10 Best Essential Oils for Babies Reviewed in 2024
Ana
One of the hot new trends today that people are using are essential oils. Essential oils can be used for health benefits. Essential oils can also be used when it comes to children. However, it is strictly important parents remember that with children under 3 months essential oils should not touch their skin, due to their skin maturing. Parents can put drops of essential oils in an essential oil diffuser that will release particles of the oil into the air so that your baby can get the right ones for them. We’d also like to remind parents that essential oils should only be used outside of the body unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 47 hrs of research
Digestive health
Soothes stomach aches
Safer than OTC pain medications
Comforting and familiar smell
Less intrusive than ingested pills or liquids
10 Best Essential Oils for Babies Reviewed
1. Sun Essentials Peppermint
Digestive health
Soothes stomach aches
Safer than OTC pain medications
Comforting and familiar smell
Less intrusive than ingested pills or liquids
May take time to become effective
If not diluted correctly, can cause some skin irritation
The scent of peppermint is not only a heart-warming, winter memory of snowy nights and holidays. The oil is also essential to treating problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and indigestion, which can be a significant problem in children starting on solid foods or with a sensitive stomach. It also doubles as a treatment for muscle pain and headaches, as the scent has been known to soothe aches.
Read moreDesign
As they grow and mature, children need to overcome many of the processes we as adults take for granted -- this includes digestion.
Effectiveness
Peppermint has shown wonderful advances in the treatment of sour stomachs and aiding in the act of digestion, without harsh antacids or unsavory medicines that many children may not be comfortable taking.
Ease of Use
Peppermint oil smells great and will leave your child feeling even better. The soothing smell will encourage your child to relax while also providing relief from headaches and muscle pains.
2. Now Eucalyptus
Eased breathing
Reduced swelling of nasal passages
Calming smell
Eased muscle pain
Eased joint pain
Skin irritation if not diluted properly
Smell may be overwhelming for some children
Eucalyptus has come a significantly long way from the blue-tinted Vick’s many of us are familiar with. While it was first seen in a tub and used to treat symptoms from viruses such as the common cold, the flu, bronchitis, and even the occasional pollen allergy, it is now found easily in its purest oil form.
Read moreDesign
Eucalyptus oil lends itself to much more flexibility now, including temporary treatment for ailments such as muscle and joint pain and respiratory infections and complications due to allergies and viruses.
Effectiveness
The benefits of Eucalyptus oil do not vary greatly from a vapor rub -- the difference lies in the ingredient list. Rather than using a rub that may contain anything such as camphor, menthol, cedar leaf oil, nutmeg oil, petroleum, thymol, and/or turpentine oil, a simple Eucalyptus oil will open up congestion and ease aches in children often associated with a cold or flu without other harmful additives.
Ease of Use
Eucalyptus oil is far more beneficial than just providing your room with a pleasant smell. In fact, it helps with minor cuts and relieves congestion. Diffusing this essential oil in your child’s room will help get rid of those nasty colds and coughs.
3. Plant Therapy 100% Pure
Provides a calming effect
The amber bottle protects the blend
Composed of pure and undiluted oils
Easy to use and transport
Some may not like the smell
The Calming the Child essential oil by Kidsafe will do exactly as its name states. Diffusing this oil for 30 minutes will help your child calm down and relax. Not only is this essential oil effective but it is completely safe as it is composed of 100 percent pure, undiluted essential oils.
Read moreDesign
Lavender, mandarin, chamomile roman, and tangerine are all found in this blend. The combination of essential oils provides a pleasant smell. This 10ml bottle is super-easy to transport. Its small size allows you to carry it with you throughout the day.
Effectiveness
The amber glass bottle will protect the oils from sunlight. Whether you’re using a diffuser or applying a few drops to the back of your child’s neck, this essential oil is super easy to use. Along with helping your child feel more relaxed, this blend can also help with your child’s breathing.
Ease of Use
With this oil being composed only of undiluted oils, it is completely safe for your child. Application is easy so you can get your child to calm down in no time.
4. Plant Therapy Lavender
Beneficial sleep aid
Calming properties
Can be used for babies three months and older
Has multiple uses
The smell will not be overwhelming or unwelcome
Can cause irritation if not diluted properly
Discretion should be used so as to not confuse with an edible form of the herb
Lavender oil may be by far the most notable oil for children as well as adults, and in recent years, has even been included as a treatment for pets. Why is this herb so highly famed? Notably is its most common use, treatment for anxiety and sleep-deprivation. This oil is a wonderful thing to have on hand, especially when dealing with babies or children who have trouble sleeping or calming down, as many do in the early infancy and toddler stages.
