Essential Oils for Baby Congestion: How To Use Them Safely

 

It is not uncommon to have a baby with congestion due to colds, coughs, and other illnesses. While there are many medications, available, natural remedies like essential oils can help ease the symptoms of your baby’s congestion. However, using these essential oils safely and correctly for babies is important.

This blog post will overview the top safety tips for using essential oils with your little one and our favorite blends and remedies for common ailments like colic, colds, cough, and congestion.

Safety Tips When Using Essential Oils With Babies

The most important thing to remember when using essential oils with babies is that less is more. A few drops of essential oil go a long way in providing relief for your baby’s symptoms. Always dilute the oil before applying it to your baby’s skin or adding it to the bathwater.

You can use carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil to dilute the essential oil before applying it directly onto your baby’s skin or diffusing it into the air around them. Additionally, ensure to keep all bottles of essential oils out of reach of children since they can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.

Make sure you also read labels on any pre-made blends of essential oils before purchasing them, as some may contain unsafe ingredients for babies.

Moreover, do not apply any undiluted oils directly onto your baby’s skin, as this can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some instances. Lastly, consult your doctor before using any natural remedy on your baby if you have any concerns about their health or safety.

Favorite Blends & Remedies For Common Ailments

Colic & Gas

Adding 1-2 drops each of lavender and fennel essential oils into a warm bath can help reduce gas pains and relieve colic in babies suffering from either condition. Alternatively, you could mix equal parts lavender oil and fractionated coconut oil (or another carrier oil) into a small bowl and then massage this blend onto your baby’s tummy to help alleviate their discomfort from colic or gas pains.

Colds & Cough

To help relieve congestion due to colds or coughs in babies over six months old, try adding 2-3 drops each of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils into a diffuser set up next to their crib during sleep time for relief throughout the night.

If your baby is younger than six months old, then avoid using eucalyptus altogether, as it can be too strong for their delicate bodies at such an early age (though peppermint would still be safe).

You could also add 2-3 drops each of tea tree (melaleuca) and rosemary into an empty spray bottle filled with distilled water, then mist over their bedding or clothing before putting them down for sleep as these two oils work well together as an anti-microbial agent that helps fight off bacteria causing infections like colds or flu in babies.

Essential Oils to Relieve Baby Cold and Congestion Symptoms

 

Colds and congestion can be a source of pain, discomfort and sleepless nights for your baby. While many over-the-counter medications are available, some parents prefer more natural remedies like essential oils.

The potency of plant extracts is captured in essential oils and can be used for many purposes. They have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including colds and congestion.

Choosing Essential Oils for Your Baby

 

When choosing an essential oil for your baby, it is important to select one safe. Some oils may not be suitable for babies because they contain compounds that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is best to choose an oil specifically formulated for babies or speak with a doctor before using any essential oil on your child.

The safest way to use essential oils on babies is by diluting them in a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. This helps ensure that the essential oil concentration is not too strong, which could cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions in some babies.

You should also avoid putting undiluted essential oils directly onto your baby’s skin, as this could result in burns or rashes.

Essential Oils as Aromatherapy

 

Aromatherapy is one of the most common methods to help relieve babies’ cold and congestion symptoms. Aromatherapy involves using diffusers or vaporizers to disperse the essential oil scent throughout a room so that it can be inhaled by the person who needs relief from their symptoms.

The type of essential oil you choose will depend on the treated symptom (e.g., eucalyptus for sinus congestion). When using aromatherapy with your baby, always monitor their breathing closely and never leave them unattended while using a diffuser or vaporizer with essential oil in the air around them.

Topical Application

Topical application refers to diluted essential oils directly onto your baby’s skin at specific points on their body (e.g., behind their ears). This method can help reduce inflammation, clear nasal passages, and relieve muscle aches associated with colds or congestion symptoms.

Before applying any topical treatment on your baby’s skin, test it out first on yourself to ensure that it does not irritate their delicate skin or cause allergic reactions when applied directly onto their body.

Additionally, do not apply any topical treatment if your baby has sensitive skin since this could further aggravate their condition instead of relieving it.

Diffuser Blends 

A diffuser is one of the safest approaches to providing natural relief from cold and congestion symptoms for babies under the age of two. The best diffuser blends for babies include chamomile, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, sweet orange, rosemary, and peppermint oil.

These blends may help soothe your baby’s throat and clear their nasal passages or lungs/chest congestion due to a cold or cough.

Make sure that if you use a diffuser, you keep it at least 2 feet away from your baby’s crib as exposure to strong scents too close can cause irritation or respiratory issues in young children.

It’s also important to note that while an infant may benefit from aromatherapy through a safe essential oils diffuser, they do not yet have fully developed immune systems, so these should not be seen as replacements for medical advice or prescribed treatments by your doctor.

Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation is another safe way to relieve nasal and chest congestion caused by colds in babies older than 3 months old. To use steam inhalation mix, 2-6 drops of essential oil with 2 cups of boiling water into a large bowl, then place on a flat surface where you and your baby will be comfortable sitting together safely (always supervise closely!).

