Aroma Diffusers: Healthy Or Harmful For Babies?

Aromatherapy is a popular practice that involves using fragrant essential oils to improve health and well-being. While it can be beneficial for adults, the effects of aromatherapy on babies are less clear. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be harmful if used improperly. As babies have sensitive skin and developing respiratory systems, it is important to consider their safety when using aroma diffusers around them.

Potential benefits of aroma diffusers for babies

Aroma diffusers have become a popular way to customise rooms, creating a pleasant atmosphere and providing a special aroma. They can also be used to purify a room and remove unpleasant smells.

When used correctly, aromatherapy can be beneficial for babies. The use of fragrant essential oils can boost health and well-being, improve mood, and make people feel better.

Calming and sleep aid

Aroma diffusers can help babies feel calmer and sleep better. Lavender oil, for example, is known to have calming, sedative effects and can help babies stay in deep sleep for longer.

Congestion relief

Aroma diffusers can also help relieve congestion in babies. Eucalyptus oil, in particular, is said to have decongestant properties.

Colic relief

In addition, aromatherapy massages with lavender oil have been shown to reduce colic symptoms in babies.

Weight gain and development

Baby massages with diluted essential oils can improve weight gain in pre-term infants and encourage their development.

Risks of using aroma diffusers for babies

While aromatherapy can be beneficial for children when used safely, it can be harmful and dangerous when used improperly. Here are some risks associated with using aroma diffusers for babies:

• Incautious Practices: The popularity of aromatherapy has led to an increase in the incidence of poisoning, skin injuries, and other health issues due to careless use. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should never be swallowed or applied undiluted directly to the skin.
• Overexposure: Water-based diffusers that disperse essential oils into the air for extended periods can lead to overexposure. This can irritate the lungs, eyes, and skin of young children, sensitive adults, and even pets. It can also lead to rebound headaches and other symptoms.
• Standing Water: The water in diffusers can breed bacteria, which can be harmful if dispersed into the air.
• Flammability: Essential oils are flammable. Never use heat to diffuse oils into the air as it can pose a fire risk.
• Lack of Clinical Research: There is limited clinical research on the effects of aromatherapy on babies younger than three months old. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians does not recommend using essential oils on babies younger than three months. The lack of research means the risks of negative reactions are too high.
• Respiratory Reactions: Keep essential oils away from a baby's airways. Do not use aroma diffusers if the infant has asthma or a family history of asthma.
• Skin Irritation: Babies often have sensitive skin, and some essential oils are known skin irritants. Avoid using cinnamon bark or leaf oil, and olive oil as a carrier oil, as it can damage the skin.

Safest types of aroma diffuser for babies

Safest Types of Aroma Diffusers for Babies

Aroma diffusers have become a popular way to customise rooms in your home, creating a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. However, when it comes to babies, it is important to exercise caution as their sinuses, lungs, and bodies are still developing. Here are some tips and guidelines for using aroma diffusers safely around babies:

• Age restrictions: It is recommended to avoid using essential oil diffusers when your baby is present. Limit the use of aromatherapy to children over the age of three. For newborns, it is generally recommended to avoid diffusing essential oils and minimise the use of all lotions, soaps, and creams until the baby is at least three months old.
• Choosing the right essential oils: Not all essential oils are safe for babies. Some companies create specific essential oil blends designed with babies' safety in mind. Look for these blends and always dilute the oils as instructed. Avoid strong-smelling essential oils such as camphor, cinnamon, clove, or eucalyptus when using a diffuser around babies. Mild-smelling essential oils like lavender or some citrus oils (except bergamot) are generally considered safer options.
• Dilution and dosage: Proper dilution and dosage are crucial when using essential oils with babies. For babies over three months old, use one to three drops of essential oil per 200ml of water in the diffuser. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for dilution and dosage recommendations.
• Diffuser type: Avoid using water-based diffusers that disperse the fragrance continuously over extended periods. Instead, opt for diffusers that can be set to operate for shorter periods, such as 15-20 minutes, and then turned off. Ultrasonic cool mist diffusers are often recommended for use with babies as they do not burn the residues of essential oils.
• Safety precautions: Keep essential oils out of the reach of children. Do not let babies or young children touch or ingest essential oils, even in diluted forms. Always read the user manual of the diffuser and follow the safety instructions carefully.
• Consultation: If your baby has any pre-existing medical or respiratory issues, allergies, or sensitivities, consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils or diffusers.

Safest essential oils for babies

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants. They can be toxic if swallowed and cause irritation or burns if applied directly to the skin. Therefore, it is important to take certain precautions when using essential oils around babies.

Firstly, essential oils should not be used on or around babies younger than 3 months old. For premature babies, it is recommended to wait until at least 3 months after their due date.

Secondly, essential oils should never be applied undiluted to the skin of babies and infants. Always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends diluting the essential oil to just 0.5 to 2.5 percent.

Thirdly, it is crucial to keep essential oils away from a baby's airways. It is okay to apply diluted oils to a baby's feet, as long as they do not put their feet near their mouth.

Fourthly, do not use a diffuser if your baby has asthma or is at risk of developing asthma due to a family history of the condition.

With these precautions in mind, here are some of the safest essential oils that can be used for babies:

• Lavender – This oil has a calming effect on the body and mind, improving overall mood. It can be used to reduce pain, alleviate colic symptoms, and promote sleep.
• Chamomile – This ancient medicinal herb has two popular varieties: German and Roman chamomile. Massaging infants with chamomile oil may increase their sleep duration and reduce colic symptoms.
• Mandarin – Mandarin oil has a sweet fragrance that is calming. It is usually safe for babies older than six months and has antibacterial and antifungal properties that may keep the skin healthy.
• Dill – Dill essential oil is rich in bioactive compounds and has carminative and antispasmodic properties, which may help relieve colic symptoms in babies.
• Tea Tree – Tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Its topical use could relieve abscesses, cold sores, burns, insect bites, and dandruff. Inhalation by diffusion may alleviate respiratory problems, such as coughs. It is safe to use for babies older than six months when diluted.

It is important to consult a certified aromatherapist or essential oil practitioner before using any essential oils on or around babies. Additionally, always buy essential oils from a reliable source and carefully read the user manual of your diffuser.

How to use essential oils safely around babies

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in medicine. Aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy, is the medicinal use of naturally extracted plant aromas to promote physical and emotional well-being. Aromatherapy can be used to treat burns, soothe skin, alleviate stress, and relax the mind.

However, it is important to note that there is very little research on how essential oils may affect babies. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians does not recommend using essential oils on babies younger than 3 months old.

• Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil.
• Never use undiluted essential oils on a baby's skin.
• Keep oils out of reach of babies and children.
• Never ingest or allow a baby to ingest essential oils.
• Some oils can be toxic or irritate a baby's skin, so it is important to research the oil first and speak to a doctor if in doubt.
• Avoid using essential oils around babies with asthma or a family history of asthma.
• Avoid using water-based diffusers, as overexposure to aerosols with essential oils can irritate the lungs, eyes, and skin of young children.
• Never use heat to diffuse essential oils, as they are flammable.
• Always follow the instructions on the diffuser and keep the room well-ventilated.
• Avoid using essential oils with cinnamon bark or leaf, as these are known skin irritants.
• Avoid using olive oil as a carrier oil, as it can damage the skin.
• Avoid using peppermint, birch, or wintergreen essential oils, as these are rich in methyl salicylate and can be harmful to babies.

Frequently asked questions