To be frank, the teething phase is certainly not a good time, no parents or kid has ever enjoyed this phase. Of course, the first eruption of teeth would be painful for the child. The irritating days and sleepless nights is quite a common scenario. As parents, you also feel helpless in relieving your child from this pain. Pain relievers don't sound safe to soothe your baby's pain. Not just discomfort, the fussy and cranky babies also experience loss of appetite, illness, fever, and diarrhea. It becomes really difficult for parents to take care of their teething baby.
Massage can be a safe way to reduce your child's pain but apart from that essential oils have also proven to be an effective treatment for relieving the pain of the teething child. With the long medicinal history, the essential oil is best known for its healing properties and works best for children with growing teeth. Though it is helpful in soothing, since essential oils are strong, it has to be used with extra care and caution on the child. Children are super sensitive, so perfect blends are important before application. And remember not just the little ones, even mothers of teething babies can feel relaxed and de-stressed with this aromatherapy.
How to use essential oil for teething babies?
- The first thing you need to do is consult the doctor before using essential.
- Make sure the oil you use is natural, unadulterated and 100% pure.
- Perfect dilution before use is a must.
- If your child is between 0 to 3 months avoid using essential oils
- If between 4 to 8 months, dilute 1 drop essential oil with 4 teaspoons of suitable carrier oil
- If between 8 months to 24 months, mix 1 drop of essential oil with 2 teaspoons of suitable carrier oil.
- Use this essential oil therapy twice a day and only for 3 days, not more than that.
Carrier oil suggested
Coconut oil - It instantly melts into a liquid and doesn't harm the sensitive baby skin. Coconut oil with its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and strong aroma make the best carrier oil.
Extra virgin olive oi l - The easily available carrier oil is best suited for the hurting skin. Make sure you go for high-quality olive oil as it is rich with antioxidants and does not possess any side effects.
Almond oil - This oil is best known for its skin-nourishing properties and it certainly won't hurt your delicate baby skin. It is so lightweight that your baby won't even feel greasy after applying it.
Even clarified butter is recommended as dilution with essential oil for healing teething pain.
Favorable essential oils for teething
Not every essential oil will be suitable for babies. They are sensitive, especially during their early stages. Out of all the essential oils, there are three best essential oils for the little ones, for all age groups:
Lavender essential oil
It is one essential oil with universal benefits for all ages. Babies to oldies, lavender essential oil is a really effective natural remedy for healing and calming pain. It is non-toxic and is also best suited for babies under 6 months. The soothing effects of this essential oil promote good sleep and rest. The antiseptic properties of lavender essential oil also relieve the baby from muscle pain and gum pain.
You can use lavender essential oil in a diffuser or add 1 or 2 drops of oil in bathing water or even dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil and apply on baby's jawline to soothe the pain.
Chamomile essential oil
It is said to be one of the best essential oils for babies due to their mild properties. It is scientifically proven oil used to reduce inflammation and pain. Chamomile essential oil is non-toxic and suitable for babies of all ages.
You can use chamomile essential oil in a vaporizer filled with water or blend it with a carrier oil and directly apply on the jawline to reduce pain. Massage the blend properly for a soothing effect. It gives comfort and relief from gum pain.
Clove essential oil
It's a powerful antiseptic useful for babies but needs to be used with caution. Clove essential oil releases the pain due to muscle tension and gives comfort to the teething child. However, this oil is not that mild as compared to lavender and chamomile essential oil, so it is advised to use on babies who are above 2 years of age.
Dilute the essential oil with a suitable carrier oil and apply it topically. Never apply this essential oil without proper dilution.
Essential oils for babies over 6 months of age
Marjoram essential oil
Popularly used for the ease of muscles and relief from joint pain, marjoram essential oil is also known for healing teething pain. It helps in circulation and reduces gum pain caused due to the eruption of teeth.
Dilute marjoram essential oil with any base or carrier oil and gently massage on the jawline of the baby. The pain gets reduced after each massage.
This essential oil is also used by adults to eliminate muscular aches and arthritis pain.
Ginger essential oil
Just like marjoram essential oil, even ginger essential oil is widely used by adults to eliminate muscular aches and arthritis pain. However, in the case of babies, though it is effective, it should be properly diluted and then only used as ginger can cause much irritation.
Dilute the essential oil with a mild carrier oil and gently massage on the gums and jawline of the child to eliminate the pain of teething.
Take a note
Only purchase high-quality essential oils. And follow the directions and dilution instruction carefully before application.
Since every baby's skin is sensitive, it is always wise to test first to avoid any sort of adverse reaction. Before applying to your baby's face, you can apply the oil on the feet.
Do not directly put the essential oil (even in diluted form) on your baby's gum until 2 years of age.
And last but not least, consult your baby's doctor before using essential oil.