Read moreDesign
Lavender has proven effects and is shown to decrease an overactive nervous system to aid in relief from anxiety and common stressors while acting as a useful oil to soothe the mind and body enough to create a calm sleeping environment. In adults, this is useful for insomnia – in children, this is useful at bedtime to promote healthy sleep and sleep habits. The oil also doubles as an effective all-natural bug repellent, which is obviously a much safer alternative than that of Deet-based repellents that some parents avoid. On that same token, Lavender can be used as a treatment for cuts, scrapes, stings, and minor skin infections (always check with a licensed physician before applying any oil to an open or irritated surface).
Effectiveness
If you’ve ever been in a situation where your two-year-old child simply will not fall asleep and is having one of those nights where nothing you do calms him or her down, Lavender may be a lifesaver. It’s one of few oils with anxiety-calming and relaxing properties, and that alone stands out to any parent who just wants their child to have a normal sleep routine.
Ease of Use
Babies three months and older will sleep more soundly through the night with Lavender essential oil. The scent is subtle and gentle, thus you won’t have to worry about your child getting a headache from an overwhelming perfumey smell.
5. Plant Therapy Tea Tree Melaleuca
All natural skin relief
Safer than some more potent topical pain relievers
May sit more comfortably on the skin
Double usage
All natural relief from earaches, common in younger children
Can cause irritation if not diluted properly
Can only be used on children six months and older
Tea Tree oil is a wonder oil for all things cosmetic and skin-related. From fighting under eye circles to promoting healthy, shiny hair, tea tree oil has uses that are beneficial to children as well as a few other surprising uses. The oil is well-known for its infection-fighting properties, in addition to being a sufficient treatment for cuts, scrapes, minor burns, bug bites, stings, and fungal infections, all which are extremely common as children grow up and become more adventurous in life.
Read moreDesign
This is a good oil to have on hand, as it is not as potent or uncomfortable as other topical ointments for minor skin irritations (note: this is not a substitute for first-aid, always consult a doctor for serious skin problems). The all-natural aspect of essential oil is often calming to parents knowing that they are aware of exactly what it is that they are putting on their children. While Tea Tree oil is the front-runner for skin irritation, it also has beneficial properties for a sore throat, ear infections, pulmonary inflammation, and bronchial congestion and cough.
Effectiveness
Tea Tree oil is nothing new in the world of skincare. Children have just as many skin care needs as adults do, and often times they need more of it due to hormones and just, well, being a kid. Anything from a cut, to a bee sting, too stubborn acne, tea tree oil helps boost a child’s healing power without a list of side effects.
Ease of Use
This oil is best kept in your child’s nursery and diaper bags as it helps with diaper rash in babies over the age of 6 months. Equipped with strong infection-fighting properties it is also great for cuts, burns, and minor scrapes.
6. Young Living Thieves
Safe immune-boosting treatment for babies by applying to feet
Can be applied directly to problem gum area if diluted by at least 5 drops carrier oil
Has multiple uses
Ideal child-safe disinfectant
Alternative to oral-based immune boosters
Somewhat costly
May be difficult to find
Most people will read Thieves oil and wonder what in the world it is and what it could possibly do for the human body to receive such a unique name. Thieves oil is indeed very useful and has some surprising benefits for being, simply, oil that you apply on the skin.
Read moreDesign
The oil is an immune booster, which in itself makes it a wonderful addition to any parent’s medicine cabinet – any of us who have cared for a child know how important a strong immune system is, especially during crucial growing stages. Thieves also have very strong disinfectant properties, which go hand-in-hand with backing up a strong immune system. This makes it a much safer alternative to other disinfectants, as well as a better-smelling one. Aside from immune system aid, the oil can be used to speed up recovery from minor ailments as well as a solid treatment for teething gums.
Effectiveness
An essential oil that has immune boosting properties? Hard to believe, we know -- but it’s true. Thieves’ disinfecting properties make put it in the top ten list just because it creates a natural way to keep germs at bay while also helping your immune system fight off whatever may have gotten past your child’s natural defenses.
Ease of Use
We like Thieves because of one thing that stands out -- the fact that it can be directly applied to the gums of teething children as long as it is diluted properly. Not many oils have this use, and we love the fact that it is orally safe! (As usual, always consult a medical professional beforehand)
7. NOW Solutions Cedarwood
Multi-use oil
Can be used over a range of ages, from infant to teen
Pleasant smell
Has significant antiseptic properties
Mild sedative properties make it safer for use in children
May be difficult to find
Can only be used on babies six months and older
Cedarwood oil is very similar in health properties to Lavender, and in truth, is like a cross between Lavender and Tea Tree oil – thus making it a viable option to treat a wide variety of problems. This oil doubles as a skin treatment as well as a mild sedative.
