My daughter had a baby 5 months ago - our first grandchild and what a joy he is. I am full of pride that our daughter has used nothing but natural oils on his skin and comes to me regularly for aromatherapy advice which she utilises eagerly. Having been brought up surrounded by essential oils, she probably doesn’t really need to ask - deep down she knows exactly what to do but mothers, and especially first time mothers are quite rightly super cautious and need the back up of experience and shared advice.
 

Now some of her friends and colleagues are also asking me for advice so I thought I would write this blog and follow on with a leaflet I can send out - a kind of crib sheet. My approach hasn’t changed much in thirty plus years. I have more knowledge at my finger tips now but where babies are concerned my aromatherapy advice is as still simple and effective as it was back then.

Mothers are inundated with wonderful looking baby products that promise so so much but often innocently cause all sorts of problems. Shampoo for new born babies for instance is completely unnecessary and can cause almost instant cradle cap. Heavy creams that promise to protect and moisturise can seal in moisture which sounds good but can mean that your baby’s skin is literally damp all day long. If that dampness is not totally sterile it can also mean you are sealing in germs!
 

Mothers often feel the need to use soap or baby bubble bath but in truth these seemingly gorgeous products are not needed - warm water with the tiniest amount of essential oils for babies, carefully included as shown below will cleanse your baby far more efficiently and gently than any soap.

Babies can be extremely resilient and may not have a problem with any of the products mentioned above but if you are struggling with any of the conditions listed below, give my advice a go. I know you will be pleasantly surprised with the results and the ease with which essential oils can be incorporated into your busy schedule.
 

CRADLE CAP
NAPPY RASH
BABY ACNE
DRIBBLE RASH/REDNESS
SNUFFLES
SLEEPLESSNESS/ RESTLESSNESS
TUMMY ACHES

You will notice that the instructions for the use of each essential oils for babies below are mostly the same. You can combine essential oils if you want to use more than one at a time. They often work better when combined as they are synergistic which means they work better with others than alone and can address more than one problem at a time.
 

Always keep to the ratios I have suggested so where I say use two drops in the palm of your hand, if you use two types of essential oil use only one drop of each. If I have said to use just one drop in 10ml of base oil and you want to use two types of essential oil, double the amount of base oil to 20ml and use one drop of each of your chosen essential oils.
 

Aromatherapy is not an exact science but you must take note that less is often more in aromatherapy so don’t be tempted to use more for a speedier affect! It just doesn’t work like that.
 

IF I WAS A NEW MUM THESE ARE THE FIVE OILS I WOULD MAKE SURE I HAD AT HAND TO KEEP MY BABY’S SKIN IN TIP-TOP CONDITION
 

Good for;
NAPPY RASH, BABY ACNE, DRIBBLE RASH/REDNESS, SNUFFLES, SLEEPLESSNESS/ RESTLESSNESS

Why?
Lavender essential oil is like first aid in a tiny bottle. The smallest amount is needed to address all sorts of problems. It is antibacterial, soothing and cleansing.

How?
Pour 2 drops of neat Lavender onto the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and rinse in water intended to bathe or wash your baby. Try combined with Chamomile for a great sleepy bath as part of your bedtime routine. (Use one drop of Lavender & one drop of Chamomile instead of just 2 drops of Lavender.)

Pour 2 drops of neat Lavender onto the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together then rub over soft furnishings in the room your baby sleeps in. Even the carpet will do for this. It will create a very gentle, soothing aroma. 

Add one drop of Lavender to 10ml (1 tablespoonful of Jojoba ) for relaxing massage oil or to prevent and treat nappy rash or cradle cap. 

(If you want to use more than one essential oil, increase the amount of Jojoba to accommodate more essential oil. For instance 20ml Jojoba, one drop Lavender + one drop Myrtle )
 

Good for;
DRIBBLE RASH/REDNESS, SLEEPLESSNESS/ RESTLESSNESS

Why?
Chamomile essential oils is soothing, calming and a natural pain killer.

