Prior to my sister getting pregnant, I didn't pay close attention to the essential oil references to safety with children. I knew there was specific guidelines but didn't commit them to memory like other aspects of EO safety. Now that I'm going to be Auntie Lea, I am paying closer attention!
I've been thinking about great DIY gifts for baby showers and welcome home baby packages. Here are a few things I think would make great additions to a baby gift basket:
- A sample box of essential oils with THIS list from Planet Therapy about essential oils that are safe during pregnancy and nursing. The link has a great chart!
- Talc-Free Baby Powder - 1/2 c cornstarch, 1/2 c arrowroot powder, 1/4 c finely ground oats. Mix well and put in a shaker style bottle (like an empty spice bottle). *Recipe inspiration from HERE.
- The book Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child: More Than 300 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Essential Oil Blends by Valerie Ann Worwood - available HERE
- Baby Onesie Cupcake box - directions HERE, this is so cute! (See the picture of my version below.)
- DIY Homemade Diaper Creme from Humblebee & Me - directions HERE. Also check out her recipe for baby bum balm.
- A handmade card - everyone appreciates this special touch, no matter how simple. Considering including a special message to the new arrival as well, I've already written several notes to my niece-to-be.
In addition to that, it's a good idea for all of us to be educated on essential oils and children - or at least have the reference saved for easy look up. Be sure to check out Lea Harris's list of essential oils that are okay around children and those to avoid HERE. Also remember to always properly dilute essential oils, according to Ms. Harris's dilution post the proper dilution for children is as follows:
- .25% Dilution (1 drop per 4 teaspoons of carrier oil) – for children between 6 months and 6 years.
- Please only use if you absolutely must. I personally prefer to avoid EOs altogether for children under 2, and use hydrosols and/or herbs instead.
- If your child is sick, you may increase up to .50% if needed.
A very big congratulations to all the new and soon-to-be new families out there. Welcome to the world little ones - you're in for quite an adventure!
Sources:
doTERRA (2013, September 13). DIY: Talc-free Baby Powder. Retrieved from http://doterrablog.com/talc-free-baby-powder/
Harris, Lea (2014, February 7). Essential Oils and Children.
Retrieved from http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2014/02/07/essential-oils-and-children/
Harris, Lea (2013, August 7). Properly Diluting Essential Oils.
Retrieved from http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2013/08/07/properly-diluting-essential-oils/
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