Read moreDesign
One notable health benefit includes treatment for acne as it is found in many facial cleansers and lotions due to its well-known calming properties, which makes it a viable oil for children with irritated skin as well as pre-teens and teens going through puberty and dealing with the infamous acne stage. Cedarwood is often a better-smelling, more natural, safe, and easy treatment to aid in the reduction of facial discomfort and oily skin that often comes with the acne years due to astringent properties. More specifically for infants and toddlers, it is used to both soothe and calm down fussy babies, as well as treating dandruff and dermatitis. Because of its antiseptic, insecticide, and antiseborrheic properties, it can be applied to minor scrapes and cuts to aid in healing. Interestingly, Cedarwood has been known to aid with kidney disorders and symptoms associated with bronchitis as well.
Effectiveness
Rather than just being a calming agent, Cedarwood oil actually passes as a sedative. This makes it a powerful contender against stubborn insomnia or fussiness that so many parents and caretakers are familiar with. Diffuse this oil for sleep, apply directly to help with skin and/or scalp issues.
Ease of Use
This woodsy scented oil will reduce the stress levels in your child. Dog lovers will enjoy this essential oil as it also works in preventing fleas.
8. Fresh Summer Premium Grade Gift Set
Long lasting scent
Versatile use
Each scent is very strong
Perfect gift for any occasion
Some customers were concerned about the strength of the each scent
This set of 6 essential oils contains the following scents: baby powder, vanilla, sweet pea, mountain rain, fresh cotton, and ocean breeze. They can be used in essential oil diffusers making your home/baby’s nursery smell nice and fresh.
Read moreDesign
All you need is one drop and they can even be used as potpourri. Each scent has a special reason for their own and all are completely safe to use around children. Please be reminded to not put these oils in contact with your baby’s skin. It is for non-skin use only.
Effectiveness
Each of the scents on our list all has, of course, a special strong scent of their own. These scents can all be used for many different reasons. For example, the ocean breeze is typically an oil mixed with peppermint and eucalyptus which are both known to help headaches and congestion. The baby powder essential oil is made up of rose and lavender. Lavender is known to help anyone with trouble sleeping. Each of these scents has a unique attribute that is here to help yours and your families over-all health.
Ease of Use
We love this product because you get six different scents to choose from all for an affordable price. Each scent has a unique attribute to it and all can be extremely beneficial for yours and your families health. It’s a perfect gift for any occasion and essential oils will have your house smelling fresh all day long.
9. Eternal Essence Baby Powder
The cap is equipped with a dropper
Available in two sizes
Easy to transport
Smells just like baby powder
Can be mixed into a variety of things
Many reviewers wish the smell would last longer
Eternal Essence’s baby powder fragrance oil will provide any room with a clean smell and a cozy atmosphere.
Read moreDesign
Not only can this oil be used in your child’s diffuser, but it can also be mixed in with their soap and shampoo. When purchasing, you can buy the oil in a 10ml bottle or a 30ml bottle. Both are highly affordable as they are under $10 and will last a while.
Effectiveness
The fragrance comes in an amber glass bottle with a black ribbed cap. The cap will prevent the oil from spilling out but also makes dispensing the oil easy as it is designed with a dropper insert.
Ease of Use
The ribbed cap will keep the oil secured inside while also making it easy to dispense when you’re ready. The baby powder scent provides a fresh clean smell to any room.
10. Bargzoils Organic Baby Powder
Organic
Strong scent
Man-Made
100% safe
Peppermint
Customers weren’t pleased with how small the bottle is
This is an essential oil that can be used for your skin and your hair. (please be reminded not to use this on your baby even though it can be used for skin and hair. We can not stress enough that this essential oil should not come in contact with your infants' skin).
Read moreDesign
The main use of this essential oil is to help with any sore muscles or dandruff problems that you might have. It does have a peppermint scent to it which is completely safe to use around babies. The scent is strong and long-lasting. This particular essential oil will help if you’re having dandruff problems or if you have any type of sore muscles. It is 100% safe to use.
Effectiveness
This essential oil is made of peppermint. It’s completely organic and comes directly from mother nature herself. It is 100% safe to use on your hair and skin. As stated above while this is safe for a parent to use on their skin: DO NOT use on your baby’s. For babies it is reminded to use this product in an essential oil diffuser so that the particles can be released in the air their nursery. This product is also organic and made of extremely high quality.
Ease of Use
We love this product because it’s 100% natural. It’s the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether you have a hair problem or a muscle problem this baby powder essential oil is perfect for to help any sore muscle or hair problems that you might have. It's safe to use on your hair and skin and has a nice peppermint scent to it as well. The perfect gift for any occasion.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
All any parent or guardian wants is for the child or children to be healthy, happy, and without discomfort. The world of essential oils truly opens itself up to be lent to that notion, while providing many valuable health properties. The essential oils we have listed have been evaluated based on three main criteria: safety, effective usage, and availability.
