In A Scented Life, I look at simple yet effective ways of using essential oils for mum and baby. With just a few drops of carefully chosen oils you can create a nurturing, germ free haven for sleep and play. You too will benefit during this wonderous time from soothing sweet florals, rich grounding woods, and gentle citrus notes.
The following is an abridged version of the information detailed in my book along with new tips and recipes. It is a first-hand experience gathered over decades from dealing with mums and newborns from a self-care perspective.
If I’ve learnt anything during my time working with young mums and their infants is just how accessible and versatile essential oils can be. To scent the nursery with delicate florals and prepare your newborn for sleep or to create a soothing aromatic bath with the nurturing notes of Roman Chamomile is truly satisfying for a loving parent.
My favourite tips and recipes for mum and baby
For baby
The listed blends and applications for baby are only suitable for infants three months and over.
- Baby soothing bath soak:
Add 2 drops of Lavender to 1 tablespoon of Jojoba oil before adding to warm bath water. Mix well. Avoid delicate eye area. Start with a 5 minute soak.
- Baby purifying room spray:
Add 2 drops each of Roman Chamomile, Geranium and Lavender to 100 mL spray bottle and fill with filtered water. Shake well before each use. Spray the room, bedding and change area when your little one is not in the room. Never spray directly towards baby. Label and store in the fridge. Keeps for 1-2 weeks.
- Baby daily comfort:
Add 1 drop of Lavender essential oil to the water in the diffuser in your baby’s room. Diffuse for 15 minutes either morning or late afternoon when the baby is not in the room. Keep the diffuser well away from the cot.
- Baby protect blend:
Diffuse 1 drop each of Australian Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Bergamot for 30-minutes each morning when the baby is not in the room. This is a strong antimicrobial mix.
“Choose a diffuser with an intermittent safety switch that mists for 30-minute intervals to not overload the baby’s senses. Only diffuse in a well-ventilated space and place the unit safely out of your child’s reach.” p. 161 A Scented Life
- Baby soft skin massage oil:
To introduce baby massage into your baby routine, choose organic, cold pressed, carrier oils. Carefully chosen cold pressed oils are easily absorbed and nourish your child’s skin and leave it feeling soft and supple.
Add 30 mL of Sweet Almond to a 50 mL dark glass bottle with a dropper cap. Top up with 10 mL of Jojoba oil. Jojoba is a cold pressed liquid wax that is the closest botanical equivalent to our skin’s natural oil. It acts as a protective layer and is very compatible with the skin of a newborn.
Warm a few drops in the palm of your hands before applying to baby’s skin using gentle flowing, and tender strokes. (Use Meadowfoam if nut allergy is of concern)
You can enhance this massage oil with 1 drop each of Roman Chamomile and Lavender essential oil. Avoid on face, hands and delicate eye area.
For mum
- Unconditional love blend:
Add 1 drop each of Geranium, Rose Otto and Mandarin to 20 mL Jojoba oil and apply to your shoulders and arms after bathing each morning for a deeply nurturing start to your day. The sweet floral aroma will linger throughout the day and your baby will become familiar with the scent and associate it with your love, especially during feeding and cuddling time.
- Time for me blend:
When you feel emotionally exhausted, and you need to reset, deeply nourishing aromas help to shift your mood. Add 2 drops each of Frankincense, Bergamot and Sweet Orange plus 1 drop of Ylang Ylang to the water in your diffuser, and sit quietly in your private space while you breathe in the particles of this sensual, grounding mix.
- Peace of mind blend:
If you feel mentally drained and need to sharpen the senses, choose oils traditionally used to ease nervous tension and promote clarity. Petitgrain from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, and Bergamot from the peel of the bittersweet fruit are renowned restoratives. A truly uplifting yet calming duo to restore balance to the central nervous system. Add 3 drops of each to the water in your diffuser and simply breathe.
Safety checklist: A Scented Life p.161
Although carefully chosen essential oils are a beautiful addition to any baby ritual, safety is paramount during this time.
Given essential oils are so potent, I recommend you check with your aromatherapist before introducing them into your baby’s routine. Always choose the finest essential oils for your newborn from a company with an established reputation in the industry. Keep essential oils well away from baby’s face, hands, and eyes. Essential oils should never touch your baby’s skin, always dilute in a tablespoon of carrier oil such as Sweet Almond (providing nut allergy is not a concern) or Jojoba before applying to the skin or the bath water. And avoid using oils topically on newborns for the first three months.
My Personal Favourite:
Without a doubt one of my all-time favourite essential oils is Neroli from the delicate white flowers of the bitter orange tree. Despite its initial sweet notes, it still reveals a hint of citrus overlay. I carry my bottle of Neroli in Jojoba with me everywhere I go and add a few drops behind my ears or pulse points throughout the day. The exquisite floral perfume lifts my mood and awakens the senses.
The power of scent and bonding with baby
Did you know, essential oils can help create a deep connection and form strong bonds between your baby and other family members? Simply diffusing 1 drop each of the delicate notes of Roman chamomile, Lavender, and Mandarin for 15-30 minutes each morning can help to create a loving, nurturing space to share tender moments with your precious baby.
All the best
Pat Princi-Jones
May 2022
