Wondering How to Use Essential Oils with Your Kids?
Since I’ve jumped on the “essential oil train” (with this AMAZING Young Living Essential Oils Deal!), I’ve been excitedly researching how I can use my new oils with and for my kids. I love the thought of bettering my family’s wellness through natural essential oils. And even just to enhance my kids’ sensory play with scented essential oils, too. But as with anything, we as mamas need to be informed and careful with using products – even all-natural ones like essential oils – around our little ones. So I thought I’d gather up all of my research, tips and tricks on how to use essential oils WITH KIDS in one place…
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.
How to Use Essential Oils – SAFELY – with Kids
First and foremost, safety is on my mama mind. The fact that essential oils are all natural does NOT mean that they are ALWAYS SAFE. Some oils should not be used on young children at all while others are safe when diluted with a carrier oil (i.e. coconut or olive oil).
Nor are they always a safe alternative to traditional medical care. Hence…
“Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.”
…this mandatory disclaimer on my “Get Started with Young Living Essential Oils” page. BUT with some education, responsibility, and little common sense, they can be used in safe and therapeutic ways to increase wellness in our families.
Since I am a newbie on my oily journey, I am not qualified to give essential oil safety advice. Instead I will point you to the resources that I have found or that have been recommended to me regarding how to use essential oils safely. I recommend using the following sources to research specific essential oils before using them with your children:
- Risks and Uses of Essential Oils – Wellness Mama (who is quite obviously more well versed in natural parenting and wellness in general than I) has what seems to be a very well thought out article outlining the safe use of essential oils. The article includes implications for pregnancy, nursing, babies and children and also sites reputable studies and literature. Definitely read this for the quick essential oils safety low-down.
- Gentle Babies: Essential Oils and Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Childbirth, Infants and Young Children – For more in-depth information about the safety of essential oils for children, check out this book! It’s been recommended to me by three “essential oil veterans” and has 5 stars on Amazon from over 470 reviews.
(This Young Living Essential Oil Starter Kit Deal comes with an Essential Oil Starter Guide that outlines safe essential oil use also!)
How to Use Essential Oils – THERAPEUTICALLY – with Kids
If you are a regular reader here at B-Inspired Mama, you know that I highly value the advice and opinions of my fellow mamas. I tend to turn to my mama friends – moms who’ve been there and done that – when I need advice or information regarding my family. And I keep hearing about all of the amazing ways that essential oils are helping other moms and their kids get better sleep, have better moods, and even strengthen immunity. While the use of essential oils should not take the place of sound medical advice (as mentioned above), it is no secret that essential oils are often used in therapeutic ways to increase wellness. Here are some therapeutic uses of essential oils that I cannot wait to explore…
- Immune Boosting Tea – Keeping mama healthy might just be the #1 way to positively influence the kids. So I’m looking forward to utilizing this immune boosting hot tea recipe from Lemon Lime Adventures to help stave off illness.
- Increase Attention and Focus – I’m also hoping to have success as others have with using essential oils to help my son (who has ADHD and SPD) have better focus during his homework time. I’ve heard great things about using Young Living’s Peace and Calming blend for this.
- Encourage Better Sleep – My kids (ages 3 through 8) STILL aren’t the best sleepers. I’m hoping that adding a drop or two of popular Lavender essential oil the kids pillows might help.
How to Use Essential Oils – FOR SENSORY PLAY – with Kids
I’m also super excited to incorporate essential oils into our sensory play. Essential oils add another dimension to sensory play – with the scent of the added essential oils stimulating the child’s olfactory sense. But it also adds a therapeutic element to sensory play, too. Win-Win! Here are some ways to incorporate essential oils into sensory play…
- Scented Playdough – Add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to store-bought or homemade playdough. B-Inspired Mama contributor, Erica of eLeMeNOP Kids made some Lavender Playdough that would be perfect for calming the kids before nap or bedtime.
- Scented Sensory Bin Play – I can’t wait to make some colorful scented rice or beans for the kids sensory bin, too. B-Inspired Mama contributor Kim added peppermint to a holiday themed sensory bin. And Kids Activities Blog shares a colorful rainbow scented sensory bin, too. The opportunities for scented sensory play are endless!
How Would YOU Like to Use Essential Oils?
Whether you want to use essential oils therapeutically or just for play, the Young Living Starter Kit is the perfect way to get started. Learn more about the easy and affordable starter kit – and the AMAZING educational extras that come with it!
How do you plan to use essential oils with your kids? Have you already tried some essential oils? Do share in the comments below!
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.
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