There are different strategies adults take to have calm in their day but we often expect our children to go through their day with no worries. When my children were little, I ran a small daycare business to be able to stay home with my kids which was great because they had some friends to play and interact with. What I became aware of then is that each child had a different way of handling their feelings and emotions such as their sadness, their anxiety, their aggression and their happiness. How I would have loved to have been educated back in 1999 to 2003 with the knowledge of what essential oil blends for calming children can do.
Different Methods of Using Essential Oils with Kids
I started experimenting with different oils a few years ago and now incorporate oil blends in to my daily life however if you have a young child that may have some anxiety, that is strung out or just needs a sense of calm, here are some ways of calming kids naturally.
Using a Diffuser – I believe this is the best way of introducing essential oils to kids because it is a safe way to check whether of not your child will have a negative reaction to the oil. Diffusing time shouldn’t exceed 20 to 40 minutes for a small child.
See this review for a portable diffuser
As a Spray – Spraying Essential Oils (which should be diluted) can help with a more calming environment. It is not recommended to spray directly on their bedding. Never apply essential oils directly to a child’s skin however applying diluted essential oils to a child’s feet can be a safe way to create calm and relaxation.
At Bath Time – I do not recommend placing oils in your child’s bath. Since a child’s skin and sometimes senses are more delicate, I would opt to use a diffuser but if you decide to use it in their bath, the oil should be diluted first using a carrier such as raw unfiltered honey for the most natural method.
Mixing Your Own Essential Oil Blends for Calming Children
Dilution is always recommended when mixing your own blends. I use 1 drop of essential oil per 5 teaspoons of carrier oil for children under 7 years of age and 1 drop per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil for children over 7. In my opinion, adding the oil to your bottle first then adding the carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil) will provide the best results due to better potency.
I frequently get asked about diffusers and what kind I use. I like the Zen Breeze Aroma Diffuser. It uses ultrasonic waves to vaporize water and essential oil in the tank and produces a cool fragrant mist. There’s a soft light feature that adjusts to different colors. It has a wood grain on the exterior and since no heat is used to produce the mist, essential oils don’t lose any of its therapeutic or calming effects and properties. In addition, it adds vapor moisture to the air to help dry chapped skin and sinus. It works for 10 continuous hours on a single fill and automatically shuts off when the water runs out. It can be used as a night light as it is safe for children and operates quietly to create a tranquil atmosphere. It’s also a perfect decor piece for your home. Bonus!
Essential Oil Blend Recipes
Just a note that I use a 5ml bottle for my oils. All oils should be 100% Pure, therapeutic grade.
- Lavender Oil
- Ylang Ylang
- Clary Sage
- Vetiver
Directions: Add all oils to a 5 ml bottle, fill bottle with your carrier oil. (I prefer to use sweet almond oil) Close bottle and shake well. This can be used as a massage oil.
Calming Recipe Blends for the Diffuser:
1 drop each of the following fragrances
- Franckincense
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Vetiver
Directions: Add the amount of water to your diffuser according to your brand of diffuser than add all oils into the water and start diffusing. Diffusing time should be between 20 to 40 minutes for children.
What to know about Essential Oil Safety for Kids
Essential Oils that have the greatest benefits are 100% pure which means the oils are highly concentrated and must be used with caution. Essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil prior to being used on children. Some carrier oils include sweet almond oil, coconut oil and olive oil. Keep all oils out of the reach of children. Never give an essential oil to a child orally.
It is highly recommended to using oils in a diffuser as the safest method for small children. Always do a test first starting with one oil at a time to determine how you child responds to the oil. Allergic reactions can occur but are quite rare. Speak to a qualified medical doctor or aromatherapist for professional advice.
Calming Kids Naturally
If you’re not one that likes to blend your oils and prefer one that’s already blended, Robert Tisserand, an aromatherapy expert has created an essential oil blend called Kidsafe, Calming the Child, which has a sweet scent of Mandarin, Tangerine, Lavender and Chamomile. It can help promote a tranquil state and is a great way for a child to relax before bedtime. This essential oil blend has many 5 star reviews and is a natural safe way for a child to wind down from the days events.
Used properly, the right essential oils can be extremely useful in helping your child feel more relaxed and calm whether it be at home, at school or on the go. It is necessary to note to pay attention to the essential oils you are using for your children but to also use them in the correct way. Children can experience a great deal of benefits from essential oil blends that are mostly based on the purity of the essential oil. The purer the oil, the better the benefit. Essential oils have also been know to strengthen a child’s immune system and can of course keep them in balance and much healthier.
Have you used essential oils for your child or children? Feel free to share your thoughts or any essential oil blends that you love in the comments section below.
