Last updated on February 19th, 2025 at 02:22 pm
The allure of essential oils is a double-edged sword. Essential oils have become synonymous with natural healing and wellness. From aromatherapy sessions to DIY cleaning solutions, their applications seem endless. However, when it comes to our tiniest family members, it’s crucial to recognize that “natural” doesn’t always equate to “safe.” The concentrated nature of these oils means they can be potent, and while they offer benefits for adults, they can pose significant risks to infants. So are essential oils for newborns actually safe or not?
Why Essential Oils and Newborns Don’t Mix
Newborns are in a critical stage of development, with their organs and systems still maturing. This makes them particularly vulnerable to external substances. Here are the specific reasons why essential oils can be hazardous for infants:
Skin Sensitivity
A baby’s skin is thinner and more permeable than that of adults. This means that substances applied topically are absorbed more readily. Applying essential oils, even when diluted, can lead to:
- Irritation: Redness, itching, or burning sensations.
- Allergic Reactions: Rashes or hives resulting from sensitivity to certain compounds.
- Chemical Burns: Some oils can cause severe reactions, leading to blistering or peeling skin.
Newborns, babies and children are more likely to have adverse reactions to essential oils than adults, so it’s important to know how to use them safely.
Respiratory Vulnerability
A baby’s respiratory system is still developing and getting stronger each day but strong scents and volatile compounds can:
- Trigger Respiratory Distress: Leading to coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
- Exacerbate Asthma: For babies predisposed to asthma, certain essential oils can act as triggers.
I never recommend the use of water-based diffusers in a newborn’s room or any room your little one will be spending time in, which disperses the essential oil throughout a room for extended periods, as overexposure to aerosols with essential oils in them can irritate the lungs, eyes, and skin of young children.
Neurological Concerns
Some essential oils contain compounds that can affect the central nervous system of infants, leading to symptoms like agitation or lethargy. For example, oils high in camphor or menthol can be particularly problematic.
Toxicity Risks
Ingesting or improperly applying essential oils can be toxic. Oils like eucalyptus and tea tree have been associated with severe adverse reactions in infants. Even small amounts can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, or respiratory distress.
Essential Oils to Avoid Around Babies
While some essential oils are praised for their therapeutic benefits, certain oils are particularly hazardous to infants and should be strictly avoided. Lavender is a popular essential oil in many baby products but is lavender oil safe for newborns??
Here’s a list of essential oils to avoid:
- Anise
- Basil
- Birch
- Camphor
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel
- Hyssop
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tea Tree
- Wintergreen
This list is not exhaustive, there are many more essential oils that are not safe for use around babies and young children and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or certified aromatherapist before considering the use of any essential oil around infants.
Hidden Dangers: Essential Oils in Baby Products
The market is flooded with baby products that claim to have natural ingredients, but natural DOESN’T EQUAL safe I can’t shout that enough, natural doesn’t always mean it’s safe. Also, just because a product is marketed for babies doesn’t make it safe either.
While essential oils on infants are risky when used directly, many parents don’t realize that baby products often contain essential oils as hidden ingredients. These can still pose dangers, especially when used daily over time. So just like with anything else, always approach with caution.
Learning to read labels is so incredibly important as a consumer, whether it’s beauty products, cleaning products or food items. This is something I help clients learn to do all the time.
Common Products Containing Essential Oils
- Lotions and Creams – Many brands add lavender essential oil for newborns to promote relaxation, but even this seemingly mild oil can interfere with hormone development.
- Shampoos and Body Washes – Ingredients like lavender and eucalyptus oil are often marketed as soothing but they can irritate a baby’s skin and respiratory system.
- Diaper Creams and Wipes – Some brands include peppermint oil in newborn products for cooling effects, but this can lead to skin irritation and breathing issues.
- Chest Rubs and Balms – Products designed to ease congestion often contain eucalyptus essential oils, which can be dangerous for infants.
How to Avoid This: Always check ingredient labels, even for organic or natural products. If an essential oil is listed, reconsider whether your baby truly needs it. Opt for fragrance-free alternatives instead.
