Infant Safety

Extreme caution is needed for infants with all application methods. Infant skin is more sensitive and permeable to essential oils. It is recommended not to use essential oils on or around infants less then 3 months old or longer for pre-term babies. 

Topical Use

Always dilute your pure essential oil with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil. Avoid the use of the essential oils listed below. Do not use essential oils high in 1,8-cineole, camphor or menthol on or near the face of children under the age of 6 years (this applies to dermal and inhalation methods) and follow the recommended dilutions listed below.

If an essential oil causes dermal irritation, wash skin gently with (preferably unscented) soap and water for at least 10 minutes. Apply a small amount of vegetable oil or barrier cream to the area affected and discontinue use. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Essential oils should never be applied to the eyes or ear canals. External use only.

Recommended Oil Blends, Diluted Appropriately By Age

0-3 Months  Not recommended

3 – 24 Months  Lavender, Roman Chamomile

2 – 6 Years  Mandarin, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Marjoram, Frankincense, Rose, Geranium, Tea Tree, Sandalwood

6+ Years  Can introduce more oils with safe use.

Special Safety Attention

Eucalyptus & Rosemary  Do not apply on or use near the face of infants or children under the age of 6 as it may cause central nervous system and breathing problems in small children due to its high 1,8 cineole content.

Peppermint  Do not apply on or use near the face of infants and young children under the age of 6 due to the high menthol content. Considered to be a neurotoxic, especially to young children.

Wintergreen & Sweet Birch  Both contain high amounts of methyl salicylate and is recommended for adult use only.

Inhalation

Essential oils used in humidifiers or diffusers are usually safe for children if one takes into consideration amount/age and avoids the essential oils listed above. Keep out of reach of children and do not place diffuser near child’s head. Whenever you are using or diffusing essential oils, some air exchange (fresh air) is advisable.

Signs and Symptoms of Overexposure

Respiratory distress and/or neurological symptoms, such as headache, nausea, burning of eyes and throat, cough, shortness of breath, or slowed breathing in young children. If this happens remove person to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms are serious.

Refer to General Essential Oil Safety for more info.

Oral Ingestion

Ingesting essential oil, either in one dose or over time, can lead to toxicity. If young children ingest any amount of essential oil, urgent care should be sought. If you are in any doubt, call 911, your local poison control centre or visit the emergency room. 

Signs and symptoms

The initial effects may include mucosal irritation, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea, and that convulsions, CNS depression and hepatic and renal failure may follow.

Safe Handling

Keep essential oils in a place where young children cannot reach them, and never let them handle essential oils bottles.

For the safest way to enjoy aromatherapy with your children, we always recommend checking with your family doctor first.  When researching trusted aromatherapy information, we recommend experts such as Robert Tisserand, Dr. Joy Bowles and Colleen Quinn to name a few.

References
Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety 2e. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh 

Tisserand Institute, How to Use Essential Oils Safely

https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/ 

Tisserand Institute, What to do when experiencing an adverse reaction

https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety/what-to-do-when-experiencing-an-adverse-reaction/

British Columbia Alliance Of Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy Safety

https://bcaoa.org/education/safety/