Top 5 Mistakes Mamas Make with Essential Oils for Babies (And How to Fix Them)
As a mother and the founder of Jane + Thunder, I've spent years researching and crafting products that are truly safe for little ones. The world of essential oils can feel overwhelming and even dangerous when it comes to infants and toddlers.
We often reach for a bottle hoping for a natural solution, but accidental overuse or improper dilution can lead to skin irritation and sensitive system overload. If you’re trying to use essential oils safely, here are the five most common mistakes I see—and how the Jane + Thunder method fixes them.
Mistake 1: Using Essential Oils Un-Diluted (The "Neat" Mistake)
This is the number one issue. Applying a pure, undiluted oil—or using a blend that isn't sufficiently diluted—can cause serious skin sensitization, chemical burns, or allergic reactions, especially on a baby's thin, permeable skin.
The Fix: Always use a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil) to dilute essential oils to a safe percentage.
The Jane + Thunder Difference: Our Baby Apothecary Set and all baby-safe blends are expertly pre-diluted to baby-safe levels, taking the guesswork and risk entirely out of the equation. Just roll and go.
Mistake 2: Not Checking the Age Safety Rating
Some popular, highly effective oils (like Peppermint or Eucalyptus) are simply too potent for babies and young children, particularly due to their effect on breathing.
The Fix: Stick to mild, universally safe oils like Lavender and Roman Chamomile for children under two, and always verify if an oil is safe for their specific age group.
The Jane + Thunder Difference: Every single oil in our Baby-Safe Essential Oil Blends is carefully selected and formulated to be age-appropriate and gentle for infants six months and up. We do the safety research so you don't have to.
Mistake 3: Relying on Scent Instead of Ingredient Quality
If the label uses the vague term "Fragrance," put it down. This is often a catch-all for synthetic chemicals that can contain allergens and toxins—the very things you are trying to avoid.
The Fix: Demand 100% pure, organic ingredients. Look for transparency in the sourcing and formulation.
The Jane + Thunder Difference: We are built on transparency. Every ingredient is organic, natural, and our products are proudly free of the top 10 common allergens.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Diffuser Use (Overexposure)
While diffusing is common, leaving a diffuser running all day or running it in a small, closed room with a baby can lead to respiratory irritation and overexposure.
The Fix: Use a diffuser sparingly, in a well-ventilated room, and for short periods (15-30 minutes). Better yet, use a roll-on blend applied topically to the soles of the feet—the safest, most direct method.
Mistake 5: Over-Applying and Overusing
More is not better when it comes to essential oils. Daily use of multiple oils can overwhelm a baby's system.
The Fix: Limit use to when a specific need arises (e.g., the Tummy Soothe blend for gas, the Night Night Baby Blend at bedtime). A simple roll on the feet and down the spine is all you need.
Ready for Safe, Effective Essential Oils?
Stop worrying about dilution and safety data. Our mission is to give you peace of mind with organic, expertly crafted solutions.
👉 Shop the Baby Apothecary Set today and get all six of our best-selling, pre-diluted baby blends!