If You Still Want to Use Essential Oils, Work With a Certified Aromatherapist
If you are set on incorporating essential oils into your young baby’s care, the safest route is to work with a Certified Aromatherapist NOT a sales rep from an MLM company.
Why Choose a Certified Aromatherapist?
- They have professional training in safe dilution ratios for infants.
- They understand which oils should never be used on or around babies.
- They can recommend evidence-based, safer alternatives when essential oils aren’t appropriate.
Where to Find a Certified Aromatherapist
If you’re looking for a reputable expert, check these organizations:
- United States: National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) – Offers a directory of certified professionals.
- Canada: Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists (CFA) – A professional registry of trained aromatherapists.
Before working with anyone, verify their credentials and ensure they prioritize safety over sales.
I Took Extreme Caution with Essential Oils
I’ve always been mindful of what I use around my home, but when I became a mom, that awareness intensified. Essential oils were a staple in my home before getting pregnant and I stand by them as better safer options than candles or scented cleaning products BUT like with anything else, I knew not everything is safe during pregnancy or around babies. I really did my extensive research to find out, are essential oils safe for newborns and decided to take every precaution.
Here’s what I did:
- During my homebirth: I didn’t diffuse any essential oils because I knew even mild ones like lavender essential oil for newborns could be overwhelming in an enclosed space.
- The first year: I didn’t diffuse essential oils at all, even the organic ones from Plant Therapy which I trust.
- After one year: I started diffusing, but only Plant Therapy’s KidSafe line and only for 30 minutes max. I often left the room while diffusing to limit exposure. So if we wake up sick, I’ll diffuse Germ Destroyer in the bedroom but that’s after we’re out of bed, our door is open, and our window is cracked open for fresh air.
- Topical use: I never applied essential oils directly to my baby’s skin. When I finally introduced them around 2.5 years old, it was only for illness or calming support and heavily diluted. I stick to the KidSafe line of essential oil rollers from Plant Therapy.
- No ingestion, EVER: Some sources claim adding essential oils to drinks is safe—I strongly disagree. Essential oils for infants, or really anyone no matter the age, should never be ingested, even in tiny amounts.
I took this careful approach to ensure that my child wasn’t exposed to unnecessary risks, and I encourage other parents to do the same.
Safe, Natural Alternatives for Baby Ailments (No Essential Oils Needed!)
You don’t NEED essential oils to support your baby’s health. There are gentler, safer ways to handle common newborn issues:
For Teething
❌ Avoid: Rubbing essential oils like clove or chamomile on gums (can cause irritation).
✔️ Try instead: A cold washcloth, silicone teether, or frozen breast milk pop.
For Constipation
❌ Avoid: Digestive blends with fennel or peppermint that get rolled directly onto baby’s skin (can disrupt gut balance).
✔️ Try instead: A warm belly massage using pure coconut or olive oil (without essential oils).
For Congestion
❌ Avoid: Diffusing eucalyptus or peppermint oil (can slow breathing in infants).
✔️ Try instead: A humidifier, saline drops, or a steamy bathroom session.
For Sleep Struggles
❌ Avoid: Diffusing lavender oil all night (overexposure can be problematic).
✔️ Try instead: A consistent bedtime routine, white noise, dim lighting, and lots of snuggles & rocking or nursing to sleep.
Final Thoughts: When It Comes to Babies, Less Is More
The wellness industry promotes essential oils as safe and natural, but that doesn’t mean they belong in a newborn’s routine. Essential oils on infants come with risks that aren’t always disclosed by MLM reps or untrained influencers.
💡 If in doubt, opt out. Your baby doesn’t NEED essential oils to be healthy, happy, or well-cared for. Essential oils are a nice to have option and can have many benefits but there are safer, gentler options that don’t carry the same risks.
I chose extreme caution with essential oils, and I encourage other parents to do the same. Even though I use them now that my child is older, I still use them sparingly and take steps to limit over exposure. Your baby’s safety is always worth prioritizing over trends.
Disclosure: If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may earn an affiliate commission. It’s at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog.
Krystal Sanchez, CNC, CHC — Certified Nutrition Consultant & Health Coach specializing in fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and children’s health. Founder of Live Well With Krystal, LLC
