Aromatherapy for Babies: Can it Help Get Your Baby to Sleep?

Getting your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep can be a challenge, especially in the first few months. If you’re struggling or still discovering ways to help your baby sleep, aromatherapy is a great option to explore. By using natural oils, you can help your baby fall asleep faster AND stay asleep. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Keep reading to find out more!

What exactly is ‘aromatherapy’?

Aromatherapy, also known as essential oils therapy, is a holistic healing treatment. This means focusing on a person as a whole, which includes their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts to treat the mind, body, and soul. For example, you can use these oils to help with physical pain, and anxiety, or simply to relax.

And aromatherapy for babies?

You can also use aromatherapy to help with various issues your baby may have. This includes calming their anxiety, easing the symptoms of colic, and, of course, promoting better sleep. While aromatherapy won’t fix severe sleep problems, it can certainly promote better sleep in restless babies. Now, it’s important to remember to take caution when using aromatherapy for your little one. Here are some tips to ensure their health and safety at all times.

1. Use a carrier oil

   Never put essential oils directly onto your baby’s skin. Instead mix with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil. You’ll want to put one or two drops of the essential oil into two tablespoons of the carrier oil.

2. Check the ingredients

   You’ll want to use authentic and pure oils so, always double-check the label before you buy. Avoid oils that contain alcohol or synthetic fragrances, as these can irritate your baby’s skin.

3. Perform a patch test

• Dab some diluted oil onto your baby’s arm or leg.
• Wait 24 hours to see if a reaction occurs, and look out for swelling, redness, or a rash.
• If your baby reacts, don’t continue using essential oils.
• If they don’t, it’s safe to continue forward.

4. Avoid essential oils for babies under three months old

   As their skin is still sensitive, they are more likely to react.

5. Never take orally

   You should never allow your baby to drink or ingest essential oils. This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

6. Talk with your doctor

   Essential oils can’t be used with certain medications. So, check with your doctor first if your baby is taking anything, this includes creams.

Which oils promote better sleep?

• Chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile have natural soothing effects to help your baby sleep.
• Lavender: has a calming and sedative effect that can promote better sleep. Plus, a study from the International Journal of Nursing Practice found that lavender oil could also be used to treat colic in babies.
• Mandarin: is very similar to lavender, but is better for babies with more sensitive skin.

5 easy ways to use aromatherapy for better sleep

1. Use oils at bath time

   Make bathtime even more relaxing by adding one or two drops of diluted essential oil into the bathtub. Try lavender and enjoy the aromas that fill your bathroom.

2. Baby massage

   Try a baby bedtime massage. Just before bed, massage your baby with the diluted oil and carrier oil. Studies show that massage therapy can help premature babies gain weight, as well as prevent sleep disturbances. Massage into their legs, arms, tummy, back, ears, and feet. Not only will this help relax your baby for bed, but also makes a great bonding experience for the two of you.

3. Try a diffuser

   Get ready for your house to smell phenomenal! You can find oil diffusers easily online in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some are exceptionally beautiful and make great ornaments. During your baby’s bedtime routine, diffuse essential oils in their bedroom to set the mood for sleep. As a bonus, the sound they make can even have a white noise calming effect. Just be sure to turn it off when you’re ready to leave their room.

4. Spray their room

   Hip hip, for spray! Using a spray bottle, spritz down your baby’s room before naptime and bedtime. Be sure not to spray directly where your baby sleeps or on their clothes.

5. Use alongside Baby Sleep

   At Beginning.com we offer you a series of beautiful and natural melodies to help your baby drift to dreamland. Play our Baby Sleep audios alongside your chosen method of aromatherapy to help your little one nod off, and maybe even you! If you would like even more helpful tips, watch our expert-led masterclasses.