Calm Your Baby Naturally with Lavender

Grady happily sleeping after a drop of lavender essential oil on his blanket helped calm him down.


Spending time with my new baby grandson has been such a special treat. He is usually a very contented little guy. However, just like most babies he has had some fussy moments. I suggested using a drop of lavender essential oil on his blanket and it calmed him down. So thought I would share some tips on using lavender essential oil to create a more relaxed atmosphere while caring for your baby. 

Massages: Both baby and mom can benefit from a relaxing lavender massage. Mix 1-2 drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or unscented lotion to create your own massage blend. Lavender is one of the most gentle essential oils and can be used diluted on a baby's skin. (Never use essential oils undiluted!) 

Baths: A soaking bath with lavender is another wonderful way to relax. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the bath water. For baby's bath, use just two drops; for Mom, use five to ten. Mix the essential oil with a little carrier oil before adding to the bath water and swish around in the water before putting baby in. You want to make sure the essential oil blend is well mixed before you put baby in.

In baby's room: Use a diffuser to disperse the scent of lavender essential oil throughout the room during naps and bedtime. Again just a few drops. Diffuse for about 15 minutes then turn the diffuser off. I suggest diffusing before baby naps or sleeps. Don't just limit these to baby's room-- lavender will help you feel more relaxed too. Or make a room spray by a few drops of lavender to water in a spray bottle. Shake before spraying. 

Laundry: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the baby's laundry (including the crib sheets), not only for the aromatherapy benefits, but also for the soft, clean aroma it will add to your baby's things. A drop or two on a washcloth added to the dryer works well too.

In the car: Parents are usually excellent multi-taskers, but trying to calm a fussy baby while negotiating traffic is never easy. To help keep peace in the car, sprinkle a drop or two of lavender essential oil onto the baby's car seat or baby’s blanket before traveling. 

*Note that essential oils are extremely concentrated. Please, please always use them diluted. Follow usage directions carefully and keep them tightly closed and out of the reach of children.