You may have heard about the potential benefits of essential oils, but have you ever considered the safety issues surrounding these potent substances, especially when it comes to small children? With the increasing popularity of essential oils, it’s essential to understand how to use these products effectively and safe manner in a household with small children. The last thing you want is a preventable accident or an allergic reaction. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know to use essential oils safely in a household with small children.
Understanding Essential oils
Before you start using essential oils around your children, it’s crucial to understand what they are. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from various parts of plants, including flowers, leaves, seeds, and stems. They contain the “essence” of the plant, which gives them their characteristic aroma and potential therapeutic properties.
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However, due to their high concentration, essential oils must be used carefully, especially around children. Otherwise, they can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or even poisoning if ingested. Now that you have a basic understanding of essential oils let’s explore how to use them safely around your kids.
Selecting Safe Essential Oils for Children
Not all essential oils are safe for children. Some oils, like peppermint and eucalyptus, can induce severe respiratory issues in children below a certain age. Therefore, you must select oils that are safe for your kids. Lavender, chamomile, and frankincense are among the child-friendly oils that you can consider.
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Always do your research before introducing a new essential oil to your family routine. Consult with a certified aromatherapist or a pediatrician to ensure safety. Remember, children’s bodies are different from adults, and some oils safe for adults may not be safe for children.
Proper Dilution of Essential Oils
One of the most common mistakes people make with essential oils is improper dilution. Essential oils are potent, and applying them directly onto the skin can cause severe irritation or burns, especially in children.
To use essential oils safely on children’s skin, you must always dilute them with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are typically neutral, plant-based oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil. These oils will help to safely ‘carry’ the essential oil onto the skin.
As a general rule, the dilution rate for children should be at most 1%, which means 1 drop of essential oil to 100 drops of carrier oil. But this can vary depending upon the age of the child and the oil being used. Consult with a professional to determine the appropriate dilution rate for your child.
Safe Methods of Using Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used in various ways, including diffusion, topical application, or inhalation. When it comes to children, some methods are safer than others.
Diffusion is perhaps the safest method to use essential oils around children. A diffuser disperses tiny particles of the oil into the air, making it easy for you and your children to enjoy the aroma. However, diffusing essential oils should be done sparingly and never in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces.
Topical application is another method but it should be done with caution. Always do a patch test first to check for allergic reactions and remember to dilute the oil. As already mentioned, essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin, especially in children.
Inhalation by way of steam inhalation or personal inhalers should be avoided with small children unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
Awareness of Possible Allergic Reactions
Despite all precautions, it’s possible for children to have allergic reactions to essential oils. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include skin rashes, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, throat, or tongue.
If your child shows any signs of an allergic reaction after being exposed to an essential oil, seek medical attention immediately. And remember, the best form of safety is prevention. Always do a patch test before using a new oil and monitor your child closely for any adverse reactions.
As you can see, using essential oils in a household with small children is not something to be taken lightly. It requires knowledge, care, and a lot of caution. But with the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils while ensuring the safety of your little ones.
Age-Based Guidelines for Essential Oils
Just as there are varying age restrictions for many products and activities, the use of essential oils also comes with age-based guidelines. It’s important to note, newborns and infants have very sensitive skin and systems, and hence, the use of essential oils is generally not recommended for children under three months old.
For babies above three months to two years, only certain essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and dill can be used and that too in a highly diluted form with a ratio of 0.25 percent, equivalent to one drop of essential oil in four teaspoons of carrier oil.
For children aged two to six years, a few more essential oils can be introduced, including bergamot, cedarwood, and tea tree. The dilution rate should be slightly higher, around 1 percent, which equates to one drop of essential oil in two teaspoons of carrier oil.
For children aged six to twelve years, the range of safe essential oils expands further, and the dilution rate can be increased to 1.5 percent, equivalent to one drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
Always remember to consult with a professional before introducing any new essential oil to children of any age group, especially if your child has any existing health conditions or allergies.
Storing Essential Oils Safely
Essential oils can pose a hazard if not stored properly. Given their potent nature, they need to be kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion or skin contact.
Always store essential oils in their original bottles, which are designed to protect the oils from light degradation. The bottles should be tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and to keep the oils fresh. Always keep these bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
And remember, essential oils are not toys, and thus, should never be left unattended around children. If your child does accidentally ingest or come into contact with an undiluted oil, seek medical help immediately.
Conclusion
Essential oils can offer many benefits, from a calming aroma to potential therapeutic properties. However, their potent nature requires handling them with care, especially around small children. Whether it’s understanding what essential oils are, selecting child-safe oils, diluting them properly, understanding the best methods of use, being aware of possible allergic reactions to following age-based guidelines, and storing them safely – all these factors play a significant role in safely using essential oils in a household with small children.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. Always consult with a professional and take the necessary precautions when introducing essential oils into your family routine. With the right knowledge, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with essential oils for your entire family.
