How to Use Aromatherapy for Your Baby

Aromatherapy is a natural way to bring the benefits of plants and pleasant scents into your home. When I mention aromatherapy, I’m mainly talking about essential oils. These are concentrated oils made from plants that not only smell wonderful but also carry many of the plant’s natural benefits. You’ll usually find them in small, dark glass bottles, and their prices can vary.

It’s important to note that essential oils are different from fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are chemically made to smell like plants or other products, but they don’t offer health benefits and may even cause irritation. Essential oils, on the other hand, are natural—but they are also powerful. They should never be applied directly to the skin (“neat”) because they can cause irritation or even burns. Instead, they need to be mixed with a neutral base like lotion or a carrier oil to be safe.

Because of their gentle, plant-based qualities, essential oils can be a nice option to help babies with things like sleep, tummy discomfort, or cold symptoms—especially since medication isn’t always recommended. Still, there’s some debate. Some people believe aromatherapy shouldn’t be used on babies at all, while others point to cultures that have used it safely for centuries. The truth is usually somewhere in the middle. With the right precautions, aromatherapy can be safe and beneficial for babies.

Babies are much more sensitive than adults, so aromatherapy needs to be used differently. Oils should always be diluted more heavily, and it’s best to avoid applying them to a baby’s skin until they’re at least a few months old. As babies get older, the risk of irritation decreases, but caution is always key.

Here are a few safe ways to adapt aromatherapy for babies:

Oils and Lotions

One of the most common uses of aromatherapy is applying scented oils or lotions to the skin, often through massage. Many commercial baby products are sold this way, claiming to promote sleep or ease tummy troubles. But read labels carefully—many are made with fragrance oils or contain too much scent, which can irritate your baby’s skin.

A safer option is to make your own blend. Start with a plain, unscented lotion or a mild carrier oil like grapeseed, coconut, avocado (found in grocery stores), or jojoba (often sold in body care shops). To this base, add no more than 1 drop of essential oil per ounce of lotion or oil if your baby is over 3 months old. Every 3 months, you can add another drop, but never use more than 4 drops per ounce until your baby is over a year old. When applying, avoid the baby’s face and hands, since oils can easily transfer into their mouth or eyes.

In the Bath

Adults often enjoy adding a few drops of oil to a warm bath, but this is not safe for babies. Since oils float on the water, a baby could accidentally get them in their mouth or eyes, which can cause discomfort or irritation.

Instead, try safer alternatives:

• Place a bowl of hot water with a drop or two of oil nearby during bath time.

• Use a shower steamer in the bathroom while bathing your baby in the sink or tub.

Both methods let your baby benefit from the soothing steam without direct exposure to oils in the water.

Room or Linen Sprays

Some aromatherapy products are marketed as sprays for pillows and linens to promote relaxation. While babies don’t use pillows, it might be tempting to spray their crib sheets. Avoid this, as oils can linger on fabric and transfer to your baby’s skin or mouth.

Instead, spray areas away from the crib, like curtains, or place a few drops of oil on cotton balls and tuck them high on shelves or doorframes—out of reach but still able to scent the room.

Aromatherapy can be a gentle and effective addition to your baby’s care routine, but it’s important to remember that babies aren’t just small adults. Their systems are still developing, so even natural products need extra caution. By diluting oils properly, avoiding direct contact in baths or bedding, and making mindful choices about products, you can safely enjoy the calming and healthful benefits of essential oils with your little one.