Drape a light towel over your heads, making sure neither you nor your child gets too close (keep at least 6 inches between nose/mouth area), then slowly inhale the steamy vapors being released off the bowl until they subside naturally. Typically, this would take 5-10 minutes, depending on how intense the vapors are.

Avoid adding more than 6 drops since more could irritate delicate air passages! Again consult with your doctor before considering this type of treatment option, especially if your little one has any pre-existing asthma conditions which could make inhalation difficult or dangerous!

Our Favorite Blends & Remedies for Baby Congestion 

Here are some of our favorite blends & remedies for treating common ailments like colic, colds, cough & congestion in babies:

• Chamomile & Lavender

 

Blend equal parts chamomile & lavender essential oil, then dilute in a carrier oil before applying topically on the chest/back area twice daily to help ease cold symptoms & promote restful sleep.

• Eucalyptus & Peppermint

To promote easier breathing when the cold season hits, Combine equal parts of eucalyptus and peppermint in a carrier oil before applying it topically on your chest or back twice daily. This combination helps to clear congestion so you can breathe with ease!

• Lemon Balm

Diffuse 5 drops of lemon balm every hour (or as needed) to help reduce coughing fits associated with colds & allergies during the peak season (spring/fall).

• Rose Geranium essential oil

Add 5 drops of rose geranium into bathwater every night before bedtime to help soothe sore throats caused by coughing fits associated with colds/allergies during peak season months (spring/fall).

Using Essential Oils with New Born Babies 

When it comes to using essential oils with babies, safety is of utmost importance. Here are a few key safety tips to keep in mind when using essential oils on or around your baby:

i- Consult your doctor or pediatrician before using any essential oil on or around your baby.

ii- Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying them to your baby’s skin. Some safe carrier oils are jojoba oil or sweet almond oil.

iii- Do not use undiluted essential oils on your baby’s skin.

iv- Do not apply essential oils directly into your baby’s nostrils or eyes.

v- When diffusing essential oils near babies, use only 1-2 drops per 100 ml of water in the diffuser tank and never leave it running while you’re away from home.

vi- Diffuse for no more than 10 minutes in an enclosed space and keep your baby out of the room until it has aired out thoroughly after diffusing has stopped.

vii- Be aware that some scents may be too intense for young children and can cause sensitivities or allergic reactions when overused – always start small with just one drop before gradually increasing if necessary.

viii- Incorporating essential oils into your newborn baby’s health and wellness plan can provide numerous health benefits. The natural ingredients used in baby safe essential oils protect and nourish the skin, which is especially important to young babies as their immune system is still developing.

Conclusion:

Overall, natural remedies like essential oils can be a great way to relieve cold and congestion symptoms without having to turn to over-the-counter medications every time your little one gets sick.

However, it is important to remember that each essential oil method depends entirely on your baby’s age, skin sensitivities, and the essential oil you’re using.

Therefore, always consult a doctor before trying any new remedy on your child. With these simple tips, you now have all the information necessary to start exploring ways to use essential oils as part of your natural care routine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are essential oils safe for babies to inhale?

However, caution should be taken regarding babies, particularly those 6 months old or younger. Don’t diffuse essential oils around infants because their developing lungs can be vulnerable to irritations from some of these volatile compounds. Speak with your pediatrician for guidance if you have concerns about safely incorporating essential oils into your baby’s routine.

How do you decongest a baby?

Decongesting a baby isn’t something to take lightly! It’s important to monitor your baby’s nasal congestion and take quick action when needed. Using nasal suction, bulb aspirators, saline drops, and steam treatments, you can help relieve your infant of their stuffy noses and restore their breathing passages. Keeping your baby hydrated with plenty of fluids is also essential for decongestion.

What are essential oils safe to diffuse for babies?

Essential oils are a great way to boost the atmosphere around you naturally, but it’s essential to know which oils are safe for babies. Lavender and chamomile essential oil blend are among the safest to diffuse for infants, as they possess calming agents which may assist in helping the baby sleep or relax.

Is it safe for babies to inhale peppermint oil?

While natural solutions like peppermint oil may seem safer than chemicals, it is important to remember that inhaling peppermint oil should be avoided for babies less than 30 months old. This natural alternative should be used with caution due to the potential risk of significant health hazards.

Can breathing in essential oils be harmful?

Breathing in essential oils is not necessarily harmful, but caution should be taken as they are concentrated and may contain toxins. While these products can provide therapeutic benefits when used properly, potential health risks can occur if misused or applied too frequently. Therefore, it is important to read instructions carefully before using essential oils and to check with a doctor before using them on children or pregnant women.

Can baby oil be used as a carrier oil?

Baby oil may seem convenient for blending essential oils, but it is not meant to be used as a carrier oil. Made from mineral oil and fragranced with baby-safe perfume, baby oil does not provide any nourishing hydration that true carrier oils can offer. When blending an aroma or therapeutic-grade essential oil, it’s important to use a quality carrier oil to experience the benefits of aromatherapy and topical oils.

Is it OK to breathe in a lavender essential oil?

Breathing in lavender oil is generally considered safe and contains various therapeutic properties. It can decrease stress levels and promote relaxation, making it an effective alternative to other holistic treatments. Whether you diffuse it or use it topically, lavender oil is an incredibly easy way to boost your mood and naturally improve your mental health.