No, eucalyptus oil is generally not safe for babies, especially under 2 years old, due to high toxicity if ingested and potential severe reactions even when applied topically or inhaled, requiring extreme dilution or avoidance; always consult a pediatrician before using any essential oils on infants, using only diluted, doctor-approved methods like specific rubs for congestion, never replacing medical care.
Essential oils such as eucalyptus or lemon can help humidify the room, reduce nasal congestion, and decrease phlegm production. You can diffuse essential oils in the room or apply a small amount to the baby's bedding, clothes, or pillows to help them breathe easier.
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.
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.
Children: Eucalyptus oil is NOT safe for children. It should not be taken orally or applied to the skin. There is not enough evidence for the safety of using eucalyptus leaves in children. It is best to avoid using it in larger quantities than those found in food.
Can eucalyptus oil be used in children? Children under 2 years of age should not be given eucalyptus oil.
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.
It is generally advised to avoid use of fragrant products inside your newborn's nursery or sleeping environment. Their lungs are still developing and exposure to aerosol irritants won't provide any benefit.
In particular, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and certain chemotypes of Rosemary contain high amounts of menthol or 1,8-cineole which are mucous membrane irritants and can cause slowed respiration in some children.
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.
Children are particularly susceptible. As little as 2mL (less than half a teaspoon) of eucalyptus oil can cause significant poisoning in an infant.
Essential oils that aren't dangerous for babies
In alphabetical order: Scentless chamomile, Roman chamomile, Cardamom, Cistus, Black spruce, Fennel, fragrant Inula, Lavender fine, true Lavender, super Lavandin, Marjoram with shells, Palmarosa, Small grain Bigarade, Ravintsara, Saro, Tea Tree and Ylang-Ylang.
Essential Oils Can Negatively Affect Your Health
Essential oils are highly concentrated, so inhaling them directly can irritate the respiratory tract.
Use saline drops or spray
If you can't run to the store for saline drops or spray, try mixing one cup of warm, filtered water and a ½ teaspoon of salt. Make sure your mixture is completely cooled before using. Try tilting your baby's head back and spraying or squeezing a couple of drops inside the nose.
What are the symptoms?
Works as a decongestant
Some people find that eucalyptus oil helps to relieve some symptoms of colds such as stuffy noses and also relieve some respiratory complaints. Eucalyptol has mucolytic properties, which means that it can break down and thin any mucus that might be contributing to your congestion.
“Some kids have experienced allergic reactions, respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing and burns from essential oils,” Dawkins says. “They can also interfere with medications.”
Safety Precautions
It's generally advised to avoid strong essential oils like Clary Sage or Rosemary. However, Lavender and Sweet Orange are often considered safe when used sparingly and diffused in a well-ventilated area.
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.
How Can I Keep My House Smelling Good with My Baby?
If you're shopping around, go with a cool mist humidifier. Most pediatricians recommend that type over warm mist models, which can get too hot and pose a burn risk. The cool mist works just as well for infant congestion, and it's safer to run all night long in your baby's room.
Essential oils, such as camphorated and eucalyptus oils, are volatile oils that can be absorbed by mouth and through the skin; if ingested orally by children, they can be harmful, even life-threatening.
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.
Febreze is safe to use around your family and children.