Essential Oils and Children's Safety

Children require special consideration in aromatherapy due to their thinner skin, developing organ systems, and smaller body mass.

Age Guidelines

Birth to 3 Months

• Avoid all essential oils
• Hydrosols (floral waters) may be used with caution

3 Months to 2 Years

• Very limited use: Lavender and chamomile (Roman) only
• Dilution: 0.1-0.2% (1 drop per 30 ml carrier)
• Diffusion: 1 drop in diffuser for short periods

2 to 6 Years

• Expand to: lavender, chamomile, mandarin, sweet orange, cedarwood
• Dilution: 0.25-0.5%
• AVOID: Eucalyptus globulus, peppermint (menthol), rosemary (near face)

6 to 12 Years

• Most oils safe at half adult dilution (0.5-1%)
• Use eucalyptus radiata instead of E. globulus
• Use spearmint instead of peppermint

12+ Years

• Adult protocols with slight dilution reduction (1-2%)