7 Best Essential Oils for Babies + DIY Recipes

Not sure what essential oils are safe for babies? Check out this beginner’s guide with the 7 best essential oils for babies and DIY recipes you can make.

Happy mom holding a baby

Essential Oils for Babies

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Want to learn how to use essential oils to make your own baby products? I’ve got some great ideas to help you save money and feel great about making your own non-toxic products for way less than what you’d pay for in the stores. And read my companion post on Essential Oils for Kids (2 years and up).

Gentle Babies Book

Before we dive into how to make your own DIY baby products, I want to introduce a fantastic book. Gentle Babies book is a complete guide on how to use essential oils for babies and kids.

It’s filled with essential oils tips for pregnancy, childbirth, infants and young children. I’ve read it and absolutely loved it. It’s a must-have for both first-time and seasoned parents.

Essential Oils Dilution Chart for KidsSafety Guidelines

A little really goes a long way when it comes to essential oils. For instance, you may only need 1 drop of essential oil mixed with 10 ml (2 tsp) of carrier oil for use on babies ages 0-1.

An easy rule of thumb is about 1 drop per year of age in a 10 ml roller bottle (up to 10 drops for 12+ years). 10 drops in a 10 ml roller bottle with carrier oil is a 5% dilution. For older kids (8+ years), I have used a 10% dilution – which is 20 drops in a 10 ml roller with carrier oil for short-term needs, like muscle relief, chest rub, etc.

Carrier oils help to dilute essential oils for better absorption, to use on a larger surface area like the back, and to dilute oils that may feel hot to the touch. Always dilute essential oils for use on kids. Here’s more information on carrier oils.

Talk to your doctor or health care practitioner if you have any questions and check out the Gentle Babies book.

Another option is you can use a diffuser in the room to help calm or relax babies instead of using essential oils topically. I usually use 10-12 drops in a diffuser along with water (according to the diffuser’s direction) in a well-ventilated room with the door open.

You can also use essential oils topically on yourself (be sure to dilute more than you would normally) as your baby could benefit from smelling the oils from you. Babies have such a strong sense of smell, so again dilute a lot. It’s better to introduce essential oils a little at a time.

7 Best Essential Oils for Babies

1. Lavender

Lavender is the best go-to oil when you’re not sure what to use. It’s great for skin (too much sun, skin relief, boo-boos and more), relaxation, balance and the best sleep ever. It’s also incredibly gentle… perfect for little ones.

2. Frankincense

Frankincense is also great for babies. It’s gentle and has a mild aroma. Pair it with Lavender for all things skin and for balance. Both Lavender and Frankincense are in my favorite starter kit of essential oils.

3. Copaiba

Copaiba Vitality is fantastic for immune support. It’s delicious on a spoonful of honey (just add 1 drop). It’s also a great when those molars come in. Mix 1 drop with a little coconut oil and apply to the gums for relief.

4. Cedarwood

Cedarwood is very soothing and great to pair with Lavender in the diffuser. Put 6 drops of each in the diffuser to help relax and promote restful sleep.

5. Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile helps to calm babies who are a bit fussy. It helps to calm and relax parents too. It’s great in the diffuser (either do 12 drops alone or 6 drops each of Roman Chamomile and Lavender in the diffuser) or dilute and apply to bottom of baby’s feet or for a baby massage.

6. Myrtle

Myrtle is a great alternative to eucalyptus, which may be too strong for infants. Make a homemade chest rub (dilute with carrier oil according to the dilution guidelines above) or use in the diffuser. Raventsara is another alternative that’s great for babies and has similar benefits.

7. Gentle Baby

Gentle Baby is a blend of Coriander, Geranium, Palmarosa, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Roman Chamomile and other essential oils that’s great for calming baby and helping with any tummy troubles. Dilute and massage on the belly or diffuse in the nursery.

Essential oils to avoid for babies: Idaho Tansy, Hyssop, Sage, Clary Sage, Wintergreen, Eucalyptus. These oils may be too strong to use for little ones so hold off and find alternatives.

DIY Recipes with Essential Oils for Kids

1. All-purpose cleaner for diaper changing tables & pails

Use a few drops of Lavender oil in a small spray bottle with water and spray areas to naturally clean.

2. Baby oil

Mix 2 tbsp of a carrier oil (coconut oil or sweet almond works well) with 3-4 drops of Lavender or Gentle Baby. Store in an airtight container and use as needed.

3. Baby powder

Mix 2 tbsp of arrowroot powder with a few drops of Lavender oil. Stir together and store in an airtight container to use as needed.

4. Cleaning wipes

I’ve got an easy tutorial to make your own reusable wipes. Use this to wipe down surfaces like changing pads, diaper changing stations, etc. to keep baby clean on the go.

5. Diaper relief

Dilute Gentle Baby oil blend 1:30 with a carrier oil. Another option that works for me is to add 2-3 of Lavender oil to a tbsp of coconut oil.

6. Massage oil

A baby massage is great way to bond with baby. Apply 1 drop of Lavender oil or Gentle Baby 1:1 with a carrier oil and massage baby’s back, tummy, legs, arms and feet.

How to Get Started with Essential Oils

More DIY Recipes

Did you try this? Don’t forget to rate it and comment below to let me know how it went. You can also FOLLOW ME on FacebookInstagram and Pinterest.

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Photo credit: Bigstockphotos.com / LightField Studios

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