Jump Ahead to:
Essential Oil For Baby Congestion
If you’re wondering if essential oils are safe for your baby, consider diffusing a few.
This is a great way to start because you can introduce one at a time and watch for any reactions.
But if you’re not sure about your baby’s age, start with one oil and then add more as needed.
If you have a newborn, discuss the use of essential oils with your pediatrician because it’s important to avoid irritating your baby’s sensitive skin.
What are Essential Oils
When using essential oils on your baby, the first thing to understand is the difference between fragrance and true essential oils.
Fragrance oils have pleasant smells, but they have no medicinal value.
Essential oils are considered “pure” when GC/MS testing is done.
You can choose essential oils for your baby based on age, skin sensitivity, and oil type.
For a newborn, lavender isn’t recommended for use in the home.
There are some safety concerns when using essential oils, however.
Some essential oils are dangerous if inhaled or applied directly to sensitive parts of the body.
So, it is best to dilute essential oils as directed.
Check out our dilution chart if you’re not sure of the safest dilution ratio for a particular oil.
Depending on the dilution, a few drops should help.
Cypress oil is a powerful antiseptic. It helps break up congestion and kill bacteria in the air.
It’s also a great choice for EOers as it can be used to make DIY all-natural cleaning solutions.
Thyme oil can help prevent staph infections. Thyme is also an excellent antispasmodic.
Thyme can help relieve toddler coughing and fight upper respiratory infections.
If you’re a parent with a toddler, you can also try essential oils as a calming agent for your child.
They’re effective for soothing anxiety, helping your baby sleep, and calming your baby’s body.
But remember: use diluted essential oils and don’t use them on your baby’s skin.
Always read labels, and check that they’re pure essential oils, and not premixed with alcohol.
You should also avoid fragrances made with synthetic compounds.
When using essential oils for babies, you should never use them undiluted because their concentration is very high and can cause skin irritation.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy recommends that you use a diluted product that contains no more than two to three percent of the essential oil.
For infants, you should use a few drops of essential oils in a carrier oil or cream.
Essential oils can also irritate your child’s skin and should never be applied directly to the skin.
Properties of Essential Oils
There are many different kinds of essential oils.
Some are used for aromatherapy, while others are natural remedies.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that preserve the flavor and smell.
They are beneficial for many reasons, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting immunity.
But a more specific application is an essential oil for baby congestion.
Essential oils can help clear baby congestion by killing bacteria.
To find out which oils are the most effective for babies, read on to learn about their uses and how to use them.
First, it is important to know which ones are safe for babies.
Children under the age of 3 months old should not be exposed to essential oils.
It is best to introduce them to them gradually over a short period of time.
For babies with respiratory problems, it is necessary to monitor their reactions with small amounts.
The first oil to be introduced to a child should only be used in very small amounts for a limited time.
If a child does not like the smell, discontinue its use.
The benefits of essential oils are largely dependent on the type and concentration.
However, essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation.
Look for pure therapeutic essential oils that do not contain alcohol or synthetic fragrances.
While some oils may seem appealing, some are harmful to babies.
To determine which variety of essential oil is safe for babies, check the Latin botanical name.
It should be used in a small amount of water and should not be applied directly to the affected area.
Essential oils are a safe alternative to over-the-counter medications for baby congestion.
Although they are widely used in aromatherapy, they are not FDA-approved medicines.
It is advisable to consult a qualified health care provider before using essential oils on your baby.
You should never apply essential oils directly to the baby’s skin since they can be harmful to the skin.
Babies should also avoid them under the age of three months.
Cause of Baby Congestion
Most cases of baby congestion are harmless and can be treated at home.
However, if your child’s congestion persists for more than ten days or has been accompanied by a fever, you should consult your pediatrician.
The pediatrician can prescribe medication or suggest after-hours care at an urgent care center.
In severe cases, you should see a doctor right away.
A simple home remedy for baby congestion can be an over-the-counter medication or a visit to the emergency room.
Enlarged adenoids often cause nasal congestion.
These glands are important for fighting off bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that invade the nasal passage.
Infections and allergies can also cause them to enlarge.
This can obstruct the nasal passage, causing mucus to collect.
Congestion in the nose may also occur in the chest and lungs.
To help alleviate your baby’s congestion, feed your baby regularly and monitor their urine production.
What causes baby congestion?
Congestion in babies is caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal passage.
Since infants have tiny airways and are unable to blow their noses as adults do, even a small amount of mucus can be noticeable.
Inflammation and mucus are the body’s way of removing allergens and germs.
Regardless of the cause, a quick solution will help ease your baby’s congestion.
The best way to relieve a baby’s congestion is to keep the nose clean as possible.
This can be as simple as taking a warm shower or giving your child a wet cotton swab.
Either one of these options will relieve the congestion and give your baby the breath they need.
The next time your baby has congestion, you should schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or visit the UH Virtual Visit clinic.
Viruses are another common cause of baby congestion.
While common colds usually pass on without treatment, a severe bout of RSV can lead to bronchiolitis.
This is a serious illness involving cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
It is important to consult your doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms.
If your baby is not yet able to stand up, a warm bath may distract them from their discomfort and help clear their nasal congestion.
Best Essential Oil for Baby Congestion
When it comes to selecting the best essential oil for a baby, several things to consider.
Some essential oils are only fragrances, and they don’t have any medicinal properties.
Only essential oils with medicinal properties can be used to treat baby congestion.
To get the right essential oil for your baby’s cold, make sure to select one that’s safe for babies and compatible with their age and skin sensitivity.
Listed below are a few essential oils to choose from.
Eucalyptus oil: This plant contains a natural antimicrobial and antiseptic effect, and many common vapors and chest rubs contain eucalyptus radiata.
Another option is frankincense, which promotes healthy upper respiratory systems and acts as an expectorant.
It also reduces inflammation.
This oil can help relieve your baby’s congestion and symptoms when applied topically.
Several essential oils are safe for babies.
While lavender, rosemary, and peppermint are safe, other oils may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Use essential oils sparingly, and always use dilution ratios and application methods as directed.
The oils are widely available, but you need to be careful.
Look for pure essential oils and ensure the bottle isn’t premixed with alcohol.
Also, make sure the diffuser isn’t in the room where your baby is.
When choosing an essential oil for baby congestion, choose the highest purity.
You should avoid oils mixed with alcohol or artificial fragrances, as these can irritate newborns.
Additionally, don’t use essential oils on babies under three months.
Even though many oils have medicinal properties, they’re not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
You should always consult your pediatrician first before introducing essential oils to your baby.
Lavender or chamomile essential oils can help soothe your baby’s pain and fussiness.
One study from 2012 found that massages with lavender oil can relieve colic symptoms.
Another study showed that lavender oil massages were beneficial for treating colic symptoms.
If you’re thinking about trying essential oils for baby congestion, follow the directions carefully.
While there are many benefits to using essential oils, some should never be used for internal use.
NEXT Essential Oil For Bladder Infection
Legal and Medical Disclaimer
Information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
You MUST consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
We do not provide any medical advise.
