Essential oils must always be used with great care in relation to babies and small children. However, infants do get stressed, ill and upset in the same way as adults, and it's not always possible for parents to understand what's wrong. A soothing massage with a comforting oil can often be of great benefit. According to Massage Manual.com: "Children also respond very rapidly to the effects of essential oils. Their innate powers of self-healing enable them to throw off toxins very quickly."
Precautions
Aromatherapy essential oils must never be used undiluted on a baby's skin. Of the 100 or so oils available, only four are considered completely safe, and these must be used with caution. The ideal dilution for massage is one drop of oil to 30ml carrier oil, and the best carrier is sweet almond oil. Oils that can be safely used are Rose Otto, Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Neroli.
Rose Otto
Rose otto (Latin name Rosa damascena) is a soothing and sensual oil. It's ideal for treating the wrinkled skin on newborn babies (though it should not be used in the first 24 hours after birth). Dilute one drop of oil to 20ml sweet almond oil and 10ml extra virgin olive oil, blend it together and gently massage it into the affected area. This helps restore the moisture to the baby's skin and promote the growth of new, healthy skin.
Lavender
Lavender (Latin name Lavendula Angustifolia) is the best oil to use for overall body massage on a baby or small child. Mix the oil at one drop to 30ml sweet almond oil, and massage it in gently on the back, legs, chest and stomach. Always massage in the direction of the heart, and never too deeply. Says Ali Headeach, aromatherapist from Margate, UK: "The properties of lavender help baby to relax, get off to sleep, and help any skin conditions. It's also good for asthma and other bronchial conditions, and helps clear a stuffy nose."
Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile (Latin name Anthemis nobilis) helps get a tired baby off to sleep, and can also be used on the bottom for nappy rash. Mix one drop to 30ml sweet almond oil and apply it to the affected area after cleansing. This eases pain and irritation, clears up any infection and reduces inflammation.
Neroli
Neroli (Latin name Citrus aurantium) is regarded as the queen of oils, and it's the most expensive. Distilled from the petals of freshly picked flowers, it has the light, gentle scent of orange blossom. Used for many years to calm nerves, it's the ideal oil to calm a fretful or anxious baby. Add one drop of neroli oil to 30ml sweet almond oil, and massage it into the skin after the baby's bath. This helps calm the baby and promote a sense of peace and harmony.
