Nowadays, many people are accustomed to using essential oils , that is, essential oils obtained from various plants, right? Many people like this because it is more natural than medicine. True, these can be beneficial for adults when used correctly. But... how safe is it to use these for your little baby? This is a question that many mothers have. Let's talk about this today.
First, let's see, what are these Essential Oils?
Simply put, essential oils are highly concentrated oils extracted from various parts of plants (such as flowers, leaves, bark, and roots). They are very powerful. It takes a large amount of plant material to make just one drop of oil. That's why they are so pungent.
Although not all of their medicinal properties have been scientifically proven, studies have shown that some oils may offer certain health benefits. Many people use them for things like:
- As an aid to sleep well
- Reduce body aches and pains
- Reduce stress.
- For minor stomach problems
But if you're buying an essential oil, you should check the label carefully. A good quality oil bottle should definitely have this information .
| Information that should be on the label | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Plant name | Find out from which plant it was extracted. |
| Latin name of the plant | This is how you can determine exactly what type of plant it is. For example, there are several types of Lavender. The Latin name is the only way to identify the correct type. |
| Plant part used | Find out whether the flower, leaf, bark, seed, or root was used to extract the oil. The properties of oils extracted from different parts of the same plant can vary. |
| Extraction method | The method by which an oil is obtained (e.g. steam distilled) can give an idea of its purity. |
Why can these be dangerous for babies?
This is the most important part. Little babies are not little adults. Their bodies are very different, very sensitive.
In general, essential oils can be harmful to babies' delicate skin. These harsh oils can damage the skin's natural protective lipid barrier, causing dryness, redness, and various allergic reactions.
Also, some oils are not suitable for babies at all. They can even cause serious health problems . Here are some oils that should never be used on babies:
- Wintergreen
- Sage
- C LAR y sage
- Idaho tansy
- Hyssop
- Eucaly PTU s (especially for babies under 2 years old)
- Peppermint (especially for babies under 30 months)
You should also consider using a diffuser.
Many people think that if you use essential oils in a diffuser without applying them to the skin and letting the scent fill the room, there is no problem. This is a completely wrong idea. Remember, a baby's lungs and nasal membranes are still developing. When particles of these powerful oils mix with the air, they can enter the baby's respiratory system and aggravate or create new conditions such as respiratory problems and asthma. Therefore, it is not at all advisable to use an essential oil diffuser in a baby's room.
Be careful of these things when using essential oils.
If you are using essential oils as an adult, or if you are using them on an older child under the rare guidance of a doctor, you should definitely be aware of these things.
| Don'ts | Do's |
|---|---|
| Do not apply directly to the skin: undiluted oil is very harsh. | Do a 'Patch Test': Before applying it all over your body, apply it to a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to see if you have an allergic reaction. |
| Do not put directly into bath water: Oil does not dissolve in water. Drops of oil can remain on the skin and burn. | Dilute well: It should be used diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil. For children, the concentration should be much lower, around 0.5% - 2.5%. |
| Do not swallow: Do not take by mouth unless the label clearly states that it is suitable for 'oral consumption'. | Buy from a trusted source: Buy from a company that is transparent and has clearly labeled information. |
| Do not give peppermint to babies under 30 months of age: It may increase the risk of seizures. | Store correctly: Store in a cool, dry, and sunlight-proof place out of the reach of children. |
| Do not apply to sensitive areas like eyes, ears, and nose. | When in doubt, ask an expert: If you have any questions, definitely talk to your doctor. |
What to do in an emergency?
If an emergency arises while using these, do these things without panicking.
- If your baby experiences a severe allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or seizures due to this type of oil, immediately take them to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- If you accidentally drink baby oil, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . They will tell you exactly what to do.
Take-Home Message
- Essential oils are very powerful, highly concentrated plant extracts. They are not toys.
- It is not recommended for babies under 3 months to apply essential oils to their skin or inhale their scent through a diffuser.
- If using on a baby older than that, be sure to dilute it very well in a carrier oil and only do so after consulting a doctor.
- Avoid using certain oils on babies completely, such as Eucalyptus, Peppermint (for babies under 30 months), and Wintergreen.
- Your baby's safety is the first and foremost priority. If you have any concerns or doubts, don't just guess. Ask your doctor for advice.
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