While the use of essential oils in adults has gained popularity, you may wonder about the safety of tea tree oil for babies. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial, insecticidal, antiviral, and immunity-stimulant properties (1) (2). It is also present in many over-the-counter creams, lotions, and ointments. Diluted tea tree oil is also used for massaging purposes. Read this post to know more about the safety, benefits, side effects, and precautions of using tea tree oil for babies.
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Babies?
There is limited research on the safety of tea tree oil for babies. According to an information paper published by the University of Kentucky, tea tree oil is among the few essential oils that are safe for babies (3). However, there is no further conclusive evidence to prove tea tree oil’s safety. It is thus important to observe precautions before considering the regular use of tea tree oil for babies.
Precautions For Using Tea Tree Oil For Babies And Toddlers
Note the following points when planning to use tea tree oil for babies and toddlers:
Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil For Babies
A few studies and anecdotal evidence have found tea tree oil useful in providing relief from the following conditions. Do note that tea tree oil is not a medicine for the above conditions. It is important to consult a doctor if the baby has any of these complaints. If your doctor is okay with you using tea tree oil, then you may go ahead.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For A Baby?
Observe the following points while choosing and using tea tree oil for babies and toddlers.
Buy good quality tea tree oil. Check for the presence of any additives and preservatives.
Add one to three drops of tea tree oil to one ounce (30ml) of carrier oil like jojoba, argan, coconut, avocado, or almond oil (12).
Apply the oil on a small patch of skin and wait for a day to see if the skin shows any reaction. If there is no reaction, then apply the tea tree oil and carrier oil mixture to the affected part.
There is no fixed duration for application. You may apply once or twice a day for a week. If the condition does not show any improvement, then consult a doctor. If the baby’s condition gets worse, then stop using the oil and consult a doctor because tea tree oil might show side effects in some cases.
Side Effects Of Tea Tree Oil On Babies
Studies show that about 5% of users of tea tree oil develop some intensity of allergic dermatitis (eczema) due to topical use (13). If your baby already has skin problems, then do not use tea tree oil. A few cases of gynecomastia – abnormal growth of breasts – have been reported following the use of tea tree oil and lavender oil (7) (14).
References:
title: “8 Benefits And Uses Of Tea Tree Oil For Babies” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-31” author: “Richard Johnston”
While the use of essential oils in adults has gained popularity, you may wonder about the safety of tea tree oil for babies. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial, insecticidal, antiviral, and immunity-stimulant properties (1) (2). It is also present in many over-the-counter creams, lotions, and ointments. Diluted tea tree oil is also used for massaging purposes. Read this post to know more about the safety, benefits, side effects, and precautions of using tea tree oil for babies.
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Babies?
There is limited research on the safety of tea tree oil for babies. According to an information paper published by the University of Kentucky, tea tree oil is among the few essential oils that are safe for babies (3). However, there is no further conclusive evidence to prove tea tree oil’s safety. It is thus important to observe precautions before considering the regular use of tea tree oil for babies.
Precautions For Using Tea Tree Oil For Babies And Toddlers
Note the following points when planning to use tea tree oil for babies and toddlers:
Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil For Babies
A few studies and anecdotal evidence have found tea tree oil useful in providing relief from the following conditions. Do note that tea tree oil is not a medicine for the above conditions. It is important to consult a doctor if the baby has any of these complaints. If your doctor is okay with you using tea tree oil, then you may go ahead.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For A Baby?
Observe the following points while choosing and using tea tree oil for babies and toddlers.
Buy good quality tea tree oil. Check for the presence of any additives and preservatives.
Add one to three drops of tea tree oil to one ounce (30ml) of carrier oil like jojoba, argan, coconut, avocado, or almond oil (12).
Apply the oil on a small patch of skin and wait for a day to see if the skin shows any reaction. If there is no reaction, then apply the tea tree oil and carrier oil mixture to the affected part.
There is no fixed duration for application. You may apply once or twice a day for a week. If the condition does not show any improvement, then consult a doctor. If the baby’s condition gets worse, then stop using the oil and consult a doctor because tea tree oil might show side effects in some cases.
Side Effects Of Tea Tree Oil On Babies
Studies show that about 5% of users of tea tree oil develop some intensity of allergic dermatitis (eczema) due to topical use (13). If your baby already has skin problems, then do not use tea tree oil. A few cases of gynecomastia – abnormal growth of breasts – have been reported following the use of tea tree oil and lavender oil (7) (14).
