natural approaches to baby health!

finding confidence in knowing that i have the tools as a mother to care for my babies is one of the most empowering things for me.

and knowing that the tools i am using are completely natural and safe for my little guys is absolutely crucial.

since using essential oils in our home, i have been able to address everything from respiratory issues, to colds/other viruses, to allergies, to aches and pains, to skin blemishes, to ear infections, 

and the list goes on!!

today i thought i would share some common issues we face specifically related to our babies and different oils that address those issues!

some important things to keep in mind when using doTERRA essential oils with babies:

- It is important to always dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, etc.) before using it on your baby. Add 1-2 drops of essential oil to 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil for babies and children ages 3 years and younger. go here for more information on carrier oils!

- You want to avoid getting the oil on the babies hands because they may rub their eyes.

In order to make sure this happens, I always cover the area with oil with clothing. So if i put oil on my baby's feet, then I make sure socks are always on!

- If an oil accidentally does get into your baby's eye, dilute with a vegetable oil, such as olive oil or fractionated coconut oil, NOT with water. 

- some of the most commonly used oils for babies are: Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Melaleuca, Orange, and Roman Chamomile. 

Colds: mix 1-2 drops of Melaleuca, Lavender and Lemon and diffuse. Mix 1 drop of each oil with 1 tbsp of a carrier oil and massage on chest and back every 4 hours, or every diaper change. It may also help to diffuse a few drops of Breathe, Melaleuca or Lavender for congestion, or put 1-2 drops of Lemon on the baby's feet and/or spine.

Cough: mix 1 - 3 drops of Breathe, Eucalyptus or Peppermint oil with a carrier oil on their chest and back and neck. If possible, also diffuse in their room at night.  Lavender and Frankincense are other good oils.

Colic/abdominal issues: The following are good oils to address this issue: Lavender, Peppermint, Ginger, Digestzyn, Fennel or Wild Orange. Mix 1 drop of 1 of these oils with 1 tsp carrier oil and massage the baby's tummy and lower back in circular motions. 1 drop of Lavender on the spine may help as well. Do not use all of these oils at once, but rather try them one at a time to find the oil that works best for your baby. (Bergamot, Marjoram, and Ylang Ylang have also been found helpful.

Cradle Cap: Mix 1 drop of Lavender, Melaleuca or Geranium with a carrier oil and apply to the scalp. Again, avoid contact with the eyes. Let the oils absorb before washing the baby's head.

Crying: Diffuse Lavender, Roman Chamomile, or Ylang, Ylang in the air. (only use one oil at a time)

Diaper Rash: Make an ointment with Lavender, Melaleuca, or Roman Chamomile with Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and apply to affected area. 

Diarrhea: Dilute one drop of Digestzen or Roman Chamomile in a carrier oil and massage around the abdomen, stroking clockwise to follow the direction of the Colon. 

Earache/infection: Basil, Melaleuca, and Lavender are all good. Dilute 1-2 drops of Basil or Melaleuca and/or Lavender around the ear and behind the ear. Basil is helpful with the pain. Another form of application is to put 1 drop on a cotton ball or swab and apply around the ear (not in ear canal). May also rub on reflex points on the feet and hands. This is a great video on ear infections by Dr. Hill!

Fever: Mix 1 drop of Lavender, Peppermint or Eucalyptus with a carrier oil and then apply to the baby's feet, spine, back of neck and behind the ears.

Jaundice: Mix 1 drop of Geranium with a carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of feet and the liver area. NOTE: do not apply within 30minutes before or after UVA light treatment)

Teething: Mix 1 drop of Roman Chamomile or Lavender with a carrier oil and then massage on the outside of the face along the jaw line. You can also try two drops of Clover in 1 Tbsp of carrier oil and apply to the gums.

This is another very good, short video by Dr. Hill on the use of essential oils with babies!

additional information can be found here, here and here.