This is a very delicate subject, especially where wee babes are concerned, as we want to ensure we are treating their physical needs without overwhelming them with too much scent. Babies, especially, have a greatly heightened sense of smell, and on top of that, they cannot verbally tell us when the product we are using smells too strong. This, obviously, can end up doing more harm than good for the little one. The best oils to use on newborn babies are Roman Chamomile, and Lavender blended to a maximum 1% of the base oil (1 drop per 10 ml base). Good base oils to use would be sweet almond or hazelnut. These two oils can be used on toddlers ones as well with equally wonderful results; the only difference is you may increase the amount of essential oils to carrier (3-5 drops into 30mls base oil).

Valerie Ann Worwood, in her book The Fragrant Pharmacy, has a wonderful section on aromatherapy and children, as well as dedicating an entire book to the subject, titled Aromatherapy for The Healthy Child. Both of these books can be found in our web store and are excellent reading.

Little ones LOVE to be massaged, and it creates a wonderful bond between mother (or father) and child. Areas to avoided are the face (especially the eyes) and the genitals. My daughter is now 9 and I made it a point to o "babymassage" as we lovingly termed it, each day when we first brought her home from the hospital (at this point no essential oils were used, I waited until she was about 3 months old before introducing lavender). She lay so still and was so content when we did our treatments; it was heaven for both of us. This custom was carried on throughout her childhood, always with a positive response from her. Now she specifically requests a massage whenever she is feeling "uptight" or out of sorts, and offers freely to reciprocate for me. I think this has taught her the gentle art of give and take, positive body awareness as well as what a "good" touch should feel like. In an increasingly "hands-off" society, our need to be touched in a gentle, loving way has not diminished. If more of us chose to embrace our children and loved ones more often, instead of rushing here and there and speeding onward to the next meeting, chore and scheduled activity till bedtime and then repeating daily, we would all be healthier and less stressed than we seem to be today.

This is educational information and any opinions expressed here do not replace professional medical advice. If you are ill, see a suitably qualified medical practitioner.