| I have been thinking a lot about babies lately. My | | | | before placing in the bath water to protect the child's |
| third grandchild will be here in about two to three | | | | sensitive skin; make sure that this mixture is well |
| weeks, and I can't wait! The other two grandchildren | | | | dispersed in the bath before allowing the child in the |
| are also excited to have a little brother or sister | | | | tub. In addition to the oils already mentioned you can |
| arriving soon. Thinking about having a new little one | | | | now add sweet orange, lemon, tangerine, geranium |
| around means schedule changes, sleepless nights, | | | | and clove (to name a few). You can also add some |
| laughter, joy, and of course crying, since that is the | | | | oil to a lotion or carrier oil and use as a massage-who |
| only way a newborn can communicate that | | | | doesn't enjoy a nice massage? I would probably opt |
| something is needed. | | | | for less than one half of the adult dose if using this |
| Using essential oils to address baby's needs is | | | | way. |
| something which is growing in popularity; but a word | | | | One more way essential oils can be used for the |
| of caution-you must do your research before | | | | small child is in a diffuser or aroma lamp. Sweet |
| introducing essential oils to a baby, toddler or younger | | | | orange is great for alleviating frustration, tension and |
| child! You must first consider the reason you want to | | | | anxiety. It is a pleasing, happy scent. Lavender and |
| use essential oils; is it for sleep, relaxation, colic? Then | | | | Roman chamomile are two wonderful scents for |
| you need to choose the appropriate oil to match the | | | | soothing and calming a restless child. I did find one |
| need. Perhaps most importantly you need to use the | | | | source that recommended eucalyptus for colds and |
| proper dosage. | | | | flu but you have to be extremely careful when using |
| While researching many sources for this article I have | | | | it since it is very toxic. The same advice applies for |
| found a wealth of information available. Some of it is | | | | oil of wintergreen. These oils should never be used |
| conflicting, such as what oils are safe for use with an | | | | on any child under two years of age. |
| infant younger than three months. If in doubt, don't | | | | Always make sure the essential oils are of |
| use it! Quite a few sources stated that lavender is | | | | therapeutic grade, pure and natural. Do not use |
| safe to use with a baby this age. Introduce the scent | | | | fragrance oils because these are synthetically |
| gradually to the baby; lavender can be placed on a | | | | produced and contain chemicals that would be |
| tissue or cloth and placed near the baby when | | | | harmful to babies and children. Check and double |
| feeding or at nap/bedtime to soothe and calm. For an | | | | check the dose. Never use more than double the |
| infant three to six months of age, bergamot, lemon | | | | dosage amount in one week. Do not let children |
| and neroli are some of the oils that can be used for | | | | handle the oils-keep them out of reach. |
| nausea or to soothe the baby. In the older infant (six | | | | As a parent, you decide whether or not to take |
| to twelve months) Roman chamomile is excellent for | | | | advantage of the wonderful aromatherapy benefits |
| teething pain. Put one drop on a washcloth wrapped | | | | that come with using essential oils. Definitely seek the |
| around an ice cube and place on the gums. | | | | advice of your pediatrician for illnesses; aromatherapy |
| Once the child reaches one year, essential oils can be | | | | can be used in addition to the treatment the doctor |
| placed in the bath. It is very important to remember | | | | recommends. If you do decide to try using essential |
| that the dose used is one half the usual adult | | | | oils, not only will your child benefit from the different |
| dose--or slightly less; an adult dose is six to eight | | | | scents, you, too, can enjoy a most pleasant |
| drops of the oil. Always mix with a carrier oil first | | | | experience. |