5 Must-Have Essential Oils For Your Diaper Bag

As parents and mothers, we want what is best for our children. From serving fresh, preservative-free foods and avoiding chemical-filled products around the house to simply spending time with your children and encouraging creativity, we each have an idea of what we think is best for our children. 

But in all honesty, the more we can avoid toxins and chemicals around infants, the better. And here's why: a baby's skin is incredibly absorbent, and babies are more vulnerable to toxic chemicals because their immune systems are still developing. With that said, we don't want to instill fear about the products you use; rather, we are here to help provide a natural and safe way to care for your baby if you are looking for an alternative. 

Here are our top 5 essential oils we think every mother should have in their diaper bag:

Lavender 

Lavender essential oil is perhaps the most popular oil out there, and for good reason! This sweet, floral oil is incredibly versatile and gentle on the skin, making it perfect for infants as well as adults. With Lavender as part of your diaper bag, you can experience its many benefits on the go with uses like these: 

• Diffuse Lavender with a portable handheld diffuser to help calm a fussy baby and promote sleep when nap time comes while you're out and about. 
• Don't have a diffuser? Dilute and apply Lavender to the bottom of your baby's feet to promote calmness and help them fall asleep. 
• Apply diluted Lavender to itchy or irritated bug bites to soothe discomfort. 

Mandarin 

Mandarin offers a bright, clean, and fresh aroma that helps inspire a more joyful mood and greater energy. Did you know that Mandarin is also a great oil for helping infants sleep? This makes it a great substitute for babies who do not like Lavender's floral smell. By having Mandarin in your diaper bag, you and your baby can experience its benefits while you're on the go. Try using Mandarin oil in ways such as these: 

• Diffuse with a personal diffuser or apply diluted to the bottom of your baby's feet to promote sleep. 
• Diffuse or apply to the bottoms of your baby's feet to inspire happier and more joyful feelings if the baby gets fussy. 

Chamomile 

Chamomile is another floral oil that offers many similar benefits to Lavender, in addition to some of its own unique benefits. When you are out and about, keep Chamomile in your diaper bag to use in one of these various ways: 

• Dilute with a personal diffuser, or apply to the bottom of your baby's feet for another option of promoting restful sleep. 
• Dilute and apply topically to the tummy if your baby experiences digestive upset while you are out and about. 
• Dilute and apply to the bottom of the feet for times when your baby is fussy or upset while out to help promote feelings of calmness. 

Sandalwood

This woodsy oil may not be the first thought for oils to use around infants, but it actually offers a wide variety of benefits. Keep a bottle of Sandalwood in your diaper bag, and use it in a variety of ways while on the go: 

• Dilute and apply to the bottom of your baby's feet, or diffuse with a handheld diffuser to help relieve congestion if your baby has a stuffy nose. 
• Diffuse or dilute and apply to the bottom of the feet to help calm a fussy baby. 
• Dilute and apply to the skin if you notice dry patches of skin while you are on the go. 

Coriander

This Coriander oil may be a bit more unfamiliar to some, but it offers excellent benefits for both babies and adults, particularly when it comes to digestion. Babies can often experience a variety of tummy issues, including bloating, reflux, and irregularity. Coriander can gently help promote proper digestion for your baby and keep them happy, which is especially great when you are out and about. Keep Coriander in your diaper bag, and try using it in some of these ways: 

• Dilute and apply to the tummy after eating to promote proper digestion. 
• Dilute and apply to the tummy if your baby is fussy after eating; this can help get things moving and may help ease bloating or other effects of poor digestion. 

Safely Using Essential Oils Around Infants 

A baby's skin is much more absorbent than an adults, which makes it easier for babies to experience sensitivity or reactions to products that touch their skin. Because of this, it is absolutely essential to properly dilute essential oils before applying them to your baby's skin, and to use only gentle, mild essential oils. For proper dilution rates, click here. To find out which oils are safer for children, click here. 

In addition to properly diluting essential oils for babies, we recommend following these other safety guidelines: 

• Label any blends you make at home so that you know exactly what you are putting on your baby's skin. 
• When apply oils to the bottom of your baby's feet, cover their feet afterwards so that your baby's feet, and the oils, don't end up in their mouth. 
• Never use essential oils internally, especially with infants and children. 
• Keep oils out of reach of children. 
• Check with your baby's pediatrician before using oils to discuss any concerns or additional precautions. 
• Monitor your baby for any reactions they may have to essential oils. 
• When diffusing at home, practice intermittent misting, such as 30-60 minutes on and 30-60 minutes off. 

Having a baby is wonderful, but it brings a lot of responsibility to us parents. To help your baby stay healthy and happy, try incorporating essential oils into their routine, and keep oils in your diaper bag for instant use no matter where you are!