How?
Pour 2 drops of neat Chamomile onto the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and rinse in water intended to bathe or wash your baby. Try combined with Lavender for a great sleepy bath as part of your bedtime routine. (Use one drop of Lavender & one drop of Chamomile instead of just 2 drops of Chamomile ) 

Pour 2 drops of neat Chamomile onto the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together then rub over soft furnishings in the room your baby sleeps in. Even the carpet will do for this. It will create a very gentle soothing aroma. 

Add one drop of Chamomile to 10ml (1 tablespoonful of Jojoba ) for relaxing, sleepy massage or to soothe sore skin. 

(If you want to use more than one essential oil, increase the amount of Jojoba to accommodate more essential oil For instance 20ml Jojoba, one drop Lavender + one drop Chamomile.)
 

Good for;
SLEEPLESSNESS/ RESTLESSNESS, TUMMY ACHES

Why?
Mandarin essential oil is known in France as ‘The Children’s Oil'. Made into a massage oil it can be massaged in a clock wise motion across baby’s tummy to soothe tummy aches. Babies glands in the tummy are very active and a tummy ache can signify a fever or bug. It’s not usually anything to worry about, more your baby’s glands working efficiently. The simple action of massaging with Jojoba and Mandarin can be very soothing. The fragrance of Mandarin is delightful and is ‘happy making' for both parent and baby. 

How?
Pour 2 drops of neat Mandarin essential oil onto the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and rinse in water intended to bathe or wash your baby. This can be refreshing and mood changing in a good way! 

Pour 2 drops of neat Mandarin onto the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together then rub over soft furnishings in the room your baby sleeps in. Even the carpet will do for this. It will create an uplifting aroma. 

Add one drop to 10ml (1 tablespoonful of Jojoba ) for relaxing massage; to help with tummy aches.

(If you want to use more than one essential oil, increase the amount of Jojoba to accommodate more essential oil For instance 20ml Jojoba, one drop Lavender + one drop Mandarin.)
 

Good for;
NAPPY RASH, BABY ACNE, DRIBBLE RASH/REDNESS, SNUFFLES, SLEEPLESSNESS/ RESTLESSNESS

Why?
Myrtle is a gentle alternative to Eucalyptus. It is from the same family, sharing many of the same properties but everything about it is more gentle making it ideal for babies. Whereas Eucalyptus is quite stimulating, Myrtle is relaxing. It can help snuffles from colds and teething and is also good for the skin.

How?
Pour 2 drops of neat Myrtle onto the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and rinse in water intended to bathe or wash your baby. 

Pour 2 drops of neat Myrtle onto the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together then rub over soft furnishings in the room your baby sleeps in. Even the carpet will do for this. It will create a very gentle soothing aroma. 

Add one drop to 10ml (1 tablespoonful of Jojoba ) for relaxing, decongestant massage oil. Perfect to rub on chest and back and even as a bottom oil as it is great for skin condition too.

(If you want to use more than one essential oil, increase the amount of Jojoba to accommodate more essential oil. For instance 20ml Jojoba, one drop Lavender + one drop Myrtle.)
 

Good for;
GENERAL MOISTURISING AND NOURISHING, CLEANSING, SOOTHING, AS A CARRIER OR BASE OIL FOR ESSENTIAL OILS, NAPPY RASH, BABY ACNE, DRIBBLE RASH/REDNESS.

Why?
There are myriad natural plant oils that can be used to moisturise, nourish and protect baby skin and use as a carrier or base oil in aromatherapy but if I had to choose just one, Jojoba would definitely be it. If you keep jojoba oil in the fridge it will completely solidify as it is actually a wax not an oil. It is cleansing as well as moisturising and helps to protect and soothe our baby’s delicate skin. The texture and action of Jojoba is almost identical to our skin’s own sebum making it the perfect vehicle for the use of essential oils. 

How?
Simply use for massage or general moisturising and conditioning. A little goes a long way so if you are feeling that oil is too ‘oily’! - think again. The skin absorbs Jojoba almost better than any other oil whilst allowing it to breath. Truly fabulous! Combined with one or two of the essential oils above as directed you will be doing the very best you can for your baby’s skin.
 

This is a great way to start if you are a new Mum or have a family member of friend interested in Baby Aromatherapy and comes with a useful leaflet.