Is Mineral Oil Safe For Toddlers?

Mineral oil, liquid oil made from petroleum by-products, is a common ingredient in many baby lotions, diaper rash treatments, cosmetics and ointments. It also works as a lubricant laxative that softens the stool by slowing the absorption of water from the bowel. Since mineral oil can interfere with your child's absorption of certain minerals, you should give it to your toddler only if your doctor recommends it. Talk to your doctor before giving your child any type of laxative, even natural or over-the-counter ones, to ensure the remedy is safe and appropriate.

Significance

Although mineral oil carries Food and Drug Administration approval for laxative use in adults and children over 6, the Drugs database cautions against using it for younger children -- unless recommended by a doctor -- due to a lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this age range. FDA-approved topical products, such as skin creams and baby oils, generally remain safe as long as your toddler doesn't develop skin irritation or signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling or difficulty breathing.

Considerations

Mineral oil lacks any nutritional value and can potentially leach your toddler's body of important vitamins. The American Academy of Family Practitioners cautions that prolonged, regular use of mineral oil can cause deficiencies of vitamins A, D, E and K --- vitamins that your child needs to grow and develop properly.

Warning

A mineral oil overdose can occur if your toddler ingests more than the recommended amount of this product. An overdose can cause severe digestive symptoms including abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, states Medline Plus. Seek immediate medical attention for your toddler if you suspect a mineral oil overdose. Mineral oil also carries a rare, but potentially serious, risk of aspiration when used internally. If inhaled into the lungs, mineral oil can cause liquid pneumonia, a serious respiratory condition that can cause respiratory failure and death.

Prevention/Solution

In lieu of mineral oil, the Ask Dr. Sears website suggests giving your toddler flax seed oil. This healthy alternative laxative can relieve constipation without the harmful side effects of mineral oil. Unlike mineral oil, it actually improves your toddler's absorption of vitamins and minerals. The Sears doctors recommend giving toddlers 2 tsps. a day to soften dry, hard stools.

Prevention/Solution

Doctor-recommended use of a gentle laxative like mineral oil can help your toddler through an especially difficult episode of constipation, but Ask Dr. Sears recommends increasing the fiber in your child's diet before regularly using laxatives or stool softeners. Serve her a variety of fiber-rich foods, like broccoli, graham crackers and whole-grain breads and crackers. In an article on the Babycenter website, clinical psychologist Edward Christophersen, suggests feeding your child enough grams of fiber to equal his age plus five: a 3-year-old toddler will need about 8 grams of fiber a day.