Recently, everyone has begun talking about the effectiveness and benefits of utilizing essential oils. They are naturally-occurring, an adult body can easily process them, and they have an astounding amount of benefits for your overall health, as well as helping with specific ailments or issues.
More and more mothers are turning to natural remedies to help with child rearing, such as assistance with the ever-elusive sleep. How, though, do you know which essential oils are safe for your baby, and which ones are actually meant for sleep? What’s more is that there are an absolutely overwhelming amount of types of essential oils out there, and so many ways to store them – for help in that area, check out the methods in this excellent storage guide (read more).
If you’re looking for essential oils to help your baby, here is a brief overview of 5 safe varieties to help you both get a good night’s sleep. It should be noted that essential oil should not be applied to a baby’s skin, ingested by them or added to their bath water. Instead, always dilute it then spritz it in their bedroom or use a diffuser.
- Chamomile
We all have heard of or even tried chamomile tea. The soothing effects of chamomile – scientific names Chamaemelum nobile or Matricaria chamomilla – are widely known and have been used for years. However, many people do not realize that this essential oil is perfectly safe for babies. It can naturally soothe anyone of any age and has also been found to help with symptoms of colic. There is suggestion that it can help with anxiety and depression, so perhaps babies that experience separation anxiety can benefit from a bit of chamomile aromatherapy.
- Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils ever. It has calming effects on people of all ages, including babies, and it is a perfectly safe and healthy oil. The scent of lavender can easily help to relax a baby who will not stop fussing, and can encourage sleep in even the most stubborn of infants. Lavender also helps relieve itchiness, and can help with the symptoms of colic, which is a common problem in young infants.
- Mandarin
If you or your baby is irritated by the scent of lavender, then perhaps a bit of mandarin citrus will do the trick instead. Mandarin has a calming, soothing effect similar to that of lavender. As such, it is a great alternative for anyone who dislikes the scent of lavender, but still has a baby who refuses to take a nap. Mandarin is different from the other citrus varieties (including mandarin leaf essential oil) in that it is non-phototoxic, meaning that it should not cause skin irritation. Even so, it’s recommended that you don’t apply essential oil to a baby’s skin, as it’s very sensitive and easily irritated.
- Cedarwood
Cedarwood is a popular oil and candle scent, with its natural, woodsy smell being a perfect calming aroma. It has been used as an essential oil even since Biblical times, and it has proven to be effective in soothing even the fussiest of children. The smell alone creates a sense of calm relaxation, so is a perfect choice to add to a small diffuser in your baby’s nursery.
- Sandalwood
Sandalwood is best suited for babies 6 months or older, and it has a calming effect both physically and mentally. This essential oil has been known to provide mental clarity and soothing effects on the mind to help even the most restless of sleepers. Babies minds are constantly growing and learning from the moment they are born, so this essential oil is perfect to help soothe their confusion for a moment of rest. The sweet, woodsy scent is perfectly calming and can help your baby get a solid night’s sleep.
Conclusion
There are a few different essential oils out there that are perfectly safe for babies, and that can help with a wide range of problems. These oils are perfect for helping to soothe a restless infant.
Remember, though, that all essential oils – no matter how old you are – should be diffused with carrier oils to dilute them. Using these natural remedies will help soothe both parents and babies to sleep comfortably through the night.
