All of sudden there is somebody else then you to focus on. Your little baby attracts all the attention and fortunately they are so sweet we instantly fell in love with them.
As mentioned in my previous post I do not recommend essential oils for babies under 3 month. During the first few month their skin is really sensitive and needs to adapt to our world of oxygen instead of amniotic fluid. I would rather use a plain carrier oil in example organic almond oil to treat dry skin. I also recommend to be reluctant with diffusing essential oils. The baby seeks for the natural fragrance of his / her mommy to feel comfortable.
After 3 month you can start to use the following two essential oils:
Lavendel true - Lavendula angustifolia
Family: Labiatae
Main properties: antiseptic, healing, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, sedative
Lavendel true is a safe to use with babies due to his low toxicity. It supports the cure in case of colics, ear -, nose- or trhhoat infections. It can also be used in the treatment of wounds and burns and it regulates the nervous system and calms you and your baby down.
Chamomile Roman - Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis
Family: Compositae
Main properties: anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, febrifuge
Chamomile Roman is also low in toxicity and it is highly respected for its calming effect on all systems. It helps with common children's ailments like convulsion, temper tantrum (yes at some point they will start), over sensitivity, colic, diarrhea, gastric spasms, teething pains or earaches.
How to apply these oils correctly and securely?
I have a separate blog about safety in aromatherapy. If you are new to aromatherapy I recommend you to read these blog too to get an overview about the recommended topical dilutions and different age groups.
Topical application
The Tisserand institute and also my educational school which is approved by the CFA recommends a 0.25 to 0.5% dilution for babies age 3 month to 24 month.
To get a 0.5% dilution you need 15ml of carrier oil and use a 2 drops of essential oils.
Application through a diffuser
A diffuser is another great and safe way to benefit from the properties of the essential oils. Use 3 to 5 drops per 100ml of water and let it run for about an hour.
Beside Lavendel true or Chamomile Roman you can also use Myrtle in your diffuser. Myrtle - Myrtus communis - it has antiseptic, expectorant and mucolytic properties and is considered to be relatively mild and suitable for children's coughs and chest complaints.
You can use the above described essential oils separately or also blend them together.
When you first try the essential oil, you should start with a rather higher dilution- less is more and essential oils have are very potent.
Next month I will focus on the topic essential oils and children, ages 2 years and older.
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