. By doing so, you’ll feel confident bringing essential oils into your family’s daily routine.
And if you’re curious to learn more, Jade Bloom University offers FREE courses on essential oils, so you can become an expert in natural wellness. Plus, you can earn up to $32 in free product of your choosing!
