Essential oil Baby

Essential oils can be an excellent addition to the health and well-being of infants and children. Used properly, they can help relieve headaches, sleep disorders, constipation and other common ailments. However, it's important to remember that children are more sensitive to the effects of essential oils, so it's crucial to use them with care, following recommended doses and avoiding oils that may be toxic to children. By choosing high-quality oils and following the necessary precautions, essential oils can be an invaluable tool in helping children maintain optimal health and well-being.

Which essential oils are safe for my child?

Choosing an essential oil for an infant is a very delicate matter, not only because of the child's enzymatic immaturity, but also because the use of E.O.s requires a number of precautions; indeed, improper handling can be harmful or even dangerous.

Several factors play a role in the harmfulness of an H.E., such as the content of toxic molecules, the way the H.E. is applied, the dosage and the duration of application. It is therefore advisable to test an E.H. before use, by applying a drop to the crease of the elbow to visualize any allergic reaction (redness, tingling, etc.). Furthermore, never apply pure E.O. to mucous membranes (nose, eyes, etc.). This type of application requires systematic dilution of the E.H..

The appropriate dilution rate for essential oils for infants over 3 months of age is between 0.5 and 1% in a fatty substance (e.g. vegetable oil ), whatever the type of pathology to be treated.

The cutaneous route remains the best for infants; when used correctly, it is the least dangerous route of administration for your baby.

Which essential oils can be used on infants*?

• Essential oils with the Monoterpenol chemotype (monoterpene alcohol), such as Rosewood essential oil, except those containing menthol and methylugenol.
• Essential oils with an ester chemotype, such as Petit grain de bigarade essential oil (caution: risk of interaction with anticoagulants).
• Essential oils with the Monoterpene chemotype (monoterpene hydrocarbon), such as Neroli essential oil (caution: risk of interaction with cortisone).

*From the age of 3 months (i.e. between 4.3 kg and 6.9 kg).

WARNING: It is strictly forbidden to use essential oils with the following chemotypes on infants:

• SESQUITERPENIC ALCOHOLS (Sesquiterpenols) such as Niaouli essential oil
• OXIDES , such asEucalyptus globulus essential oil
• SESQUITERPENIC HYDROCARBONS (Sesquiterpenes) such asAbsynthe essential oil
• PHENOLS (Phenic acids) such asOregano essential oil
• AROMATIC ALDEHYDES such as Ceylon cinnamon essential oil
• TERPENIC ALDEHYDES , e.g. Ceylon Citronella essential oil
• ETHERS (phenol methyl ethers), e.g.Green Anise essential oil
• CETONES , e.g. Lavender stoechade essential oil
• LACTONES , e.g.Chinese mugwort essential oil
• COUMARINES , such as Parsley essential oil
• PHTALIDES , such as Lovage essential oil

Some essential oils can be toxic and dangerous without knowing how to use them. In case of doubt, we recommend usinghydrolatherapy (floral waters) for infants.

A hydrolat is not as powerful as an essential oil, but being made up of water (floral water), it retains water-soluble odorant molecules and remains lightly scented, while possessing certain therapeutic properties; such as orange blossom water, used to regulate children's sleep.

Methods of use suitable for babies

Atmospheric diffusion

• Benefits: Cleanses ambient air, promotes general well-being.
• Instructions for use: Use a suitable diffuser to disperse essential oils in the room, for 5 to 10 minutes, never in the baby's direct presence.

Massage

• Benefits: Promotes parent-child contact and absorption of active ingredients.
• Directions for use: Always dilute essential oils in a vegetable oil base (sweet almond, apricot kernel, calendula). Gently massage into stomach, back or feet.

Aromatic Bath

• Benefits: Soothes and relaxes.
• Directions for use: Mix diluted essential oil with a dispersant (such as a neutral milk or gel) before adding to bath water. Do not exceed 1 to 2 drops of essential oil.

General precautions for use

For babies and very young children, essential oils must be used with caution. Here are the main rules to follow

1. Choose appropriate essential oils: Some oils are totally contraindicated for babies (peppermint, eucalyptus globulus, thyme, etc.). Choose gentle, well-tolerated oils such as Roman chamomile, lavender or rosewood.
2. Mandatory dilution: Essential oils must always be diluted in a vegetable oil before application (generally 1 drop of essential oil for 10 ml of vegetable oil).
3. No ingestion: Never give essential oils orally to babies, unless specifically prescribed by a qualified health professional.
4. No pure application: Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes of babies.
5. Minimum age: Essential oils should not be used before the age of 3 months. Certain oils can be introduced from 6 months or one year of age, depending on the indications.
6. Test a small area: Before first use, test the preparation on a small area of skin to check for allergic reactions.

What baby care products can be found on the Soin-et-Nature website?

Soin-et-Nature offers a complete range of baby care products, adapted to your baby's specific needs to ensure his well-being and health. Here are the main categories available:

• To relieve diarrhea and colic, natural solutions soothe digestive disorders common in infants.
• To protect baby from insect bites, suitable anti-mosquito products offer gentle, safe protection.
• To promote comfortable digestion, targeted products relieve digestive discomfort and bloating.
• To accompany baby's first teeth, soothing gels and specific products relieve teething pains.
• To ensure baby's general well-being, dedicated care products provide comfort and serenity on a daily basis.
• To treat and prevent skin irritations, anti-irritation creams nourish and protect baby's fragile skin.
• To gently clear baby's nose, specially adapted solutions facilitate breathing and clean the nasal passages.
• To support baby's health and development, food supplements provide essential nutrients.
• To care for baby's delicate skin, gentle products moisturize and soothe irritation.
• To improve baby's breathing, natural solutions promote optimal respiratory comfort.
• To treat cradle cap, specific care products gently eliminate these common scalp ailments.
• For a moment of relaxation and well-being, baby massage oils moisturize and soothe the skin, while strengthening the parent-child bond.
• For a natural and safe approach, essential oils specially formulated for baby are available to relieve a variety of minor ailments.

The baby care products available on Soin-et-Nature meet all your baby's needs in a gentle, natural and age-appropriate way.