Blog

Every parent knows how important a  good night’s sleep is for their baby’s health and wellbeing. With all that growing to do, it’s vital that little ones catch plenty of ZZZs — however, what every parent also knows is that sleep doesn’t always come easy for tots! That’s where essential oils can help.

How Do Essential Oils Help Babies Sleep?

Used as a complementary treatment for hundreds of years, the therapeutic properties of essential oils for baby sleep are beloved by many. From gentle blends that impart restful, relaxing properties to options that can ease colic and earache — you can even use essential oils for teething babies! — this is a natural option worth exploring if bub needs more nap time.

Safe Essential Oils for Infants

It’s important to remember that essential oils are potent concentrated plant extracts and not all oils are safe for baby to use. But there are plenty that do get the tick of approval to not only help your tot get a better night’s sleep but also assist with other ailments that can disturb their slumber. For example, clove oil is one of the great essential oils for teething babies.

Lavender, sweet mandarin and Roman chamomile are all safe essential oils for infants aged 0-3 months (although In Essence advises against using pure essential oils topically for the first 6 weeks of baby’s life), and all offer relaxing, calming properties to help your kids drift off to sleep.

Lavender is well known for its calming, sedative effects, while Roman chamomile has natural soothing benefits and can be used to alleviate sleeplessness in bubs and adults alike. Sweet mandarin is a beautifully calming option that can be used in place of lavender. Frankincense and bergamot are also great calming and relaxing essential oils that can help promote sleep in tots.

Oils for Other Sleep Disturbances

Sometimes, other ailments get in the way of your little one getting the rest they need.

• If teething is keeping them awake, mix 1 drop of clove oil with 1 tablespoon of food-safe carrier oil (eg. coconut oil or grapeseed oil) and rub on baby’s gums.
• Ginger, fennel, lavender, wild orange, marjoram and Roman chamomile oil can all help ease a sore tummy that’s keeping your child up. Dilute a couple of drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil and rub in gentle circles on their stomach.
• To combat a cough that’s keeping bub up, peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil can all be useful. Either dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and rub on the chest and bottoms of the feet; or use the diluted oil in a diffuser to let your child breathe in the benefits.

Note: If your child is in pain or unwell, always visit your healthcare provider. Essential oils are never a substitute for proper medical care.

How Do You Use Lavender Oil to Help a Baby Sleep?

There are a few different ways you can incorporate lavender and other essential oils for baby’s sleep-time routine, though it’s important to note that essential oils should never be ingested by babies or children.

Option 1. A Gentle Massage

Mix a couple of drops of essential oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil to create a soothing, relaxing massage balm for baby. (Never put undiluted essential oil directly onto skin — baby’s or yours.) Rub gently into their arms and legs, their back, tummy and feet, and even onto their ears before bedtime.

Be sure to never rub pure essential oils onto the skin — they are extremely potent and must be blended with a carrier oil. For babies up to 3 months, dilute 1-2 drops of pure essential oil in 50ml carrier oil; 3-24 months, use 2-4 drops per 40ml carrier oil; and for kids aged 2-6 years, use 7-14 drops per 35ml carrier oil.

Option 2. A Relaxing Bath

Oil and water don’t mix, so to avoid bub’s skin coming into direct contact with undiluted essential oil, mix a few drops of your favourite calming oil with around a tablespoon of liquid soap before adding it to your child’s bath. Follow it up with a massage for an extra peaceful night!

Can You Use Essential Oils in the Baby’s Room?

You sure can! To create a calm, relaxing atmosphere before bedtime, many adults love an essential oil diffuser — and babies are no different! Fill the reservoir of your diffuser with water, add 1-2 drops of your preferred oil and let the mist lull baby off to dream town.

Another nice way to imbue your baby’s room with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils is to create a spritz. Simply add a few drops of sleep-promoting oil to water in a spray bottle, give it a good shake and lightly mist your little one’s room before bedtime.