Effectiveness
Essential oils are unique in the sense that each oil provides its own health benefits while bringing with it an individual scent that may or may not be pleasant to the user. The great aspect of this is that more than one oil can do the same job as another, less-liked oil.
For example, if your child has a mild skin irritation due to rash, and the scent of chamomile adds no effective use, another option lies in tea tree oil with a lesser scent and just as well-known skin anti-irritation properties. Oils are plentiful and customizable, and it is for that reason that they are a potential go-to treatment. In addition to being all-natural, it always helps that they smell amazing (especially when we all know babies don’t always smell like roses)!
Ease of Use
Part of the criteria for listing these 10 oils is how widely available they are. Even the more unique oil, let’s say, thieves, for example, is prevalent in this day and age. Essential oils are no longer a trend, they are a treatment!
Design Effectiveness Ease of Use 
There are smells that keep you calm and with a new baby in the house, keeping things calm is an ideal environment. Use oils like lavender, rosewater, and chamomile.
That the oils are made from plant parts, like the leaves, from the bark and rinds. Each maker using a different method to create them. They then can be added to creams, your skin, in the bath, and in warmers.
Other Factors to Consider
Safety
Our first question will always remain the same: Is it safe for my child? The wonderful thing about essential oils is that each and every oil is found in its purest form. Any oil listed is straight from the source, whether it be from the tree, plant, herb, bush, fruit, etc. This makes for a pretty simple ingredients list: Simply just the oil itself.
Furthermore, each oil can be diluted fully to provide use in the best form possible and reduce any possible irritation. Baby essential oils should only ever be used on the skin unless otherwise directed by a health professional-–for the safety of all age ranges, topical and/or air diffusing only should be used to receive the full health benefits associated with each oil and prevent further complications, due to the oil.
Logic
Knowing what works and what doesn’t is always an essential part of research when dealing with children or teens. Behind the theory of essential oils lies decades of statistics and uses that have been passed down through generations, and while it is not a new treatment for certain health issues, in recent years it has become a widely accepted one.
It is this, combined with the medicinal results of oils, that they have become a beneficial practice for families all over, and once you familiarize yourself with the practice of diluting and diffusing, you can count on positive health attributes for yourself as well as your family. One of those being a home that smells positively lovely!
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are oils water-soluble?
No, they are not-–no oils are water-soluble. The correct way to dilute any oil is through a few drops of carrier oil, most of which are easily found. When using oils in a bath, be sure to dry and wipe any excess oil off of children so as to not cause any irritation.
q: Can these oils be used in a diffuser?
A good rule of thumb is if you can smell the oil, you can most likely diffuse it. Some oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, sandalwood, cedarwood, etc., are more easily diffused to a more pervasive scent. Other oils such as tea tree or chamomile may take longer or not have an easily detected scent if diffused, and are better applied diluted and directly to the skin. Any oil can be diffused, the individual determines personal preference and need.
q: What are the different ways these oils can be used?
Essential oils can be used in a variety of different ways. Most popular are via an oil diffuser with wooden skewers to “diffuse” the scent of the oil; diluted with a carrier oil and applied to skin whether on the feet for children or on the wrists, temples, scalp, behind the ears, or elsewhere for adults; or in a water source such as a bath. Oils can also be mixed into lotions or wax for candles-–always check with a health professional before applying oils orally or any other method.
q: How are they best-applied to the body?
In children, oils can be rubbed/massaged onto feet so as to prevent accidental oral ingestion. They can also be added to bath water. Always check with a doctor before use elsewhere, as some oils (Thieves oil) can be applied diluted and directly to gums, while others (frankincense, lavender, etc.) can only be applied to the skin and used in diffusers.
q: Can they be warmed in a candle-lit warmer?
As with any oil, caution is best. It is worth it to obtain an oil diffuser specifically made to diffuse oils, therefore there is no risk of flames or fire if oils spill, and it is much more child-safe. If oils are being added to a warmer, use extreme caution-–the best way is to add a few drops of the oil of choice to wax, then burn the wax and oil as a candle.
q: Can it be used as mouthwash?
No! Essential oils should never be ingested or used without diluting beforehand to reduce the risk of irritation. For edible versions of these herbs, turn to things such as peppermint/spearmint leaves, edible lavender herb, chamomile tea and flowers, lemon peel and juice, etc.
Sources
- , Essential Oil Safety Guide, Online Safety Guide
- , Essential Oils Safety - Why it is Important and How to Stay Safe, Informative Article
- , 14 Safe And Best Essential Oils For Kids, Online Advice Article
- , Chamomile, Blue Essential Oil, Product Information Page
- , Are Essential Oils Safe?, Educational Article
