You should not diffuse eucalyptus oil around a baby under 24 months (two years) of age, as it contains a compound (1,8-cineole) that can cause respiratory distress, laryngospasm, and central nervous system issues in young children.
Can eucalyptus oil be used in children? Children under 2 years of age should not be given eucalyptus oil.
Essential Oils that are Safe for Babies and Children
Peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus should not be used around young children or babies. These herbs contain menthol and 1,8-cineole which can cause seizures, slow the breathing or even stop it completely in very young children or those with respiratory problems! Please take care with these essential oils.
Room fragrance sprays aren't safe to use around any human being, at any age. If you have stinky rooms, I recommend a product called ``Smells Begone'', which comes in an unscented spray (there are also a variety of scented formulations) and destroys odors using a safe, non-toxic enzyme.
Lavender, chamomile, vanilla, and citrus are great choices. They're soothing and won't overwhelm your baby's senses.
Some essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender are believed to have properties that may help with respiratory issues. For example, eucalyptus oil is thought to have decongestant properties that might aid in easing nasal congestion.
For example, don't use a lotion that contains lavender and then apply an essential oil. Don't use peppermint oil on children less than 30 months old. Peppermint used on children under 30 months of age can increase a risk for seizures. Don't use oils near a heat source.
The 30/50/20 rule for essential oils is a blending guideline for creating balanced, harmonious scents, suggesting you use 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes for longevity and depth. Top notes are light and fast-evaporating (like citrus), middle notes are the heart of the blend (like florals/herbs), and base notes are grounding and long-lasting (like woods/resins). For a 10-drop blend, this means 3 drops top, 5 drops middle, and 2 drops base.
The oils of Camphor, Eucalyptus, Mint, Thuja, Sage and Hypose are thus to be avoided. The oils of Angelica, Hemlock, Orange, Lemon and Bergamot should not be used: they are very allergenic.
Nebulizing Diffusers
These diffusers use pressurized air to break down essential oils into small particles and disperse them into the air. While nebulizing diffusers don't use water, they can produce a strong concentration of essential oils in your air that can result in respiratory problems.
Peppermint oil should not be applied to the face of infants or young children because serious side effects may occur if they inhale the menthol in the oil. Peppermint tea, which is made from peppermint leaves, appears to be safe. However, the long-term safety of consuming large amounts of peppermint leaf is unknown.
Baby-safe aromatherapy using gentle fragrances like lavender, chamomile, and vanilla can help soothe fussy infants, promote better sleep, and create a relaxing nursery atmosphere.
The general dilution in 200ml of water is
✦ 1-3 drops of oil for babies over 3 months and children. ✦ 3-5 drops for adults.
Never apply the pure oils directly to the skin. Avoid the use of water-based diffusers, which disperse the fragrance throughout a room for extended periods. Overexposure to aerosols with essential oils in them can irritate the lungs, eyes and skin of young children, sensitive adults and even pets.
They are safe to diffuse for children, if we are talking about two or three drops in a diffuser for a moderately small bedroom. On the other hand, applying undiluted eucalyptus oil to the face – or even to the feet – of an infant would be unwise and risky.
Essential oils applied directly to the skin can cause side effects, such as allergic reactions, irritation or sun sensitivity. A qualified aromatherapist can give more details for preparing specific oils. Don't ingest essential oils during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
The Four Most Common Essential Oils for Kids' Sound Sleep
Four aromatherapy oils have been determined to be both safe and effective for use with children over age 5: lavender, peppermint, orange, and ginger. Lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties.
Pure essential oils, like Bosisto's Eucalyptus Oil*, are naturally derived. Although they may come in larger bottles and be promoted for household uses, they are also excellent for aromatherapy and are perfectly suited for use in a diffuser.
Children: People often consume eucalyptus as a flavoring in small amounts in foods. But it is likely unsafe for children to take eucalyptus oil by mouth, apply it to the skin, or inhale it. There are reports of seizures and other nervous system side effects in infants and children who were exposed to eucalyptus oil.
Mugwort, Thyme, Rue and Pennyroyal are toxic and hazardous. A lot of people are susceptible to allergic reactions from certain essential oils which cause no problems to others. As an example, I had a lady who got a severe allergic reaction just with inhalation of the geranium oil.
The 2-hour rule for babies means they shouldn't stay in a car seat (or travel system seat) for more than two hours at a time, whether in or out of the car, because the semi-upright position can strain their developing spine and restrict their breathing, increasing the risk of low oxygen levels, especially for newborns and preemies. For long journeys, parents should take breaks every two hours to take the baby out, allow them to lie flat for a while, stretch, and feed, ensuring they get proper head/neck support and circulation.
Nonenal production usually starts around the age of 40 and can be exasperated by menopause or other fluctuations in hormones. The frustrating thing about Nonenal is that the smell isn't easily removed, especially from fabrics like shirt collars, sheets, and towels.
The 5-3-3 rule is a loose guideline for structuring a baby's sleep schedule: 5 hours of wake time before the first nap, 3 hours of wake time before the second nap, and 3 hours before bedtime.