Essential Oils for Babies and Children

doTerra's therapeutic quality essential oils that have been certified pure are considered safe and effective for babies and children.  Essential oils for babies and children when used properly to promote health and wellness can even be safe for newborns.  

When applying to newborns and infants dilute your essential oils because of the sensitive nature of a babies skin  A good ratio to start is 1-2 drops of oil with 2 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil, just a few drops of that diluted mixture will be enough  

Also chose some of the gentler oils like Lavender, Frankincense, Melaleuca, Ginger, Lemon, Wild Orange, Sandalwood, Roman Chamomile, and one of my favorites, Ylang Ylang.  Digestzen is also an excellent blend to use for occasional tummy discomfort.  Be careful to keep the oils away from babies hands where they might be able to rub them into their eyes.  


You would probably like to know how much essential oils to use on a newborn baby or for children  Here is a simple guide.  

• 3-6 months of age.  Use a single drop at a time diluted in 4 tsp. of carrier oil
• 6 months to 2 years of age.  Use a single drop in 2 tsp. of carrier oil
• 2-6 years of age.  Use 2 drops in 1 tsp. of carrier oil
• 6 years and older.  Use 3 drops in 1 tsp. of carrier oil

If giving an older child essential oils internally:

• 1-2 drops
• 12 drops max in a 24 hour period.  

Possible uses for babies:

Seasonal threats:  Melaleuca, Lemon, or Lavender when the desired result is to avoid seasonal threats.  Diffuse 2 drops of either at bedtime or during the day.  Mix 1 drop of either with 1 tablespoon of a good carrier oil and massage the upper chest and back at each diaper change.  

Occasional newborn tummy discomfort:  Mix 1 drop of Lavender with 1 tablespoon of a good carrier oil.  Gently massage a few drops into the abdomen in a clockwise direction following the natural movement of the colon.  

Normal respiratory health support:  Mix 1 drop of Lavender with 1 tablespoon of a good carrier oil and rub a small amount on the chest and back to support respiratory health.  

Crying:  Place a small drop of Lavender or Roman Chamomile on your hand or a tissue and just like the baby smell the oil.  

Occasional digestive discomfort:  Mix 1 drop of Roman Chamomile and 1 drop of Lavender with 1 drop of whole milk.  Add to baby's bath water and swish around before bathing baby.  Keep the oils away from baby's eyes.  

Fussy baby:  Mix 1 drop of Lavender with 1 tablespoon of a quality carrier oil.  Massage a small amount onto the bottoms of the feet and apply to the back of the neck and behind the ears, cover the feet with socks.  

Healthy liver support:  Mix 1 drop of Geranium with 1 tablespoon of quality carrier oil.  Apply to the bottoms of feet and over the liver area.  Do not apply oils within 1/2 hour before or after exposure to the sun or UVA lights.  

Teething:  Mix 1 drop of Roman Chamomile or Lavender with a tablespoon of quality carrier oil.  Use a small amount to gently massage outside of the face along the jaw line.  

Possible uses for older children:

Grumpy:  Dilute 1-2 drops of Thyme or Lemon in 2 tablespoons of quality carrier oil and massage  little on the neck and chest.  

Boost natural immune system:  Dilute OnGuard blend in an organic carrier oil and store in a roller bottle.  Apply to the bottoms of the feet before daycare, preschool, school, or anywhere hands are exposed.  

Angry child:  Dilute 1-2 drops of Ylang Ylang in an organic carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of the feet.  Diffuse a few drops of Vetiver and Wild Orange.  Apply diluted Vetiver directly to the bottoms of the feet.  

Feeling sick and tired of it:  When feeling overwhelmed, stressed and anxious apply diluted Lavender to the bottoms of the feet.  Put a drop of Bergamont in the palm of the hand and inhale.  Diffuse Frankincense and Wild Orange to oxygenate the brain and uplift the moods.  

Baby it's cold outside:  To warm them up and boost the immune system warm some organic unfiltered apple juice and add one drop of OnGuard blend.  

Maintain normal intestinal activity:  Dilute 1-2 drops of Rosemary, Ginger, or Wild Orange in a tablespoon of quality carrier oil and massage on stomach and feet for digestive health support.  

Ouchie:  Add 5 drops of Lavender and 5 drops of Melaleuca to warm water, use to clean the ouchie.  Apply 1 drop of Lavender to a band-aid and cover the ouchie.  The Lavender may sting a little if applied directly.  

Ears:  Apply Melaleuca and Lavender to the outside of ear or apply each to a cotton ball and set in the ear.  Do not apply oils directly into the ear canal.  

Occasional minor body discomforts:  Dilute 1 drop of Cypress or Lemon in an unscented bath gel and use in a warm bath.  

After sun care:  Add 5 drops of Lavender to 1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera and apply to sun exposure.  

If you would like to learn more about having doTERRA's essential oils for yourself, then see my post on getting started.  I would love to help you learn more.  

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease.