How to Use Essential Oils around Kids

Essential oils can be used both topically and aromatically around kids.

Topically

Anytime you use essential oils topically on kids, it is extremely important to dilute them first. My favorite way to dilute essential oils for kids is by making roller bottles, as you can see in my top 6 roller bottle recipes for kids‘ post.

To make a roller bottle: Add the essential oil into the roller bottle and then top it off with a carrier oil. There are quite a lot of different carrier oil options, with my favorite carrier oil being fractionated coconut oil.

Learn the ins and outs of how to make roller bottles here.

Another excellent way to dilute essential oils is by mixing them into lotions or body butters. This method is ideal for covering larger areas of skin, making it a practical choice for certain applications.

Top 6 roller bottles for kids on wooden table.

Aromatically

The best way to use essential oils aromatically is with a diffuser, which disperses the oils into the air and allows your family to enjoy their benefits effortlessly. Adding essential oils to a diffuser can help create a calming, uplifting, or even invigorating atmosphere, depending on the oils you choose.

In my home, I love using essential oils in my kids’ rooms at night to promote restful sleep. Lavender, Roman chamomile, or a kid-safe sleep blend are my go-to choices for winding down after a busy day. During the day, I often use uplifting oils like orange or lemon to boost their mood and help create a cheerful, positive environment—especially on those rainy or challenging days.

When diffusing essential oils around kids, it’s essential to use kid-safe oils and follow proper dilution guidelines to ensure the environment remains safe and gentle for little ones. If you’re new to diffusing essential oils, start with just a few drops and see how your kids respond before increasing the amount.

Check out my favorite diffuser blends for kids.

Where is the best place to apply essential oils?

When applying essential oils topically on kids, they must always be diluted, which is why I like to use lotions or body butters. These infused products are gentle on the skin and allow for even application.

Focus on areas like the bottoms of the feet, along the spine, or other specific areas, depending on your needs. Always avoid applying essential oils near the eyes, ears, or other sensitive areas.

Bottom of feet

The bottom of the feet is a great spot to apply lotions or body butters infused with essential oils. This area is less sensitive than other parts of the body, making it ideal for kids. Plus, it’s an easy place to massage gently while applying the product, helping to create a calming routine.

Down the spine

The spine is another excellent area for applying infused lotions or body butters. This area is easy to access and ensures the product stays where it’s applied, especially for younger kids who might touch and transfer the oils to their eyes or mouth. Applying along the spine can also be part of a soothing massage routine for your child.

Specific areas

You can also apply essential oil-infused lotions or body butters directly to specific areas as needed. For instance, massaging it onto dry patches on the skin can provide targeted care. For a skin-soothing recipe, check out my clear skin roller bottle blend for moisturizing and calming imperfections.

Does quality matter?

YES! This is a big one, especially when using essential oils on kids.

When essential oils first sparked my attention, I was ready to jump in! I quickly realized how many options were out there. You can find esssntial oils in drugstores, health food stores, gas stations, and online.

I noticed the price varied. A LOT! And I started to wonder why. I began doing my own research and came across some interesting findings.

Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so basically, you have to do your own research. You can’t trust the bottle or the label. Be sure to find a company you can trust. Be on the lookout for how they source their oils, the testing they go through, and the quality.

After lots of research, I decided to buy doTERRA essential oils for my family. I love that all their oils are tested through a third-party independent lab and that I can see all the test results.

Should essential oils be diluted?

Yes, always dilute essential oils when using them on kids! When you dilute essential oils, it doesn’t mean you are taking away the power of the oil. In fact, adding them to a carrier oil can help the essential oil absorb better and drive further into the body.

Check out this chart to know how many drops of essential oils to use when making a roller bottle:

Note: Always consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional before using essential oils on children.

2 -5 years: 2-5 drops
5-12 years: 5-10 drops
13 and up: 15-30 drops

This chart is based on a 10mL roller bottle.

What oils should I avoid on kids?

Before using essential oils around children, it’s important to know which oils are safe and which ones to avoid, as some oils, often referred to as “hot oils,” can be too strong or irritating for their sensitive skin.

Oils to avoid

Cassia
Cinnamon Bark
Clove
Oregano
Thyme

Are peppermint and eucalyptus safe to use?

These essential oils have a lot of hype around them when discussing the use of them on children. I have found that a lot of the negative comments you find about these two essential oils depend greatly on the brand you are using and if you are diluting them properly.

According to this article, essential oils, like peppermint and eucalyptus, can be safely used around children when proper precautions are followed. Peppermint, with its menthol content, is best used aromatically, and eucalyptus must always be diluted before use. While serious adverse events are linked to excessive misuse, following safety guidelines—such as proper dilution, avoiding application near the mouth, eyes, nose, and ears, and storing oils out of children’s reach—ensures safe and effective use.

What oils are best to use around kids?

So many essential oils can be helpful for kids, but I definitely have a few that I use most often with my kids. I use lavender a lot as it is very gentle and calming, can help with sleep, and is great for the skin.

Citrus essential oils are also great to diffuse around kids. I find oils, like orange and bergamot, to be very uplifting and helpful in promoting a positive mood.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils Around Kids

Dilute Properly: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin to prevent irritation.
Avoid Sensitive Areas: Never apply essential oils near the mouth, eyes, inside the ears, or directly into the nose.
Store Safely: Keep essential oils out of reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion or misuse.
Use Kid-Safe Oils: Only use essential oils that are considered safe for children, and avoid “hot oils” like oregano, thyme, or cinnamon.
Limit Exposure: Diffuse essential oils for short periods and in well-ventilated areas.
Consult a Professional: Always consult with your medical professional before using essential oils on or around children to ensure safe and appropriate use.

In summary

Always dilute essential oils before using them topically on kids.
Avoid getting essential oils into the eyes and ears.
Apply essential oils on the bottom of the feet, down the spine, or to the area of concern.
Make sure you are using high-quality essential oils that are tested and sourced properly.

Which essential oils are your favorite to use on children?

Are you ready to get essential oils into your home? Check out some of my favorite posts.

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How to Use Essential Oils around Kids

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