| Before reading this article keep in mind that most | | | | recommended for usewith babies. Some are |
| doctorsdon't recommend the use of | | | | mood enhancers, some are roomdisinfectants and |
| aromatherapy on babies that reless than three | | | | many are a combination of both. |
| months old. This is because the nasal andskin | | | | Lavender and roman chamomile are the best two |
| tissues of an infant are very sensitive and | | | | oils thatyou can use in a mist or a diffuser to |
| easilyirritated by anything but the blandest of | | | | calm a fussy baby. |
| substances. Onceyour baby is past that age | | | | A blend of vanilla and orange oils is a favorite |
| consult with your doctor tomake sure that the | | | | blend formothers who just want to keep the |
| use of essential oils is right for yourchild. | | | | baby in a happy mood asboth oils have the |
| Traditionally essential oils are used to purify the air | | | | reputation of being mood elevators forchildren. |
| ina nursery and calm and relax the infant. The | | | | Peppermint or spearmint oils are stimulating tothe |
| safest andgentlest way to introduce essential oils | | | | brain. and may help babies learn faster. |
| into the nurseryis to put the oils in a diffuser so | | | | You can also add a few drops of chamomile or |
| the molecules of theoil are dispersed through the | | | | lavender oilto a baby's bath to help prepare them |
| air. You can also diluteabout ten drops of the oil in | | | | physically andpsychologically for naptime. Keep in |
| a bottle of distilled waterand mist that around the | | | | mind though that alloils added to a bath must first |
| nursery and the baby's bedding. | | | | be generously diluted incarrier oil such as almond |
| Remember always that if your baby starts | | | | or olive oil. Never pouressential oil drops directly |
| sneezing, tearingor fretting that it may not be | | | | into a bath as that canirritate a baby's sensitive |
| time to introducearomatherapy into your baby's | | | | skin. |
| life. | | | | The safest aromatherapy oils to use as |
| For best results try to choose high quality oils. | | | | disinfectants andpurifiers for the air are geranium, |
| Theinexpensive stuff is cut with crude substances | | | | lavender andeucalyptus. Lavender sprayed directly |
| andalcohols and can be overwhelming to the | | | | onto your babiesbedding and allowed to dry |
| delicate system ofa baby. | | | | before placing the baby back inthe crib also helps |
| Try to choose oils that are organically grown as | | | | get rid of allergens and dust mites. |
| they areusually of the highest quality. Avoid | | | | Eucalyptus is best used for babies who have a |
| purchasing oils inplastic or clear bottles as light and | | | | cold orrespiratory problems. |
| other factors cancause the oil to degrade and | | | | Used in a cautious manner, essential oils can not |
| lose efficacy. The highestquality aromatherapy oils | | | | onlyhelp you calm and cheer your infant, but they |
| are usually sold in dark brownbottles that protect | | | | can alsomask any unpleasant odors that are |
| them from disintegrating light rays. | | | | always a part of amother's life. |
| There are several oils that are highly | | | | |